Flowers and art, between the lake and the mountains

Flowers and art will be the main features of this holiday. Travel from Italian gardens to marvellous parks on the shores of Lake Maggiore, tour the fascinating islands of the Borromean Gulf and enjoy an easy trek on the hills to discover the plants, trees and flowers growing by the lake.

1st Day: arrive in Stresa, settle in the Della Torre Hotel (an excellent hotel, which is also very close to the departure point of ferries to the islands and the cableway to Mottarone). There are a restaurant, bar and swimming pool in the hotel.

2nd Day: we begin by visiting the Borromean Islands. The ferries will take us to Isola Bella (“Beautiful Island”) with its beautiful baroque palace and Italian gardens, to Isola pescatori (“Fishermen’s Isle”) with the traditional fishermen’s village and Isola Madre (“Mother Island”), with an English garden. Lunch will be served in a very good restaurant on Isola Pescatori (pre-booked).

3rd Day: in the morning we will go to Villa Taranto, a beautiful garden in Pallanza. Drive to the garden planted by Captain McEacharn in 1931. This garden is currently one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. We will then move on to Lake Orta, the most romantic of Italian lakes. Orta S. Giulio is a gem of history and art. The old buildings in the town centre, S. Giulio’s Island with its Romanesque church, the Holy Mountain (dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi) and lots more are waiting for you. We end the day by dining in an excellent restaurant with a view of the island (traditional local dishes will be served).

4th Day: after a good breakfast you will travel by cablecar up to the Alpinia garden. Typical alpine plants grow in this garden, which is 700 metres above the lake and is known as the “balcony overlooking the gulf” because its view of the islands is unique. The next stop is the Mottarone Peak, where there is an excellent view of the Alps and the whole Mount Rosa complex can be seen.  You can go for a healthy walk. Lunch is booked in a restaurant where local dishes are served. We return to the hotel via cablecar and there will be plenty of time for a pleasant bathe in the pool!

5th Day: breakfast and departure

SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE:

• 4 BB in the Stresa 3-star Della Torre Hotel (http://www.hoteldellatorrestresa.net);
• Unlimited daily pass for ferries in the Borromean Gulf;
• Lunch in a restaurant on Isola Pescatori (3-course meal, drinks not included);
• Dinner in an excellent restaurant with a view of the S. Giulio Island (3-course meal, drinks not included);
• Return cablecar ticket to Mottarone and entry to Giardino Alpinia;
• Lunch (tasting-session) in a restaurant on the Mottarone Peak (3-course meal, drinks not included).
  

NB: Entry tickets to the islands (Isola Bella + Madre, Euro 17.50)/Villa Taranto (9.00 Euro) are not included.