The Best of the Italian Lakes

Meet at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar to Paris. Continue by rail to Turin, where you stay overnight.

• Dinner

Enjoy a walking tour of this grand Italian city that includes the Mole Antonelliana, a beautiful example of 19th-century Italian architecture, and the Piazza Castello. After free time for lunch, transfer by coach to Pettenasco on Lake Orta. The lake is overlooked by the pristine peak of Monte Mottarone and the nearby village of Orta has a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike its more iconic cousins, Lakes Garda and Como, Lake Orta's seclusion makes it a peaceful alternative, where you can experience an authentic and relaxed Italian way of life.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we tranfer by boat to Orta San Giulio - where you'll see white townhouses with terracotta roofs set against forested mountains - as you cruise the waters of the lake. On arrival in Orta San Giulio, unwind in a classic piazza or head to the lakefront, populated with small fishing boats. Popular with writers since the 19th century, Orta San Giulio's elegant streets have inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron and Robert Browning. After time to explore, we enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Orta to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by a monastery which gazes like a lighthouse across the lake. The inside of the Basilica is well worth a visit, with grand pieces of artwork stretching across the walls and under the half domes.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Visit the pretty Swiss town of Lugano, where you have free time to explore. Nestled on the shores of glacial Lake Lugano, the city is filled with chic boutiques, pavement cafés and cosy bars. Maybe take a scenic walk along the waterfront before finding a local spot to settle down for lunch. You could indulge in a local speciality featuring Swiss cheese, such as gooey fondue or raclette.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Uncover picturesque Lake Como, nestled in the foothills of the Alps. The lakeside is dotted with luxurious villas, orange trees, and cheerful villages of sunlit squares and Renaissance charm - and the whole area is a delight to discover. Visit the lakeside town of Menaggio, set on the western shores with classic Italian appeal. The streets are a pleasure to explore and Piazza Garibaldi, at the heart of the Old Town, is the perfect place to stop for a gelato. Cross the lake by ferry to Bellagio, a stunning location on the edge of a peninsula. You have some time here to wander the charming streets and visit a café, or browse artisan shops selling locally produced, one-of-a-kind items.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You're free to get to know Pettenasco and Lake Orta at your own pace. The lake and its surrounding villages have hardly changed in 100 years and are filled with unique charms. Your hotel is set directly on the lake with spectacular views from its terrace, so you might like to linger over a coffee and drink in the stunning landscapes.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Head to Stresa, overlooking Lake Maggiore, which has welcomed visitors to its luxurious villas and elegant hotels since the 19th century. You have plenty of time to discover its medieval buildings, opulent villas, public gardens and numerous museums. You might like to stroll along the promenade and soak up the serenity, or take a scenic boat trip to the Borromean islands.

• Breakfast, Dinner

You bid farewell to Italy as you return to Paris by rail, where you join the Eurostar to London St Pancras.

• Breakfast