Lake Maggiore Holidays
Italy’s second largest lake actually extends to Switzerland, so on Lake Maggiore holidays you will see gloriously varied scenery: high Alpine peaks, sun-kissed palm trees and lush botanical gardens. Maggiore also has charming lakeside towns like Locarno and Verbania.
One of Maggiore’s most famous lakeshore towns is cosmopolitan Stresa, which hosts international classical music festivals. Take a cable car to the summit of Monte Motterone, stopping off at the beautiful Alpine Gardens. Another highlight of your Lake Maggiore holiday will be a visit to the romantic Borromean Islands, especially fantastical Isola Bella, which has its own baroque 17th century palace and exotic terraced Italian gardens.
BAVENO Dating back to Roman times, Baveno still has remnants of its past in the honey-coloured town today, from tombstones to the ancient church. The town centre has plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars to choose from, and you can enjoy a walk along the lakeside promenade.
Transfer time from Milan Malpensa to Lake Maggiore: Up to 1hr approximately.
Out & About
ISOLA BELLA and ISOLA MADRE Both of these small islands are easily reached by boat from Baveno marina. Here you can enjoy beautiful gardens and terraces; Isola Madre is officially a botanical garden isle and is resplendent with shrubs, plants and flowers of many varieties.
MILAN A full day excursion to this fascinating city is well worth it; rebuilt after the war, Milan is not only a famous fashion centre, with its 'galleria' arcade and elegant shops, but also offers a fine cathedral, museum and opera house.
For exploring closer to home, you'll find buses and ferries make getting around the lake very easy.
Activities
Most activities unsurprisingly revolve around the natural landscape, thus boating, walking, mountain biking and swimming are particularly popular throughout the summer and beyond.
Shopping
You'll find a small market each day of the week between the different towns; Baveno's is on Mondays, usually offering locally produced fruit, vegetables, bread, cheeses as well as some trinkets/souvenirs. For more traditional shops, Stresa has a good array of fashion boutiques mixed with typical tourist/souvenir shops.
Food & Drink
A good range of bars, cafés and restaurants along the lakeside promenades, allow you the chance to sample local and international fayre. As with the rest of Italy, pasta, pizza, fresh fish and vegetables are in ample supply, as are wines both red and white as well as the sparkling varieties.
Optional Excursions
STRESA Sprinkled with villas, grand hotels and parks, Stresa is as pleasing a holiday retreat as you'll find. Its lovely lakeside promenade offers magnificent views to the three islands, whilst its centre has a good selection of shops and eateries. There is a cable car up Monte Mottarone, with magnificant views over the lake and to the Alps beyond.
Weather
During July and August the average temperature is usually in the 80's, though it may be slightly cooler at the top of Monte Mottarone and the surrounding hills.
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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