Highlights of Lake Maggiore & The Matterhorn

With its unmistakable Mediterranean charm, Lake Maggiore’s shores are adorned with swaying palms, fragrant oleanders, and the sweet scent of verbena. The lake’s glassy waters mirror the endless blue skies above, creating a scene of pure tranquillity.

Just beyond the shoreline lies one of northern Italy’s true treasures – the breathtaking Borromean Islands. Once the private retreat of a Milanese nobleman, these islands boast an opulent 17th Century villa, a masterpiece of the belle époque era. This morning, we take a guided tour, stepping into a world of grandeur and timeless elegance.

Isola Bella is nothing short of a masterpiece – a testament to lavish design and artistic brilliance. Its grand staterooms overflow with exquisite furniture, intricate sculptures, and fine artwork. The ornate parquet flooring, pastel-hued plasterwork, and breathtaking frescoed ceilings create an atmosphere of pure elegance.

But the true highlight is the spectacular gardens. Ten cascading terraces are beautifully landscaped with citrus trees, towering magnolia, and a kaleidoscope of fragrant blooms. Graceful marble statues punctuate the scene, while the island’s famous white peacocks roam freely, adding to the enchantment. It’s no wonder this extraordinary retreat has hosted illustrious guests, from Napoleon and Joesphine to Queen Caroline of England.

In stark contrast, Isola dei Pescatori exudes a rustic, time-honoured charm. The captivating island, named for its centuries-old fishing heritage, feels like a step back in time. Its narrow, winding cobbled streets lead to a picturesque harbour lined with traditional fishing boats, whilst its quaint, weathered buildings tell stories of a community that has thrived here since the 10th Century. With its authentic character and serene atmosphere, this little gem offers a glimpse into a bygone era of simple island life.

Then raise a glass of perfectly chilled bubbly and soak in the marvellous panorama of the iconic Skybar, the only one of its kind on the lake. Here, every view is a work of art – the enchanting Borromean Islands take centre stage, framed by rolling, forest-clad hills cascading into the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore. Towering mountains complete this awe-inspiring scene, making it a moment you’ll want to capture forever. Don’t forget your camera – this is the kind of view that deserves to be relived time and time again.

Stretching gracefully across the Swiss-Italian border, the stunning Lake Maggiore offers a fresh perspective this morning as we set sail on a private boat to the charming lakeside town of Cannobio. Enjoy some leisurely time to explore its pretty waterfront and historic streets before we journey onwards by coach into Switzerland. Our destination is the elegant resort of Locarno, nestled at the foot of the majestic Alps, where alpine grandeur meets Mediterranean charm in the most captivating way.

As we voyage onward, the landscape transforms before your eyes – majestic, snow-dusted peaks shifting in hue from soft pinks to deep greens and blues as the sunlight dances across their slopes. Along the lakeside, glimpses of daily life unfold – locals strolling along the waterfronts, birds of prey gliding effortlessly on thermal currents, and bursts of colourful wildfowl rising and falling in the boat’s gentle wake.

Arriving in Locarno, you’ll find a city that is unmistakably Swiss yet exudes an equally Mediterranean flair. Its winding alleyways and sun-drenched piazzas feel more reminiscent of Tuscany than Zurich, creating a charming blend of cultures. Overlooking it all, the town’s formidable Medieval castle stands as a testament to its storied past, adding an air of timeless intrigue to this enchanting lakeside retreat.

After some time to explore at your leisure, we step aboard the narrow-gauge Centovalli train for an unforgettable journey through one of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. This scenic route meanders through rugged gorges, past tumbling mountain waterfalls, lush vineyards, and ancient chestnut forests, whilst painterly villages perch on the steep slopes.

True to its name – meaning “a hundred valleys” - the railway carves a remarkable path through dramatic terrain, offering sweeping views from its specially designed panoramic carriages. Sit back, relax, and take in the ever-changing vistas as the train navigates its seemingly impossible route along the valley walls. Upon reaching Domodossola, we board our coach for a leisurely return to Stresa, reflecting on the day’s stunning scenery.

This morning, we set out to discover one of Northern Italy’s most enchanting lakes – Lake Como, a destination that has captivated poets, composers, and travellers for centuries. Described by Wordsworth as “A treasure the Earth keeps to itself”, and cherished by Shelley, its timeless beauty has long been a source of inspiration. Even the ancient Roman scholar Pliny wrote of its lush landscapes, whilst musical greats like Verdi and Rossini found creative muse in its serene surroundings.

You’ll have time to explore Como at your pace. Stroll through elegant lakeside parks, admire the grandeur of historic villas, or soak up the charm of the town’s refined piazzas. The neoclassical Villa Olmo stands as a testament to the town’s aristocratic past, while Como’s rich history includes notable figures such as Archduke Franz Ferdinand, Napoleon, and Garibaldi – the unifier of modern Italy. Whether you seek culture, relaxation, or simply outstanding views, Lake Como never fails to delight.

This morning, you have the freedom to unwind as you please – perhaps with a leisurely swim at the hotel or by exploring the many charms of Stresa. This elegant lakeside town still radiates the refined grace of the belle époque, a legacy of the 19th Century Grand Tour when European aristocrats, fresh from their adventures in Switzerland, would first fall under Italy’s spell.

For literary enthusiasts, a visit to the bar at the Grand Hotel is a must. Immortalized in Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, this iconic spot has welcomed illustrious guests such as Charlie Chaplin and George Bernard Shaw. Whether you choose to soak in the atmosphere over a cocktail, take a lakeside stroll, or simply relax and savour the views, Stresa offers the perfect blend of history, culture and timeless elegance.

Then set sail for Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands and often considered the most authentic. This enchanting retreat is renowned for its lush, English-style botanical gardens, where a vibrant array of exotic plants, colourful blooms, and free-roaming birds create a truly magical atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through this verdant paradise before joining your fellow travellers for a glass of chilled prosecco and delicate biscuits, all while soaking in the stunning vistas of Lake Maggiore.

Prepare to be awe-struck as you journey into the heart of the Alps. Our adventure begins by ascending the foothills, before crossing into Switzerland and making our way toward the towering peaks of the high Alps. We follow the ancient Simplon Pass, a route once traversed by Romans to protect their northern territories, and later expanded by Napoleon, leaving behind a historic road.

As the landscape unfolds, the beauty intensifies – lush meadows blanketed in wildflowers, dotted with quaint shepherd’s huts, give way to dense forests and towering mountains draped in snow. If you’re fortunate, you may catch sight of the elusive chamois, ibex, or even a golden eagle soaring high in the clear skies above.

Marvel at the astounding engineering of the road, which weaves across immense viaducts and narrow cliffs, passing shimmering mountain streams and cascading waterfalls. Finally, we arrive at the iconic village of Zermatt, tucked beneath the legendary Matterhorn, where the majestic peak dominates the skyline in all its glory.

Zermatt is the quintessential Swiss alpine retreat, a charming, car-free haven where traditional wooden chalets and historic farm huts dot the valley floor. Beyond, rolling meadows hum with the gentle chime of cowbells, whilst winding mountain trails lead ever higher into a spectacular amphitheatre of rugged peaks.

The Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most legendary summit, remains mysteriously elusive – until you reach the edge of the village. Then, with a simple turn of the corner, its iconic silhouette bursts into view, an unforgettable ‘wow’ moment that will leave you spellbound.

For an even more outstanding perspective, hop aboard the cog railway and ascend to 3,000 metres, where a world of glaciers and towering summits stretches before you (chargeable locally). Or, if you prefer a more leisurely experience, settle into one of Zermatt’s cosy cafés and soak in the incredible mountain views at a slower pace. 

Our final day brings one of the tour’s true highlights – a splendid visit to Lake Orta, often described as the prettiest of Italy’s lakes yet blissfully undiscovered by the crowds. This hidden gem exudes an irresistible old-world charm, its serene waters cradling the romantic village of Orta San Giulio, a place that feels untouched by time.

Wander its atmospheric cobbled lanes and stepped alleyways, where Medieval architecture, with its shuttered windows and sun-faded facades in warm shades of ochre, magenta, and sky blue, creates a painterly scene.

From the lakeside, a short boat ride carries you to the mystical island of San Giulio, home to an ancient basilica adorned with exquisite frescoes and a striking black marble pulpit. Legend holds it that the vertebra on display once belonged to a dragon, adding a touch of folklore to this already captivating setting.

Returning to Stresa, we'll stop at a charming local winery. Here, we will embark on an enlightening guided tour of the cellar, where we’ll uncover the history and process of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. After the tour, we'll indulge in a delightful tasting of their exquisite wines, complemented by a selection of artisan nibbles. This will be the perfect moment to clink our glasses together and celebrate the beauty of our Italian adventure alongside newfound friends.