Gardens of The Italian Lakes

Date: Monday, 23rd - Monday, 30th August, 2010

Cost: €1,460 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

This is one of our most popular annual tours. We include visits to the wonderful gardens on the Borromean Islands situated in the Italian part of Lake Maggiore, the gardens at Villa Taranto at Pallanza, Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello on Lake Como and the delightful island of San Giulio on Lake Orta. We are based in Stresa, picturesquely situated on the lakeside; it is a delightful small town within walking distance of the hotel, where one can explore the exquisite shops or relax in the piazzas. Our visit also coincides with the international Stresa Music Festival. The weather at this time of year is ideal, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze from the lake.

Monday, August 23rd
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin airport for our direct flight to Milan airport. 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.
www.regina-palace.it

Tuesday, August 24th
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.

Wednesday, August 25th
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.

Thursday, August 26th
Today we travel to Lake Como with our guide visit two wonderful gardens and villas – Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello. We will also visit scenic Bellagio where there is free time for lunch and shopping in the silk shops.

Friday, August 27th
Morning free to attend the local market in Stresa. 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.

Saturday, August 28th
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, August 29th
Morning relax to relax. An afternoon trip with our guide by private boat to visit the beautiful monastery of Santa Catarina del Sasso and then on to the small town of Baveno.

Monday, August 30th
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. We will also have the services of our local Italian guide, Emanuela Tadini.

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

Limited number of single rooms available. Triple Rooms available.

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

COST: €1,460.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €195.00

Deposit: €350.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.

Itinerary subject to change