Departing Saarbrucken, we continue south through the Vosges mountains to Switzerland, driving through the Alps to St. Gotthard Pass and so on to the Astoria Hotel in Lake Maggiore.

Today we explore the Borromean Islands. We board our boat to visit Isola Bella island, the most admired of the three islands and housing the beautiful palace and gardens. After free time here, we visit Isola dei Pescatori, the Fisherman’s island, prior to returning to the hotel.

A free day at leisure to explore the beautiful town of Stresa.

Possibly the highlight of our tour, departing Stresa on the Lake Maggiore Express to Domodossola. We then transfer you to the scenic high level railway the ‘Centovalli’. This 60 Kilometer long track leads across dizzying heights of viaducts, past deep ravines and thundering waterfalls, through sunlight chestnut forests and fertile vineyards, tunnels and hairpin bends. The train takes approximately 2 hours and brings us to Locarno, a bustling town on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore. Free time is available here to relax, have lunch and explore this lovely town before our departure by boat from this Swiss corner of the lake back to Stresa. The boat cruise is approximately two and a half hours, relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery whilst on board, prior to arriving back in Stresa.

Today we visit one of the smaller and lesser-known lakes of Italy, Lake Orta. The lakeside town of Orta San Giulio is a real gem dating back to Roman times. Its medieval and baroque architecture and colourful frescoes reflect its relatively peaceful and past prosperity. The main square Piazza Motta is on the banks of the lake. Free time is available here, you can wander through the idyllic medieval streets and laneways with its many bars and restaurants. As you gaze across the water, you can’t help but notice Isola San Giulio in the distance. There will be an opportunity, for those who wish to take a boat cruise to San Giulio Island within the lake which has some very picturesque buildings and takes its name from a local saint who lived here in the 4th century. A truly magical experience before returning to the hotel.

Today is a free day at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or the sights and history of Stresa.

Sadly, we say goodbye to Stresa and make our return journey through scenic Switzerland, France and so on to our overnight stay at the Mercure Hotel in Saarbrucken for dinner, bed and breakfast and welcome drink.

Departing Saarbrucken, we journey through Luxembourg, Belgium and France with suitable comfort breaks en route before arriving in Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone. On arrival in Folkestone we continue our homeward journey to arrive mid evening.