The Gardens of the Italian Lakes

Date: Wednesday 29th August - Wednesday 5th September, 2012

Cost: €1,475 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, the botanical gardens on the island of Brissago 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. The weather at this time of year is ideal, warm and sunny with a gentle breeze from the lake.

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Wednesday 29 August
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin airport for our direct flight to 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.

Thursday 30 August
Today we spend visiting the Borromean Islands – a short boat ride across Lake Maggiore, first to the wonderful gardens and Villa on Isola Madre, then on to Isola Pescatori, the small fisherman's island where there is free time for lunch, and finally the spectacular terraced gardens and palace on Isola Bella.

Friday 31 August
A relaxing morning with a short walking tour with Frances around the small town of Stresa and an opportunity to attend the local weekly market. After lunch we have an excursion 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. We take a short boat trip to the small church on the island of San Giulio to see the exquisite frescos.

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Saturday 1 September
Morning free to relax by the pool or take a trip by cable car to the Alpine Gardens. In the afternoon we travel by boat to Pallanza to visit the renowned botanical gardens of Villa Taranto.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.

Sunday 2 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.

Monday 3 September
Today we travel by coach to Ascona then a short boat trip to the wonderful botanical gardens on the Isole di Brissago. On our return journey, we visit Cannobio, reputed to be the loveliest town on Lake Maggiore.

Tuesday 4 September
Morning free followed by an afternoon trip by private boat to see the beautiful monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso on the other side of the lake before a visit to the small town of Baveno.

Wednesday 5 September
Time for a final stroll along the lake, revisit the Borromean islands or take an optional visit with Frances to the gardens of the Villa Pallivicino, renowned for its wonderful trees and colourful garden. We depart in the afternoon for our evening flight to Dublin.

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

HOTEL: We are based at the four-star Regina Palace in Stresa.

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

Cost includes ...

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

COST: €1,475.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €195.00

A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms also available.

Deposit: €400.00 – Cheque or bank draft payable to Bay Garden Tours.

All of our tours have a final booking date but as our numbers are limited, they tend to book out before those dates (particularly single rooms) so we would recommend early booking.

Itinerary subject to change