Reader Trip: Swiss Family in Northern Italy Lake Magic and Camellia Blossom

Day 1: Switzerland – Menaggio – Villa Carlotta – Stresa

Your journey begins with the drive through the Gotthard towards the Italian lake district, as far as the western shore of Lake Como and the elegant town of Menaggio. The lakeside promenade here is one of the loveliest in the region, and the view across the lake and the surrounding mountains is breathtaking.

You will have plenty of time for lunch (individual arrangements) in one of the cosy restaurants. In the afternoon, the journey continues along Lake Como to Tremezzo. Villa Carlotta was built in the 18th century and delights visitors with its impressive gardens, which offer a true sea of colour in spring in particular, with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in bloom.

Visit the villa and take a leisurely stroll through the artfully landscaped terraced gardens. The journey then continues to Lake Maggiore and Stresa. Enjoy your welcome at one of Northern Italy's most beautiful hotels and, before dinner, let yourself be enchanted by the live music in the hotel park. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Borromean Islands

Start the day at a leisurely pace and enjoy a generous breakfast buffet. Off the coast of Stresa lies a jewel of Lake Maggiore, Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. After a relaxing boat trip, you will reach this tranquil island with your local tour guide. The whole island is practically one large botanical garden, known for its exotic plants, giant magnolias, rare flowers and free-roaming peacocks – a paradise for nature lovers.

The boat then takes you on to the charming Isola dei Pescatori. This small island, also known as Isola Superiore, is the only one of the Borromean Islands that is still permanently inhabited today. As you stroll through the narrow, cobbled lanes past the closely packed houses with their colourful façades, you feel as though you have stepped back in time. Here you will have the opportunity for lunch (individual arrangements).

You will then visit the best-known of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella. Admire the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th-century Baroque palace that once served as the summer residence of the noble Borromeo family. Let yourself be enchanted by the lush Italian gardens, laid out on several terraces and featuring exotic plants, fountains and majestic white peacocks. Return by boat to Stresa. Dinner in a typical trattoria in the old town.

Day 3: Lake Orta

After breakfast, you will travel with your local tour guide to Lake Orta, one of the most idyllic and lesser-known lakes of Northern Italy. The journey takes you through a charming landscape of gentle hills and small villages to Orta San Giulio. The town enchants with its narrow lanes, pastel-coloured houses and incomparable charm. From here, a boat takes you to Isola San Giulio, a small island in the middle of the lake.

The impressive Abbey of San Giulio, a Benedictine monastery with centuries of history, stands proudly here. The island radiates a unique stillness and spirituality – perfect for a short walk along the so-called “Path of Silence and Meditation”, which leads all the way around the island. Back in Orta San Giulio, you will have plenty of time for lunch (individual arrangements) with a view over Lake Orta.

The cosy restaurants along the lakeside promenade serve regional specialities, including fresh fish from the lake, risotto and typical Piedmontese dishes. In this relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy the beauty of the town to the full. Before the return journey, you might like to take a short stroll through the old town of Orta San Giulio, or visit the nearby Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive chapels and wonderful views over the lake.

Return to Stresa. Use your time in Stresa for a leisurely walk along the elegant lakeside promenade or stroll through the old town and experience authentic Italian flair. If you prefer to take it easy, the spa area of over 3,000 m2 at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées is at your disposal. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Stresa – Locarno – Journey home

After a last breakfast with a view of Lake Maggiore, it is time to say goodbye to Stresa. The journey takes you along the lake towards home as far as Locarno. Here you will visit the Parco delle Camelie.

This botanical garden is one of the most beautiful of its kind in Europe and is home to over 1,000 species of camellia. In spring in particular, the park is transformed into a blossoming paradise of colours and scents – a perfect

finale to this trip. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity for a relaxed lunch in Switzerland's “sun terrace”. In the afternoon, you will travel back to German-speaking Switzerland. During the last leg of the journey, you will have time to reflect on the experiences of the past few days – the magnificent villa gardens, the enchanting lakes and the glorious blossom of the camellias.