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Overview
The smallest of the Italian Lakes, Orta remains refreshingly uncrowded and almost untouched by tourism. The rambling cobbled streets are lined with traditional trattorias and authentic, family-run hotels. In the lake’s centre, Isola San Giulio floats dreamily, adorned with handsome 18th-century buildings overlooked by the mountainous backdrop. Zip across the border into Switzerland by rail for yet more breathtaking scenery: glittering glaciers, classic mountain villages, and snow-capped chalets await.
Whats Included
- 7 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
- International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or easyJet from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
- 16 meals: 7 breakfasts (days 2-8) 2 lunches (days 3 and 5) 7 dinners (days 1-7)
4 excursions and visits
- Half-day excursion to Orta San Giulio, boat trip to Isola San Giulio & Basilica di San Giulio (2021 only)
- Full-day excursion to Gornergrat Switzerland by rail
- Guided tour of Aosta
- Excursion to Stresa
Plus
- Welcome drink
- Portable audio headset system on excursions
- Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service
- Titan tour manager
- Travel in destination by coach
- Porterage
Itinerary
Day 1 UK – Milan – Lake Orta
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Milan. We arrive in Lake Orta and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and musical entertainment.
Day 2 Orta San Giulio – Isola San Giulio
We’ll make our way to the town of Orta San Giulio, nestled into the hills. After a little exploration we’ll board a boat on this jewel-like lake, to the little island of San Giulio. On the island, we’ll visit the Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio.
- Excursion to Orta San Giulio, boat trip to Isola San Giulio & Basilica di San Giulio (morning)
Day 3 Visp – Zermatt – Gornergrat – Täsch
Experience some superbly scenic rail journeys into and around Switzerland, as we journey from Visp to Zermatt, at the foot of Matterhorn. After walking the short distance to Gornergrat Bahn, we’ll join a further train to Gornergrat – a rocky ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier. We arrive at the spectacular viewing platform at lunchtime, before taking a train to Täsch this afternoon.
- Excursion to Gornergrat Switzerland by rail (all day)
Day 4 Lake Orta
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the lake. Relax at the hotel or perhaps walk up to the UNESCO-listed collection of chapels in the hills above Orta San Giulio.
Day 5 Aosta
Today we’ll visit the attractive mountain town of Aosta, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps – Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Monte Cervino (the Matterhorn) and Monte Rosa.
Enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the delights of this ancient town, founded by the Gauls before being taken by the Romans in 25 BC. After taking in the Roman remains and medieval history here, we’ll tuck in to a lunch of local specialities.
- Guided tour of Aosta (all day)
Day 6 Lake Orta
Today is free to relax in your beautiful surroundings by the lake. Or join an optional excursion to Verbania on Lake Maggiore and the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens.
Day 7 Stresa
We’ll journey into Stresa on the banks of Lake Maggiore. This lovely town has been popular with artists and writers since the late 19th century. It’s well known for its weekly market and boasts an attractive old town centre, perfect for exploring.
- Excursion to Stresa (all day)
Day 8 Lake Orta – Milan – UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
