Escorted rail holiday to Stresa and Lake Maggiore

Discuss this trip with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

Day 1- First Class rail from London to France
Departing from St Pancras International by Eurostar, we head to Paris in Standard Premier Class, we enjoy a light meal and drinks served at our seats. On arrival in the French capital, we join the high-speed TGV service for the journey in First Class to the delightful city of Dijon. Here we spend the night at the 3-star Hotel Kyriad Dijon.

Day 2- Through Switzerland to Italy in First Class
From Dijon we take the TGV to Switzerland and travel first class, changing trains at Lausanne for the picturesque route to Stresa. We thread through the Rhone Valley and through the famous Simplon Pass, before heading across the border into Italy. After continuing across the beautiful Italian countryside, we arrive in the pretty lakeside town of Stresa. We stay here for seven nights at the elegant Hotel Regina Palace, which offers wonderful.

Day 3- A day at leisure exploring Stresa
Feel free to explore Stresa and the lakeside promenade, lined by villas and terraced gardens. The botanical gardens of Villa Taranto are a charming boat ride away and a cable car from Sresa offers a lift up Mount Mottarone to views over the lake a mighty Alps.

Day 4- Excursion to the Borromean Islands
Today we discover two of the beautiful Borromean Islands, set in the shimmering waters of Lake Maggiore. We leave Stresa by boat and cruise to the Isola Bella for a visit to the sumptuous Borromeo Palace. The magnificent Baroque structure dominates the island, and after a tour of its lavish rooms we explore the alluring Italian-style gardens. Our next stop is the tiny Isola dei Pescatori, a permanently-inhabited island of narrow cobbled alleyways and pretty buildings. It boasts a fine selection of restaurants in which to enjoy lunch, with many menus loyal to the island's rich fishing heritage. We enjoy a satisfying afternoon exploring the charming island before cruising back to Stresa.

Day 5- Market day in Stresa
Another free day for you to seek out market day in Stresa or else travel to Milan for more shopping.  Today the town is transformed for market day, and the bustling, colourful stalls are well worth a visit.The hotel facilities shall be accessible throughout the day if you want to relax by the pool.

Day 6- An excursion to Monferrato wine region
A coach trip today will take us into the rolling countryside of the Monferrato wine region, famous for its vineyards stretching over hills interspersed with unspoilt villages. Monferrato is particularly important in the sparkling wine industry, and our day begins with a visit to a distillery, where we can observe the process of grappa production that has been handed down through the generations since 1846. We continue on to a local wine cooperative where we have a tour of the vineyards, followed by an excellent lunch of local specialities and a chance to sample some of the delicious locally produced wine

Day 7- The Centovalli Railway to Locarno
Today a full-day excursion takes us on the scenic Centovalli Railway through valleys and sleepy villages. At Locarno you can have lunch and check out the lakeside promenade and great shopping.

Day 8 - Excursion to Lake Orta
Today we travel to Lake Orta, the neighbour of Lake Maggiore. By boat enjoy the Isola San Giulio before returning to Orta San Giulo, known as the 'Jewel of the Lake.' Back at the hotel in time for a farewell dinner in the evening.

Day 9- Stresa to Dijon by First Class rail
We leave Stresa in the morning before the journey back into Switzerland and the shores of Lake Geneva, changing trains at Lausanne before continuing to our overnight stop in Dijon, France.

Day 10-  To London via Paris in First Class
We depart from Dijon by TGV to Paris and a connect to the Eurostar to London and more complimentary food and drink in time for our return into St Pancras International.

Discuss this trip with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182

More about the trains 

Eurostar

The high speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris, Lille and Brussels. In your dedicated Standard Premier (the highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers) carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

TGV 

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV was the original European high-speed train. First linking Paris to Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer the best option. The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

Centovalli Railway

The Centovalli Railway’s first began service in 1923. The railway's name means "One Hundred Valleys", which is taken from the many valleys that the line crosses and passes through on its route. The line's passenger numbers dwindled following the Second World War, but it has remained open continually, having now become a much-loved tourist attraction.

Where you’ll stay

Hotel Regina Palace, Stresa: One of the finest hotels in Stresa, the 4-star Hotel Regina Palace was built in the 'Belle Epoque' era. The hotel occupies a commanding position on the lakeside, yet is just a few minutes' walk from the narrow streets of the town. Beautifully appointed throughout, its public areas are stylish, none more so than the elegant restaurant. The hotel boasts a large pool and fitness facilities and has extensive gardens with the opportunity to eat outdoors in summer. All rooms have a jacuzzi, television, safe and minibar. Many rooms offer a lake view. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award for Food in 2010

Hotel Kyriad, Dijon: The Hotel Kyriad in Dijon is ideally located by the railway station, and is just five minutes' walk from the centre of town. The hotel benefits from a bar and a restaurant, whilst leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. Rooms come with modern conveniences such as air-conditioning, a television, telephone, safe and hairdryer.