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Enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Italian Lakes, with lovely Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. Our base is the Grand Hotel Bristol in Stresa, where the lake front, palm trees and flourishing gardens offer a breathless sight. The hotel, newly reopened in 2007 after a complete renovation, showcases such refined furnishings as candolglia marble, antique carpets, beautiful woodwork, crystal chandeliers and Tiffany glass. From the hotel one can view, emerging from the waters, the spectacular Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Additional highlights include half-day tours to Lake Orta, Villa Taranto and a cruise of the Borromean Islands, including Palazzo Borromeo; full day tours by rail to Centovalli, Milan and Lake Como.
| *Delta Flight Schedule from New York JFK to Milan MXP: |
| DL 160 |
OCT 2 |
JFK/MXP |
7:20 PM |
9:55 AM +1 |
| DL 161 |
OCT 10 |
MXP/JFK |
11:50 AM |
3:00 PM |
Exclusively for Women
- Round-trip regularly scheduled air transportation on Delta Airlines from New York/JFK to Milan. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
- Roundtrip Airport/Hotel transfers in Milan based on the group air schedule.
- Seven night’s lake- or pool-view hotel accommodations at the ****Grand Hotel Bristol in Stresa, including taxes and service charges.
- Continental breakfast and dinner daily (wine and bottled water included), plus two lunches in Centovalli and Lake Como.
- Half day tours to Lake Orta, villa Taranto and a cruise of the Borromean Islands including Palazzo Borromeo.
- Full day tours to Centovalli onboard the Centovalli Express Railroad, Milan and Lake Como.
- Professional English-speaking local tour director throughout the program.
- Private deluxe coach transportation on all tours in air-conditioned vehicles.
Not included:
- Airport transportation outside of our main group transfer each way. If you do your own air to Milan, your transfer is included if your times coincide with the group’s. For everyone else, we will match you up with others, if possible, so that you can share expenses.
- Other meals – lunch on arrival day and 4 other lunches – and additional cocktails (refer to the codes B, L, D in the itinerary to see what’s included).
- Personal incidentals.
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
- Tips to the bus drivers and tour guides.
- U.S. Airport taxes, government fees and September 11th security fee.
Italy Entry Requirements:
*** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need a Visa or Inoculations***
You must present a valid passport that will not expire for at least 3 months after arrival, plus a roundtrip airline ticket. Passports must be in good condition and not damaged in any way. For citizens of other countries, please check your specific entry requirements.
Day 1 - Friday, October 2: Depart the U.S. for Italy on overnight flights to Milan.
Book your flight to arrive on Tuesday if doing your own travel arrangements.
Day 2 - Saturday, October 3: Arrive Milan and Transfer to Stresa.
Upon arrival, proceed to baggage claim and after clearing customs you will be met by our local Tour Escort and transferred to our hotel in Stresa, the Grand Hotel Bristol. Set amidst beautifully tended gardens on the shores of Lake Maggiore, the hotel occupies a stunning neoclassical building on Stresa's lakeside boulevard. Featuring 255 spacious and beautifully decorated guest rooms and public spaces, the hotel exudes the elegance of the finest grand-style hotels: its rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers, tapestries, marble, glass domed ceilings, and antique carpets. Leisure facilities include two heated swimming pools (one is indoor), two hydromassage pools, a sauna and a small fitness room with Technogym equipment. The hotel staff, renowned for being courteous and professional, ensures that guests enjoy the highest standards of service.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing or walking the short distance to Stresa to explore on your own. Dinner is at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Sunday, October 4: Stresa.
This morning we take a cruise to the Borromean Islands. Stop at Isola Bella and visit the 17th century Borromean Palace with its splendid paintings and its botanical gardens filled with exotic plants. Pass by Isola Pescatori, the first island to be inhabited and now more than ever, with its narrow, winding streets, one of the most romantic places on the lake. Return to Stresa and rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner is at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 4 - Monday, October 5: Stresa/Milan/Stresa.
Today, we return to Milan and take a guided walking tour of the city. See the Piazza Duomo, Galleria, Scala and other landmark points of interest. The Duomo is Italy’s most intricate example of Gothic architecture. Return to Stresa for dinner at the hotel. (B, D)
 Day 5 - Tuesday, October 6: Stresa/Domodossola/Locarno/Stresa.
Our day begins with a scenic drive to Domodossola, at the foot of the Dimplon Pass. Next, a rail journey onboard the Centovalli Express. We will travel through the magical “Hundred Valleys”, past deep gorges, ravines, flowery meadows and picturesque villages. Crossing the Swiss border, we arrive in Locarno, a charming old town which boasts the most sunshine hours in Switzerland. Return to Stresa for dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Wednesday, October 7: Stresa/Lake Orta.
After breakfast we depart for Lake Orta, one of the smallest Italian Lakes. Our visit includes Viklla Taranto and its famous gardens, and then a cable car ride up Mattarone for a breathtaking panoramic view. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Tonight dinner is at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 - Thursday, October 8: Stresa/Lake Como/Stresa.
Lake Como is our destination today, a jewel-like oasis of tranquility. Here you will feel the magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. Its captivating landscape and villa gardens inspired many 19th century Romantic poets and artists, and continues to draw visitors from around the world. After our cruise on the lake, we will have a light lunch in a local restaurant. Later, we return to Stresa for dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Friday, October 9: Stresa.
Today is yours to explore Stresa on your own. Our tour escort will gladly assist you in reviewing all the options for your leisure time and can help with making any arrangements for personal sightseeing. (B, D)
Day 9 - Saturday, October 10: Stresa/Milan/U.S.
After breakfast we transfer to the airport in Milan for the return flight home. (B)
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Trips designed by women for women