Join us for a spectacular sightseeing adventure in Italy. From our base in pretty Ispra on the tranquil shores of Lake Maggiore, we’ll visit Vercelli, the ‘European Capital of Rice’, and enjoy lunch in a very special rice field. Explore the remarkable Borromean Islands, take in the historic sights of Milan and soak up the scenery of Lake Como before the highlight of our tour, the Centovalli Railway. Crossing no fewer than 83 bridges and viaducts, this rail journey is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to France for our overnight stay.
Continue your journey south to our resort on Lake Maggiore for a six-night stay.
This morning we head to Vercelli, a town of Celtic origin and famous for its cultivation of rice – it’s even considered the 'European Capital of Rice'! It has a continental climate with extreme temperatures ranging from -10ºC in winter to 40ºC in summer. In the hottest months, there is high humidity owing to the evaporation of water from the rice fields.
We stop for a lunch to sample the produce in a very special rice field.
Afterwards, discover beautiful Lake Orta’s enchanting little villages, embedded in the picturesque surrounding hills, radiating peacefulness and Mediterranean flair. Make your way across the old Market Square in Orta village and stroll through the narrow medieval alleyways, passing by quaint secluded gardens along the way. A short boat ride takes us to the island of San Giulio, home to the oldest church in the region.
The unique Borromean Islands are a highly popular feature of the Italian Lakes. We’ll take the time to explore the wonderful Isola Bella, with its ornate royal palace and gardens. Undoubtedly the most famous of the Borromean Islands, Count Vitaliano Borromeo began the transformation in 1662 with the construction of the palace and the ornamental gardens.
We will also visit quaint Isola Pescatori which was once a fishing village.
Today’s excursion is to Milan. The capital of Lombardy has a lot to offer including the cathedral, an imposing edifice, and the world-famous opera, the Scala. The elegant and sophisticated city is perfect for a shopping spree.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II arcade, with its elegant shops and cafés, is the most visited meeting point of the Milanese.
Travel through Italy’s largest wilderness area, the picturesque ‘Val Grande’ National Park, to Domodossola. Here we board the Centovalli train for a two-hour journey through the fascinating ‘Valley of a Hundred Valleys’. Crossing no fewer than 83 bridges and viaducts and passing quaint mountain villages we reach charming Locarno in neighbouring Switzerland.
For excellent photo opportunities and wonderful scenic views, this journey will be the ideal day out. Don’t forget your cameras and passports!
To northern France for an overnight stay.
Return home.
You will stay for six nights at the 3-star Hotel Europa in Ispra.
Overnight stays in France will be in city-style hotels.
