Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Date: Sunday 14th - Sunday 21st September 2008

Cost: €1425 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Sunday, 14th September
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin airport for our early afternoon direct flight to Malpensa Airport (Milan). We will be met on arrival by a private coach, which will transfer us to our hotel, the four star Regina Palace. This elegant hotel is situated on the promenade opposite Lake Maggiore and is surrounded by beautiful gardens. As well as the usual facilities, there is a secluded garden swimming pool. We dine together each evening in the hotel’s delightful restaurant.

Monday, 15th September
Today we spend visiting the Borromean Islands – a short boat ride across the lake. The wonderful gardens and Villa on Isola Madre, then on to Isola Pescatori, the small fisherman’s island and finally the spectacular terraced gardens and palace on Isola Bella. A guide will accompany us on this trip.

Tuesday, 16th September
Morning free to relax. After lunch we have an excursion with guide along the coast of Lake Maggiore to Arona, then on through the pleasant countryside to Orta, an old picturesque village with buildings of historic and artistic interest. There will be an optional boat trip to the small church on an island to see the exquisite frescos.

Wednesday, 17th September
Today we travel to Lake Como where we will be met by our local guide. We sail up the lake to scenic Bellagio; visit the gardens of the Villa Melzi. Free time for lunch and shopping in the silk shops. We cross by boat to Tremezzo to vist the gardens and interior of the Villa Carlotta.

Thursday, 18th September
Free morning to relax. In the afternoon we visit the renowned botanical gardens of Villa Taranto in Pallanzi. Dating back to 1913 , this is the creation of Neil McEacharn who collected thousands of plants from all corners of the world – some of them unique in Europe – and arranged them in this beautiful setting, between the mountains and the lake.

Friday, 19th September
Morning free to attend the local market in Stresa. An afternoon trip with our guide to the top of Mottarone (4890ft.). to view the scenery of the surrounding district. On the descent, we visit the Alpine Gardens with its large array of plants. There is also a panoramic view of the Borromean Gulf here.

Saturday, 20th September
A free day to relax by the swimming pool, revisit some of the islands, take a trip by train or boat to Switzerland or a shopping trip to Milan.

Sunday, 21st September
Time for a final stroll along the lake or visit the gardens of the Villa Pallavicino, renowned for its wonderful trees. We depart in the afternoon for our evening flight to Dublin.

Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour; she will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes return flights, dinner, bed and breakfast in hotel, coach and boat transfers, entrance fees and local guides.

COST: €1425.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €195.00
Limited number of single rooms available.
Triple Rooms available

Deposit: €300.00 – Payable to 'Bay Garden Tours'.

Itinerary subject to change