The natural beauty of the Lombardy region with its impressive mountain ranges and miles of gorgeous lakeside settings makes this part of Italy something special and one of the most famous destinations is Lake Como, regarded as the prettiest lake in Italy. A favourite retreat of Shelley and Wordsworth, Lake Como has been a popular resort since the days of the Roman Empire. The dramatic snow capped mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the blue waters, glorious gardens and the stately villas dotted along the shoreline. Our holiday base is the resort of Cadenabbia, situated on the western shore of the lake.

ITINERARY

• Day One: Early departure to Dover for our Channel crossing to France, then on to Lille for an overnight stay.
• Day Two: Continue south into Germany for another overnight stay at Kaiserslautern.
• Day Three: We climb up through the beautiful Swiss Alps to Italy and on to Lake Como and the Grand Hotel at Cadenabbia where we stay for the next five nights. Time to take a stroll by the lake or relax with an aperitif before dinner.
• Day Four: Enjoy a leisurely day, maybe take a boat trip around the lake or just soak up the scenery from one of the lakeside cafes.
• Day Five: We visit the nearby resort of Tremezzo and the famous Villa Carlotta. Built at the end of the 17th century this neo-classical villa and its landscaped Italian gardens is described as a place of rare beauty where masterpieces of nature and art live together in perfect harmony. (Admission fee payable). From here we continue along the lakeshore to visit the lively town of Menaggio with its designer boutiques and lovely promenade.
• Day Six: Today we visit Como, the oldest town on the lake with a distinctly Italian Renaissance feel, the focal point being the large central piazza. Explore the cathedral, the historic monuments and the lovely medieval walled town. Continue to Bellagio, located on a peninsula where the lake forks. Known as the ‘Pearl of Lake Como’, this delightful old town is one of the prettiest in Italy and is perfectly preserved.
• Day Seven: Today we travel to Lake Lugano, described as one of the most impressive lakeside
• resorts in Europe. Although in Switzerland, the feel is still distinctively Italian. We visit the main resort of Lugano, overlooked by the Mt. San Salvatore. Explore the town, take a lake cruise or perhaps a ride on the nearby cog railway to enjoy some great views over the lake and surrounding area.
• Day Eight: We leave Lake Como and travel back through Switzerland, continue through France to our overnight hotel at Karlsrhue.
• Day Nine: Continue north to our final overnight hotel at Lille.
• Day Ten: To Calais for the return Channel crossing to Dover and home to North Wales.