Lake Maggiore

Itinerary

Day 1: Journey to Baveno

Our journey begins early in the morning in the Olten region, where we set off in a southerly direction. The journey takes us via Vevey and then through the impressive landscape of Valais, where we stop for a cosy lunch. Strengthened, we continue our journey and cross the Simplon Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Alps. In the afternoon, we finally reach our destination in Baveno on Lake Maggiore, where we check into our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the surrounding area.

Day 2: Typical market, Borromean Islands and Stresa

A varied day awaits us today, starting with a visit to a typical market in Arona. Here you will have the opportunity to discover and buy local delicacies and typical products from the region. Our journey then continues to Baveno, where we explore the idyllic Borromean Islands on board a private motorboat.
Our first destination is the romantic Isola Pescatori, the only island in Lake Maggiore that has been permanently inhabited since the 14th century. You will have time to stroll through the charming alleyways and enjoy the special flair of the fishing island. We then continue our journey by motorboat to the impressive Isola Bella. During the crossing, we toast this wonderful excursion with a glass of Prosecco. Once on the island, you will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent palace and explore the artistically designed gardens (palace entrance fee not included and payable locally).
After this cultural highlight, the boat will take us to Stresa, the "pearl of Lake Maggiore". The elegant lakeside promenade with its lush gardens offers a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Borromeo and the majestic villas and luxury hotels that line the promenade. In the early evening we return to Baveno by boat and reach our hotel on foot, where we end the day with a cosy dinner with live music.

Day 3 - Villa Taranto and Lake Orta

Today is all about botanical and historical beauties. We start with a visit to the famous gardens of Villa Taranto in Verbania Pallanza, where you can admire the impressive variety of plants, flowers and trees together with your tour guide. The well-tended paths and picturesque views make this garden visit an unforgettable experience.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Omegna, a charming town on Lake Orta. From here, we continue our discovery tour on a liner and travel to Isola San Giulio, named after the Greek deacon Julius, who lived on this island in the 4th century. We visit the small but impressive island with its medieval basilica before travelling on to Orta. This picturesque village is a member of the association "I Borghi più Belli d'Italia" (The most beautiful villages in Italy) and enchants with its historic alleyways and cosy squares.
In the evening we return to Pettenasco, where our coach will be waiting to take us to our hotel. The day ends with a festive dinner accompanied by musical entertainment. To round things off, we enjoy a firework display that lights up the sky.

Day 4: Ascona and journey home

After breakfast, we make our way back to Switzerland. Our route takes us via Ascona, where we stop for lunch at the charming Grotto Baldoria. Here we enjoy a special meal according to the motto: "Eat what the chef has freshly cooked." After lunch, there will be enough time for a relaxing stroll through the alleyways of Ascona or a cosy espresso by the lake. We then return to the boarding points where our journey ends.

Grand Hotel Dino **** in Baveno

Our home for this trip is the Grand Hotel Dino, which is located directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Surrounded by centuries-old trees and elegant gardens, the imposing building complex impresses with 375 stylishly furnished rooms.
The spacious dining room, which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, is adorned with elegant bohemian crystal chandeliers and offers a magical view of the Borromean Islands. The Grand Hotel Dino also has a congress centre, a large swimming pool, children's pool, hydromassage, a spacious garden, two tennis courts, a games room with billiards and table tennis and numerous other facilities for the enjoyment of guests of all ages.