Majesty of the Lakes - JG Explorer

Ferry to Calais and overnight stay in France on a bed and breakfast basis.

We continue on to our hotel in Colico, on the northern side of Lake Como, just a short stroll from the shores of the lake. We stay here for the next three nights, with dinner included.

Today is left free to relax at the hotel, join the orientation walk with our tour manager or take the public boat down the lake to the stunning resorts of Bellagio and Menaggio. Another option is to perhaps visit Tremezzo’s Villa Carlotta, one of the fine 18th-century villas that overlook the lake, with marble sculptures, beautiful art and antique furniture on display in the private apartments, plus citrus tunnels and kaleidoscopic botanical gardens that draw visitors from across the world. It really is a delight for the senses!

Magnificent Maggiore is perhaps the most romantic of all the Italian lakes, stretching upwards to Switzerland and the foothills of the Alps, and enchants all who visit its calming landscapes. We stop for lunch (not included) in the bustling resort of Stresa and have the chance to stretch our legs along the lakeside promenade or go souvenir hunting in the lovely boutiques. Afterwards, we catch the boat to Isola Bella, one of the three famous Borromean Islands, standing proudly in the middle of the lake and owned by the noble Borromeo family since the 14th century. Here we can visit the spectacular 17th-century Baroque palace with its incredible art and terraced Italianate gardens, dotted with historic statues, fountains, grottoes and more horticultural delights.

After checking out of our first hotel, we head to iconic Lake Garda, stopping in the resort town of Desenzano del Garda. Why not take the chance to indulge in some delicious Italian cuisine and watch the world go by? From authentic basil-topped pizzas, bruschetta and pasta to indulgent tiramisu and gelato, there are plenty of options along the lakefront or in the vibrant marina here. We then continue to one of the most postcard-perfect towns in the area. Set on a picturesque peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Sirmione is a beautifully preserved town with a turreted 13th-century castle seemingly floating on turquoise waters and a maze of narrow streets – be sure to pick up something lemon-scented in one of the many shops! We continue to the Hotel Sport, located directly on pretty Lake Levico.

Today is left free for time at leisure; take the chance to relax at the hotel, join the orientation walk in Levico Terme with our tour manager, enjoy a paddle on the lake’s shores, go souvenir shopping, treat yourself to a dip in the natural thermal springs or visit the 19th-century Forte delle Benne. There is plenty of choice!

At the foot of the Dolomites, a striking mountain range with UNESCO World Heritage status lies Molveno, where the crystal-clear waters of Lake Molveno reflect the peaks of the surrounding mountains. We enjoy tea or coffee and an Italian treat at the Hotel Alle Dolomiti, located opposite the lake, before enjoying some free time in this Trentino-style town. You may like to visit the historic water mill and the 13th-century San Vigilio Church or simply soak up the views of the stunning lake to see why Molveno is often referred to as a ‘precious pearl in an even more precious treasure chest!’ In the afternoon, we make our way to Riva del Garda, located at the more dramatic northern end of Lake Garda with mountains on either side, boasting winding streets, multi-coloured buildings, old town gateways and waterfront piazzas.

We begin our journey home, stopping overnight in the Haguenau area of France.

Continue to Calais for our return ferry home.