Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Maggiore (3 nights) staying at Hotel Cristallo / Splendid

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Milan.

Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. The rest of the day is free to get acquainted with this cosmopolitan city.

DAY 2: Milan - Salsomaggiore.

Enjoy your morning sightseeing in Milan visit the great 'Duomo' then continue through the Lombardy plain and across the River Po to Salsomaggiore Terme, your base for five nights. Enjoy an introductory walking tour of this charming town, exploring its handsome architecture, pedestrianised café-lined streets and beautiful public park, with a visit to its best-known landmark - the ornate spa house Terme Berzieri, an extraordinary example of liberty-style architecture protected as a national monument. (B, D)

DAY 3: Salsomaggiore.

Today is free for you to explore at your own pace or enjoy our optional afternoon excursion to Mantova. (B, D)

DAY 4: Parma & Castles of the Dutchy.

Today our first stop is the San Vitale Castle at Fontanellato, an enchanting, moat-ringed medieval fortress. The castle is celebrated for its masterpiece by Parmigianino - a ceiling fresco depicting the myth of Diana and Actaeon. Next, enjoy a visit to the Meli Lupi fortress of Soragna and admire the castle's lavish Baroque frescos, paintings and furnishings. From here, continue to the fascinating Museum of Parmigiano Reggiano, a unique celebration of its most famous export - Parmesan cheese - which tells the history of this legendary delicacy and how it is made. After sampling this local speciality, continue to Parma, one of Italy's prettiest, yet often overlooked cities. The visit includes a memorable guided walking tour of the city, taking in its medieval square and Romanesque cathedral with frescos by Correggio. (B, D)

DAY 5: Cinque Terre.

Enjoy the wonderful scenery as you cross the Apennines to La Spezia, a small city with a rich naval heritage. From here, a short train ride takes you to the spectacular Cinque Terre region, where the beauty of the rugged cliffs and romantic fishing villages once inspired Lord Byron. You will have the opportunity to walk along the famous 'Love Path' or 'Sentiero dell'Amore', a breathtakingly beautiful trail carved into the rocks between Riomaggiore and Manarola affording dramatic sea views. There is also the chance to continue to Monterosso, a picturesque seaside resort. Your Tour Director will explain all the options for your day. (B, D)

DAY 6: Salsomaggiore.

A whole day at your leisure to enjoy charming Salsomaggiore. Why not stroll through its tree-lined avenues or take advantage of some of the renowned wellness treatments for which the city is famous. Alternatively, join our optional day trip to Bologna. (B, D)

DAY 7: Salsomaggiore - Pavia - Vigevano - Lake Maggiore.

Bid farewell to this beautiful region today as you head to the Lake Maggiore area, but not before visiting two further pearls of Italy's cultural heritage. First stop is Pavia, the Roman 'Ticinum' and, from the 6th century, capital of the Lombard Kings. Then to Vigevano to admire the beautiful 'Piazza Ducale', its arcades which still preserve remains of early Renaissance decorations, and its Castle. Arrive in the Lake Maggiore area where you have the rest of the day free to do as you please. (B, D)

DAY 8: Lake Maggiore.

Transfer to the hotel of your choice for a further three night stay in Lake Maggiore. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 9 to 10: Lake Maggiore. At leisure.

Spend two days in resort at your leisure. (Meals as per hotel details).

DAY 11: Lake Maggiore - Milan - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

Accommodation on Tour

Milan: Ibis (3*); Lake Maggiore area: Miralago at Verbania or Chiostro at Cannobio (3*).

Hotel Cristallo

Hotel Cristallo

This elegant hotel is the ideal place for relaxation and discovering the artistic, cultural and culinary secrets of this area.

Location: Situated within walking distance of the town centre and Terme Berzieri, only 200 metres from bars and shops.

Facilities: Restaurant; lounge bar; lift.

Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); minibar; TV and safety deposit box.

Options: Single room.

Official category: 4 star.

Hotel Splendid
A typical bedroom
Hotel Splendid

Splendid

A comfortable welcoming hotel, the Splendid is an excellent hotel, set in a peaceful location on the lake front, an excellent choice for a relaxing holiday on Lake Maggiore.

Location: Right by the lake with its own large private beach; within walking distance of the centre of Baveno. A zoo and botanical garden at Villa Pallavicino are 1 kilometre away.

Facilities: Swimming pool; sunloungers and deckchairs; restaurant; bar; private beach with sunloungers and parasols; pedalos, canoes and rowing boats for hire; tennis court; fitness centre; sauna and steam room; spa area with a choice of wellness treatments including salt room.

Price includes: Half board in a twin room, with shower and wc; balcony; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); satellite TV.

Options: Lake view; single room.

Official category: 4 star.