b'DiscoveriesUncover idyllic scenery, the Centovalli Railway, picturesque islands and charming towns on this delightful escape to two8 DAYS fromof Italys most beautiful lakes. 1,549 ppYOUR ITINERARYTO MULHOUSE 1Days 1-2. Strasbourg and the Italian lakes SWITZERLANDYour holiday starts when we meet our Tour Manager at London St Pancras thisFROM STRASBOURG 1morning before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, we board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in the afternoon. After checking intoDomodossola Locarnoour hotel there is time to explore this picturesque city. This evening, our group gathers to enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. After a leisurely morning on DayStresa 52, we board the train to Stresa via Basel. The pretty town of Stresa is our baseLake Orta 5for the next five nights, a popular Italian resort that retains its characteristic charm. We enjoy a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.ITALYDay 3. Lake Orta cruise to an island monasteryWe transfer by coach to San Filiberto, Lake Orta, for a scenic cruise to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by a monastery. Here, you are freeWHATS INCLUDED:to look around independently. You could walk around the island on a path called the way of silence and meditation and view the Bishops Palace and 7 nights 3 & 4-Star hotel Benedictine abbey. We then catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores ofaccommodationbeautiful Lake Orta where there is time at leisure. This small but beautiful Eurostar Standardvillage has inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. A coach takes us back to Stresa in time for dinner. Standard Class rail travel All rail, cruise and coach travel Day 4. A free day to explore Stresa and its surroundings throughout your tourToday you are free to relax in Stresa. You could head out to explore the town, or follow in the footsteps of historic guests such as Ernest Hemingway andExpertise of a UK Tour Manager Princess Margaret, on a stroll along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively,from start to finishmake the most of the hotels comforts and spend the day relaxing.Breakfast each day, 5 dinnersDay 5. To Switzerland on the scenic railway of 100 valleys All guided tours and excursionsToday, we transfer to Stresa station for a wonderful round trip. In Domodossola, we board the Centovalli Railway, meaning 100 valleys. This spectacular route takes us through the Alps to Locarno, Switzerland. We ascend quickly, passing the ruined tower of Creggio, winding up to Trontano and into the Vigezzo Valley. In Switzerland, look out for the emerald Lake Palagnedra below. On arrival in Locarno, on Lake Maggiores northern shores, choose a place to enjoy lunch and explore. Our return journey is a cruise onTour Code: LMS| per person based onLake Maggiore, Italys longest lake, bordered by mountains.2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers from 230.Day 6. Island hopping or relaxing on a free dayWith a full free day ahead you could relax at the hotel or by the lake.2025 Departures: Alternatively, you could go island hopping. From the jetty outside theAPR, MAY, JUN, SEP, OCThotel, you can board a hop on/hop off boat for a day of exploring the idyllic Borromean Islands. Tonight you dine independently, and to accompany the tempting risottos, ravioli and fresh fish on offer, you might like to try a regional Nebbiolo wine, such as Barolo.Mobility 1 2 3 4RatingDays 7-8. To Mulhouse and homeward boundAfter a leisurely morning, we head to the train station for a journey via Basel to Mulhouse in France. Our hotel is near the station, and we enjoy dinner here this evening. After breakfast on Day 8, there is a free morning for a local stroll, to explore this Alsace city that blends the cultures and architecture of France and Germany. Later, we board the train to Paris and return to LondonSecure your place nowSt Pancras on the Eurostar.with a 350pp depositSearch greatrail.com/25LMSITALY 27'