The beauty of Italy’s northern lakes has to be experienced to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the region. Encircled by the Alps, the shores of Lake Como and Maggiore are ablaze with colour throughout the summer from azaleas to magnolias and exotics. The Italianate gardens and historic villas provide stunning landscapes, some with waterfront positions. This superb tour features travel by Eurostar Paris and TGV to Milan, then onto our resort by coach. The excursion programme includes free time to explore Lake Como at leisure as well as a full day to visit some of the beautiful resorts around the lake, including Bellagio which we visit by ferry from. This stunning town is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Italy, with cobbled streets and oleanders that adorn the streets and promenades. We include a visit to Varenna, some say even more picturesque than Bellagio because of its peaceful waterside cafés and steep, narrow alleys. A full-day tour will be made to Lake Maggiore - the lake of flowers, with its spectacular scenery, pretty resorts, majestic architecture and colourful gardens. We also visit St Moritz - part of the route can be by the superb Bernina Express that travels to more than 7,000ft through wild gorges, soaring viaducts and fascinating loop tunnels. The closeness of the glaciers make you feel that you can reach out and touch them from your viewing cars. (Supplement £40). A day will also be spent visiting the stylish city of Milan where shopping is of quasi-religious significance and tempting restaurants abound with the smell of true rich espresso. In the centre sits the magnificent Duomo, a fantastic Gothic confection topped by the Maddonina - Milan's protectress, with La Scala opera house a short stroll away through the magnificent covered piazza full of exclusive stores and restaurants.

Itinerary - Day 1: Afternoon departure from St Pancras by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord.
Short walk (approx 150 metres) with your luggage to our overnight hotel. This evening you are free to explore Paris and savour one of the many good restaurants in the centre.
Day 2: TGV to Milan
Depart the hotel after breakfast to join the early-morning TGV to Milan, arriving mid-to-late afternoon. We meet our coach and drive to Tremezzo and check-in at the Hotel Bazzoni & Du Lac. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Discovering Bellagio
Morning free to relax, afternoon ferry to Bellagio. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: St Moritz
Full day to St Moritz, optional Bernina Express available (£40pp, must be booked before travel).
Day 5: Magical Milan
Full day to the city of Milan returning late afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 6: Lake Maggiore
Full-day tour to Lake Maggiore. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 7: Via Varenna
Morning visit to Varenna, afternoon at leisure. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 8: Home by TGV & Eurostar
An early morning departure to Milan to take the train to Paris Gare du Lyon. We transfer by coach to the Eurostar Terminal at Paris Gare du Nord for the return train to London St Pancras, arriving early-to-mid evening
Note: The order of excursions may be subject to change.

Hotel Bazzoni & Du Lac - 3 star
Located in Tremezzo, just a short distance from the ferry to Bellagio and the magnificent Villa Carlotta. All bedrooms are elegantly furnished with en-suite bath or shower, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, Safe, some with personal balcony overlooking the lake. An open-air swimming pool and lovely gardens are available for guests use. There is an outside terrace with panoramic views of the lake.
Paris Mercure Hotel - 3 star
Modern 3-star hotel approx 150 metres walk from Gare du Nord Station - Eurostar terminal.

INCLUDED: Escorted throughout from London St Pancras • Return Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and TGV to Milan, Italy • All transfers and touring in Italy • 1 night B&B in Paris, 6 nights in Tremezzo at the Hotel Bazzoni & Du Lac with 6 buffet breakfasts & 6 buffet dinners
NOT INCLUDED:Local travel to & from St Pancras • Optional Bernina Express £40pp • Single room supplement £125 • Lake View & Balcony supplement £60pp • Lake View and Terrace supplement £80pp (on request only) • Travel Insurance