Reader Trip Swiss Family: Northern Italy Lakeside magic and camellia blossom

Day 1: Switzerland – Menaggio – Villa Carlotta - Stresa

Your journey begins with the drive through the Gotthard towards the Italian lakeland, as far as the western shore of Lake Como and the elegant town of Menaggio. Its lakeside promenade is one of the most beautiful in the region, and the view of the lake and surrounding mountains is overwhelming. You will have plenty of time here for lunch on your own in one of the cosy restaurants. In the afternoon, the journey continues along Lake Como to Tremezzo.

Villa Carlotta was built in the 18th century and delights with its impressive gardens, which offer a true sea of colour, especially in spring, with blooming camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. Visit the villa and take a leisurely stroll through the artfully designed terraced gardens. The journey then continues to Lake Maggiore and Stresa. Enjoy your welcome at one of the most beautiful hotels in northern Italy and, before dinner, let yourself be enchanted by the music played in the hotel park. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Borromean Islands

Start today at a leisurely pace and indulge at the breakfast buffet. Off the coast of Stresa rises a jewel of Lake Maggiore, Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands. After a relaxing boat trip, you will reach the tranquil island with your local tour guide. The whole island is effectively one single botanical garden, known for its exotic plants, giant magnolias, rare flower species and free-roaming peacocks – a paradise for nature lovers.

The boat then takes you on to the charming Isola dei Pescatori. This small island, also known as Isola Superiore, is the only one of the Borromean Islands that is still permanently inhabited today. Strolling through the narrow, cobbled lanes and past the closely packed houses with colourful façades, you feel as though you have stepped back in time.

Here you will have the opportunity for lunch on your own. You will then visit the best-known of the Borromean Islands, Isola Bella. Admire the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th-century Baroque palace that once served as the summer residence of the noble Borromeo family. Let yourself be enchanted by the lush Italian gardens, laid out on several terraces and impressive with their exotic plants, fountains and majestic white peacocks. Return by boat to Stresa. Dinner in a typical trattoria in the old town.

Day 3: Lake Orta

After breakfast, you will travel with your local tour guide to Lake Orta, one of the most idyllic and lesser-known lakes of northern Italy. The drive leads through a charming landscape of gentle hills and small villages to Orta San Giulio. The village enchants with its narrow lanes, pastel-coloured houses and incomparable charm. From here, a boat takes you to Isola San Giulio, a small island in the middle of the lake.

The impressive Abbey of San Giulio, a Benedictine monastery with centuries of history, stands majestically here. The island radiates a unique stillness and spirituality – perfect for a short walk along the so-called “Path of Silence and Meditation”, which leads all the way round the island. Back in Orta San Giulio, you will have plenty of time for lunch on your own with a view of Lake Orta.

The cosy restaurants along the lakeside promenade serve regional specialities, including fresh fish from the lake, risotto and typical Piedmontese dishes. In this relaxed atmosphere, you can enjoy the beauty of the place to the full. Before the return journey, you might like to take a short stroll through the old town of Orta San Giulio, or visit the nearby Sacro Monte di Orta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with impressive chapels and magnificent views over the lake.

Return to Stresa. Use your time in Stresa for a leisurely stroll along the elegant lakeside promenade, or wander through the old town and experience authentic Italian flair. If you prefer to take it easy, the spa area of more than 3,000 m2 at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées is at your disposal. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Stresa – Locarno - Journey home

After a last breakfast with a view of Lake Maggiore, it is time to say goodbye to Stresa. The journey leads along the lake towards home as far as Locarno. Here you will visit the Parco delle Camelie. This botanical garden is one of the most beautiful of its kind in Europe and is home to more than 1,000 camellia varieties. Especially in spring, the park is transformed into a blossoming paradise of colours and scents – a perfect

finale to this trip. Afterwards, there is still the opportunity for a leisurely lunch in Switzerland's “sun lounge”. In the afternoon, you will begin the return journey to German-speaking Switzerland. During the final stretch of this trip, there will be time to let the experiences of the past few days pass before your eyes – the magnificent villa gardens, the enchanting lakes and the splendid camellia blossom.