Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Maggiore (3 nights)
Discover some of Italy's best-kept secrets and celebrated gems on this relaxing tour of northern Italy taking in Milan, Parma and the Cinque Terre.
After your tour why not extend your stay with an extra 3 nights by picturesque Lake Maggiore. On day 8 (Sun) you will be transferred to your chosen hotel in Lake Maggiore. On Day 11 (Wed) you will be transferred to the airport for you flight to the UK.
Sanvitale Castle, Fontanello
Lake Maggiore
Great views from Monte Mottarone
Lake Maggiore
Milan
Isola Bella, Laka Maggiore
View over Stresa
Salsomaggiore Spa
Piazza Garibaldi, Parma
Lake Maggiore from Monte Mottarone
The lake from above Stresa
The Parmesan Cheese Museum
Riomaggiore
Lake Maggiore
Isola Bella
Cinque Terre
Lake Maggiore, overlooking Verbania
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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, and 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 your head to 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 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 Excelsior
Hotel Excelsior
A typical bedroom
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Hotel Excelsior
A distinguished and elegant ambiance gives guests the feeling of complete relaxation, making the Excelsior the ideal place for a truly regenerating stay in Salsomaggiore Terme.
Location: Centrally located yet in a quiet position, next to the new Zoja Thermal Spa and the Palazzo dei Congressi.
Facilities: Indoor swimming pool; gym; Turkish bath; solarium; Jacuzzi; restaurant; American bar.
Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; satellite TV and minibar.
Options: Single room.
Official category: 4 star.
Hotel Splendid
A typical bedroom
Hotel Splendid
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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.
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Maggiore (3 nights) 10 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Maggiore (3 nights) 10 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
| Earlier Dates | Date | Depart From | Price from PP | Later Dates | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Jun 2012 |
Make your own way
Make your own wayThis is the price of the holiday without flights
|
Was: £984 Now: £934 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Birmingham |
Departure Times
Was: £1149 Now: £1099 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Edinburgh |
Departure Times
Was: £1194 Now: £1144 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | London Gatwick |
Departure Times
Was: £1149 Now: £1099 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | London Heathrow |
Departure Times
Was: £1269 Now: £1219 |
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| 10 Jun 2012 | Manchester |
Departure Times
Was: £1149 Now: £1099 |
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Hidden Treasures of Northern Italy + Lake Maggiore (3 nights)
Price from £1059.00
Holiday Highlights
- Milan Visit
- Salsomaggiore Walking orientation including Terme Berzieri visit
- Parma Walking tour
- Sanvitale Castle at Fontanellato Guided visit
- Soragna Castle Guided visit
- Parmesan Cheese Museum Visit and tasting
- Cinque Terre Train ride and Sentiero dell'Amore walk
- Pavia Visit
- Vigevano Visit
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
10 Jun 2012 to 16 Sep 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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