1st Day: arrive in Stresa, settle in a 3* Hotel. There are a restaurant, bar and swimming pool in the hotel.

2nd Day: we begin by visiting the Borromean Islands. The ferries will take us to Isola Bella ("Beautiful Island") with its beautiful baroque palace and Italian gardens, to Isola pescatori ("Fishermen’s Isle") with the traditional fishermen's village and Isola Madre ("Mother Island"), with an English garden. Lunch will be served in a very good restaurant on Isola Pescatori (pre-booked).

3rd Day: in the morning we will go to Villa Taranto, a beautiful garden in Pallanza. Drive to the garden planted by Captain McEacharn in 1931. This garden is currently one of the most important botanical gardens in Europe. We will then move on to Lake Orta, the most romantic of Italian lakes. Orta S. Giulio is a gem of history and art. The old buildings in the town centre, S. Giulio’s Island with its Romanesque church, the Holy Mountain (dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi) and lots more are waiting for you. We end the day by dining in an excellent restaurant with a view of the island (traditional local dishes will be served).

4th Day: after a good breakfast you will travel by cablecar up to the Alpinia garden. Typical alpine plants grow in this garden, which is 700 metres above the lake and is known as the “balcony overlooking the gulf” because its view of the islands is unique. The next stop is the Mottarone Peak, where there is an excellent view of the Alps and the whole Mount Rosa complex can be seen.  You can go for a healthy walk. Lunch is booked in a restaurant where local dishes are served. We return to the hotel via cablecar and there will be plenty of time for a pleasant bathe in the pool!

5th Day: breakfast and departure