Lake Maggiore, Italy 

Trains , buses and boats
Train, bus and boat services can be reached in a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. You can get information at the reception desk.
Boats run from and to Meina only from June to September and only once a day.
They run more frequently and daily from Arona and from Stresa throughout the season.

Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum passenger numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers. Full details of the optional trips on offer can be provided at the Information Meeting at the start of the trip. These excursions will be payable in cash or card to local guide in Euros. Your Tour Leader will help arrange these for you but may not necessarily accompany you. You can also indicate to us prior to your holiday which trips you would be interested in so we can pass your request over to resort.

EXCURSION BORROMEAN ISLANDS (approx. EUR 90,00 per person)

A daily excursion that depart from Stresa, so clients have to take the public bus and reach Stresa. The bus stop is close to the hotel, 4 minutes walking distance. And then back from Stresa to Meina with the public bus (tickets not included)

Meet in Stresa, the splendid “pearl of Lake Maggiore,” where your skipper will welcome you aboard for an unforgettable day. At 10:15 am or 11:15 am, set off on a relaxing and scenic shared boat transfer (hop-on/hop-off service) across the shimmering waters of the lake, offering breathtaking views over the Borromean Gulf and its enchanting islands.
Your first stop will be Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands, a true Eden covered by a lush botanical garden where rare plants and exotic flowers create a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents. Graceful peacocks, lively parrots, and curious pheasants roam freely, adding to the fairytale atmosphere.
Continue to the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), with its narrow lanes and houses set right on the water, where time seems to have stood still. Between artisan workshops and small market stalls, you’ll soak up the authentic soul of the lake. Lunch is at leisure in one of the island’s typical restaurants, serving local specialties with spectacular lake views.
The final stop is the magnificent Isola Bella, a Baroque jewel created between the 16th and 17th centuries by the Borromeo family. The grand palace, dedicated by Carlo III to his wife Isabella D’Adda, houses elegant historic rooms of rare beauty. Outside, the Italian-style gardens with ten terraced levels delight the eye with sparkling fountains, theatrical statues, and perfect architectural perspectives, surrounded by stunning seasonal blooms.
Return to Stresa in the afternoon, bringing to a close a day suspended between nature, art, and timeless charm.

EXCURSION LAKE ORTA (approx. EUR 70,00 per person)
On Tuesday
Pick up from MEINA at 12h45

A relaxing afternoon to one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe: Lake Orta. Surrounded by lush woodland Orta really is a hidden secret.
We arrive in Omegna at the north of the lake and take a boat cruise to the enchanting S. Giulio’s Island, where you can visit the 12th century Basilica and crypt of S. Giulio. Or simply admire the views across the lake from the single lane that circles the island. Picking up the boat again we carry on to the village of Orta itself.
There is free time to stroll and admire the quaint cobbled streets of Orta S. Giulio, the secret lakeside garden behind the town hall and what could be better than sipping an espresso or indulging in a gelato at a café in the picturesque lakeside piazza?
The afternoon continues through the scenic countryside of the Vergante Hills and along the southern tip of Lake Maggiore and the towering statue of S. Carlo Borromeo, said to be the largest in the world, with panoramic views of the lake.

EXCURSION ZERMAN AND MATTERHORN (approx. EUR 110,00 per person):
on Thursday
pick from Meina at 7h00

Departing Lake Maggiore we head towards the Ossola Valley and wind our way gracefully up towards the Alps and onwards to the famous Simplon Pass. At the highest point of the Pass, the Belvedere View Point, there are unbeatable 360° panoramic views of the Swiss and Italian Alps. After descending the Swiss side of the Simplon Pass we arrive and Brig before travelling along the Matter Valley and further into the heart of the Alps.
At Taesch we will take you aboard the rack and pinion railway up to Zermatt itself. Situated at 5,315ft above sea level, Zermatt is surrounded by some of the most famous peaks in the Alps: the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, the Gornergrat and no less than twelve peaks over 4,000m.
Zermatt is the most picturesque of the Alpine villages and is completely pedestrianised. Experience a journey up into the mountains on the Sunnegga Mountain Metro*, take a stroll around the village, visit the Zermatlantis Museum and enjoy a taste of some local Swiss food: rösti, fondue or raclette!. Whatever you choose to do, you'll be able to take in views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

*group 07-14.05 the arrival is on Thursday so the excursion to Zermatt is not possible

EXCURSION THREE LAKES (approx. EUR 85,00 per person)

On Friday

Pick up from Meina at 7h30

A chance to see three of the most beautiful lakes in two countries!
Travelling up the west side of Lake Maggiore we'll pass by the floating castles of Cannero before arriving in Switzerland and journeying cross-country to the Cosmopolitan Lake Lugano.
Lugano city nestles between the peaks of S. Salvatore and Monte Bré and a visit to see the fresco of the Passion at the Santa Maria degli Angeli church is a must. Do a spot of window shopping at the designer stores in Via Nassa and enjoy a walk in the city lakeside park.
We arrive at Lake Como surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Our first stop is at Tremezzo where you can visit the terraced gardens of Villa Carlotta with amazing views over the lake and the famous town of Bellagio. After travelling down the west of the lake (past George Clooney's villa!) we make our final stop of the day: in Como city you can enjoy the cathedral, a well earned gelato or some souvenir shopping at the silk shops that Como is famous for!

We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.

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