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The Magic of the Italian Lakes
8 DAYS FROM £639

This holiday has departures available between: 19th Apr 2011 to 4th Oct 2011
665Brian and Carole ParsonsUK We have recently returned from this holiday which we thoroughly enjoyed.

The tour manager (Katerina) was excellent in her organisation and knowledge and her very clear communication. We felt that the tour was very well planned and all the timings perfect.

The optional excursions were all well worth doing and the included ones were all memorable and well thought out. It was a very varied itinerary and the inclusion of Venice and Switzerland were added bonuses.

The second week at the Hotel Sole at Riva was excellent. We were picked up from the Bristol Hotel by private Taxi at 10am and driven to the door of the Sole. Our room was ready for us - and arguably the best in the hotel with a balcony and views of the lake which exceeded all expectation .

We were surprised and delighted to receive complimentary champagne and a basket of fruit which were delivered to our room shortly after our arrival. Everything about this hotel was first class - the room, the service, the food and the staff .

We have had many holidays abroad and this one proved to be among the most enjoyable. We will certainly book another holiday with you in the future. yes1parsons-Magic-Italian-Lakes-1.JPGparsons-Magic-Italian-Lakes-1_TN.JPGThis picture was taken from the balcony of our room at Hotel Sole Riva292178665D HumphrysLeicesterWe certainly did have the most enjoyable holiday … the first week touring the Italian Lakes and the second week relaxing in Garda town.no1665Dr G. T. BellRenfrewshire My wife and I have been on eight Archers/Cosmos holidays and we have just signed up for the ninth. And I expect there will be many more. We endlessly chat about hot good they have all been and we can never agree about what was best or even about what was the best things we have seen - it is a very good-natured argument.

My own favourites have been Alhambra, Canada, the Mezquita at Cordoba and the awesome Neuschwanstein Castle while my wife simply loved Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore, the magical island of Capri, and the Tuscan countryside. What we can agree, however, is that every holiday has been terrific - we have seen wonderful things and been to great places. We also have had excellent tour directors and our fellow travelling companions have all been great company - every holiday has been a winner, only personal preference provokes discussion. As soon as the new Archers brochure comes out it is avidly studied - it is my favourite book! We are looking forward to more travels in 2007.

Thanks to all at Archers for some truly wonderful holidays. no1
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Platinum Tourer

A wonderful tour which combines the truly stunning scenery and old-world charm of Italy's premier lakes, with visits to two contrasting cities.

All this included

Lake Maggiore Scenic drive
Lugano Visit
Lake Como Boat trip to Bellagio
Lake Iseo Scenic drive through Franciacorta vineyards
Sirmione Visit
Lake Garda Scenic drive
Verona Juliet's balcony
Individual Audio System you will be given headphones and a receiver so you can always hear the tour director/local guides on the coach and on visits.

Flights: UK - Milan Malpensa - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D)
Professional tour director on tour
Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
All local and airport taxes/service charges
Single share option (on tour only)

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: UK - Milan - Lake Maggiore.
Fly to Milan where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel on Lake Maggiore. The rest of the day is free for you to get acquainted with this delightful resort.

DAY 2: Lake Maggiore.
Set between Piedmont, Lombardy and Switzerland, Lake Maggiore is a paradise of crystal waters, backed by towering mountains and surrounded by lush countryside. The day is yours to relax or enjoy some of the many activities available around Lake Maggiore. Perhaps join an optional excursion that takes in the delightful Borromean Islands. (B, D)

DAY 3: Lake Maggiore - Lugano - Lake Como.
Three picturesque lakes are on the agenda today, as you cross the border into Switzerland and head towards beautiful Lake Lugano and the stylish city which bears its name. Time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, window shop the refined Via Nassa, or sip an expresso on the Piazza Riforma. An optional excursion to Mount Tamaro for lunch is also available. Cross back into Italy and drive along the shores of Lake Como reaching your hotel for a two-night stay. (B, D)

DAY 4: Lake Como.
Inspiring everyone from Roman Senators to great composers and Hollywood actors, Como is the romantic image of the lakes, with its cobalt blue waters lined with magnificent mountains, lush gardens and grand villas. Today, get to know the area and join the included boat trip to Bellagio, which occupies one of the most scenic positions in the whole of Italy. (B, D)

DAY 5: Lake Como - Lake Iseo - Sirmione - Lake Garda area.
Drive this morning to Lake Iseo, renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. More scenic vistas en route as you drive through the Franciacorta vineyards, before making a stop in Sirmione, the picturesque spa town on Lake Garda. Stroll around the typical narrow cobbled streets with its many shops and ice cream parlors. Continue to the northern shores of Lake Garda for two nights. (B, D)

DAY 6: Lake Garda.
A whole day is yours to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and charming villages, surrounded by the mountains to the north and the gentle slopes of the morainic hills to the south. (B, D)

DAY 7: Lake Garda - Verona - Lake Maggiore.
This morning visit the delightfully romantic city of Verona. See Juliet's balcony and enjoy some time at leisure before heading back to Lake Maggiore. (B)

DAY 8: Lake Maggiore - Milan - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

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Accommodation on Tour

Lake Maggiore: Milan & Speranza at Stresa (4*); Lake Como: Lario at Mezzegra (3*) or Como at Como (4*); Lake Garda: Continental at Nago (4*); Lake Maggiore: Simplon (4*).

Platinum Tourer

The ultimate in comfort travel, why not choose to upgrade to our Platinum Tourer Coach?
The Platinum Tourer is offered on the following dates 20, 27 Jul; 3 & 10 Aug. Enjoy the benefits of a coach specifically designed for luxury touring.

Holiday Extensions

  • Bellagio
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    Add a week in Lake Como - 7 Extra nights from £330

    After your tour, why not extend your stay with an extra 7 nights by beautiful Lake Como. Choose from any of the hotels in this resort.

  • Lake Maggiore
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    Add a week in Lake Maggiore - 7 Extra nights from £520

    After your tour, why not extend your stay with an extra 7 nights by stunning Lake Maggiore.

Accommodation on Extensions

Add a week in Lake Como - 7 Extra nights from £330

  • Britannia Excelsior
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    Britannia Excelsior DiamondDiamondDiamond

    Established in 1830 and recently renovated, this hotel is surrounded by luxury 17th century villas, and enjoys spectacular views over the lake to the promontory of Bellagio. Here you can enjoy the warmth and old world charm of the golden era of travel, in an enviable position by the lake, with all modern comforts.

    Location: Across the road from the lake and only 50 metres away from the boats landing stage.
    Facilities: Swimming pool (100 metres from hotel) with pool bar serving tea and coffee, soft drinks and snacks; restaurant; buffet breakfast; bar; lounge; live music most nights of the week; wine tasting (available at a charge); telephone and safe in bedrooms; lifts.
    Price includes: All inclusive in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; ceiling fan; satellite TV; fridge; hairdryer.
    Options: Single room; balcony; lake view; balcony and lake view; deluxe room (larger with more sophisticated fittings on the fifth and sixth floors).
    Official category: 3 star.

    ALL THIS INCLUDED
    Meals:     Full board buffet meals, 3 show islands where food is prepared and cooked freshly in front of guests, these include fresh pasta and pizza, meat and fish.
    Drinks: Locally produced soft and alcoholic drinks, tea and coffee from 8am-11.30pm.

  • Grand Hotel Cadenabbia
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    Grand Hotel Cadenabbia DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    A unique and enchanting hotel, the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia dominates part of the lakeside with its magnificent and classically Italian edifice. Every comfort awaits you from a rooftop terrace to a spacious panoramic restaurant and stylish marble-floored public areas.

    Location: On the lakefront, opposite the Bellagio promontory and next to Villa Carlotta and the boat landing.
    Facilities: Swimming pool; 2 restaurants and 3 bars with panoramic views; telephone, minibar and safe in bedrooms; internet access; room service; lifts.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning (15 Jun-15 Sep); satellite TV; hairdryer.
    Options: Single room; lake view; balcony and lake view.
    Official category: 4 star.

  • Hotel Lario and the lake
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    Lario DiamondDiamondDiamondplus

    This chic, boutique-style hotel is set in small, well-tended gardens and offers great views to the lake and to the mountains. You'll enjoy a warm and friendly welcome amidst stylish, comfortable furnishings, which combine to make an excellent choice for a relaxing holiday.

    Location: Set back approximately 100 metres from the lake, 200 metres from the village centre and 5 kilometres from Menaggio which can be reached by local transport or along a scenic walking path away from the main road.
    Facilities: Swimming pool with sunbeds and parasols; pool towels; veranda; restaurant; buffet breakfast; bar; TV room; money exchange; internet access; telephone, safe and minibar in bedrooms; lift: bicycle and boat hire nearby (1km); 18-hole golf course 10km away.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; satellite TV; air-conditioning; internet access; hairdryer.
    Options: Single room.
    Official category: 3 star.

Add a week in Lake Maggiore - 7 Extra nights from £520

  • Hotel Splendid
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    Splendid DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    A comfortable welcoming hotel, the Splendid is a family-run hotel, set in a peaceful location. Completely renovated in 2009, it is an excellent choice for a relaxing holiday on Lake Maggiore.

    Location: Next to the lake with its own 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.
    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.

  • Grand Hotel Dino
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    Grand Hotel Dino DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    With its enviable position, guests can enjoy superb views of the lake to the front, and the stunning mountains to the rear. This elegant family-run hotel, with its eclectic regency-style furnishings, will make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

    Location: On the lakeside in the centre of Baveno with steps down to the beach.
    Facilities: 2 swimming pools with spacious terraces; indoor pool; spa pool; 3 bars; 3 restaurants; tennis courts; games room; health club including fitness centre, massage, sauna, Turkish bath, solarium; internet access; minibar in bedrooms.
    Price includes: Half board in a twin room with private facilities; balcony; air-conditioning (Jun-Sep); satellite TV.
    Options: Lake view; single room.
    Official category: 4 star.

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list optional excursions available to you.

The Magic of the Italian Lakes

THREE ISLANDS CRUISE

ping terraces. Join the last island, the Isola dei Pescatori so named for the main activity which over the centuries has characterized the fishermen town with its unique skyline. The island is also called Superiore due to its Northern position in comparison with the other two" sisters" islands. Time for an optional lunch to taste a typical lake fish dish.
€30.00 (EUR)

DINNER ON PESCATORI ISLAND

Enjoy a three course dinner, including drinks, on the picturesque island of Lake Maggiore. Dinner will be served on the big terrace which stretches out to the lake and ends with a small terrace surrounded by an abundance of colorful and sweet-smelling flowers. On cool evenings dinner will be served in the hall, of which the big old fireplace is a feature. The setting is a mixture of antique and modern. Fish and age-old recipes are the specialties of this former inn, one of the oldest on the island.
€35.00 (EUR)

LUNCH ON MONTE TAMARO

After your orientation tour of Lugano, take a 20 minute cable car ride to the Tamaro viewing point. Then a visit of the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Enjoy lunch in the mountain-top restaurant, complete with a glass of wine and coffee.
€38.00 (EUR)

THE DOLOMITES

Have the opportunity to admire a UNESCO natural world heritage site with its particular geological, botanical and scenic qualities. Leave the cosy Lake Garda shore to see a unique scenario. Going direction Bolzano, the capital of the region Alto Adige (Süd Tirol), we will reach Trento, the capital of the region Trentino, a town with a noble yet august appearance, on a bend in the river Adige. Continue this nature journey to Ortisei, a tiny famous village in one of the Dolomites valleys for a stop. On the way back, see the impressive and the grandiosen mountains surround some villages located on the sunny side of the mountains.
€35.00 (EUR)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
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The Magic of the Italian Lakes
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