Scenic Italy & Switzerland

WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH

Meet your Tour Leader at 1000hrs at Malta International Airport for your direct KM Malta Airlines flight to Milan. Upon arrival, proceed to Arona and check in at your lakeside hotel. After some time to settle in, join your Tour Leader for an orientation walk through Arona’s historic centre and charming lakeside setting. Discover the main attractions and local amenities, helping you get your bearings and prepare for the days ahead.

THURSDAY 25 MARCH

After breakfast, travel to Como and explore its magnificent Duomo, one of northern Italy’s finest examples of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Enjoy some free time to discover the elegant town centre before taking a stroll along the lungolago. You may also opt to take the historic Brunate Funicular (extra), a scenic railway which climbs steeply up the mountainside to the village of Brunate, offering wonderful views across Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.

FRIDAY 26 MARCH (PH)

After breakfast, set off for Caslano and visit the Alprose Chocolate Factory (included). Discover the fascinating world of Swiss chocolate-making and enjoy generous tastings. Later, continue to Lugano, where Swiss precision meets Italian elegance. Stroll through the beautiful Parco Ciani, explore the historic centre and browse the elegant boutiques along Via Nassa. In the afternoon, you may opt to take the funicular (extra) to Monte Brè for spectacular panoramic views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains.

SATURDAY 27 MARCH

After breakfast, journey to Locarno, one of the most renowned towns on Lake Maggiore. You may visit the Falconeria Locarno (extra), where majestic eagles, falcons and owls take part in an exhilarating display. Later, explore the lively Piazza Grande, famous for its international film festival and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, taking in the beautiful views across the lake and surrounding mountains. Later, return to Arona in time for dinner and overnight.

SUNDAY 28 MARCH

Happy Easter! Soon after breakfast, discover the beauty of Lake Maggiore, beginning with the charming lakeside town of Stresa. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along its picturesque promenade, lined with palm trees, flower-filled terraces and inviting cafés, before taking a boat (included) to the famous Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Madre, a tranquil oasis renowned for its exotic botanical gardens, featuring rare plants, vibrant flowers and free-roaming peacocks. In the afternoon, continue to Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island of the Borromean group. Explore its quaint fishing village, narrow cobbled streets, artisan shops and welcoming trattorias serving freshly caught fish and local specialities.

MONDAY 29 MARCH

After breakfast, journey into the heart of Ticino and visit Bellinzona, a World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive trio of medieval fortresses. Explore Castelgrande (included), the largest of the three castles, where ancient walls, towers and courtyards provide a fascinating glimpse into centuries of history. In the afternoon, continue to Ascona, a picturesque lakeside town on Lake Maggiore, renowned for its colourful promenade, charming cafés, artistic heritage and vibrant lakeside atmosphere.

TUESDAY 30 MARCH

After breakfast and checkout, travel to Milan before heading to the airport for the flight back to Malta departing at 1515hrs.