BUS EXCURSIONS

Every day we propose a number of coach excursions departing from Baveno and Stresa to places of interest . We also arrange walks above Lake Maggiore and in the Ossola valleys.
Your holiday is a discovery of the area, showing you historic and artistic aspects plus all wonders and beauty of the lake area.

ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN ( via Simplon Pass )

MONDAY           € 82,00

A drive along the Ossola Valley through Domodossola along the Simplon road through some very impressive scenery into Switzerland.The tour continues along Napoleon’s road, up and over the Simplon Pass. At the Belvedere view point a stop is made for photos. Then down to Brig with its Stockalper Castle, through Visp and up the Matter valley as far as Taesch. Here we take the little mountain rack-railway train (included) into Zermatt.The whole village is a pedestrian precinct and from the main street we see the famous Matterhorn standing majestically on its own — rightly named “Queen of the Alps”. Free time to explore this beautiful elegant resort, take a cable car to the higher plateau or just stroll in the meadows to see the wild flowers. For lunch (optional) you can taste the local dishes such as or raclette or fondue.Time perhaps to take a horse drawn carriage around the old town, a little shopping and then return to the coach by the rack railway. The return journey is again through magnificent alpine scenery with the sun at a different angle, over the Simplon Pass and back to Lake Maggiore in time for your dinner.

Depart 07.30 / Return 18.15

THREE LAKES TOUR

TUESDAY           € 61,00

Three of Europe’s most beautiful lakes in one day!
Following the road around Lake Maggiore we enter Switzerland and pass through Locarno. Over the Magadine Plain and Monte Ceneri we arrive at Lugano. Here we stop for an hour or so for sightseeing and shopping. We proceed along the northern part of Lake Lugano, through Gandria and back into Italy with a beautiful view of Lake Como from above. Shortly we arrive at Tremezzo where one can visit the Villa Carlotta gardens ( optional ) or have lunch and explore. Later we travel south along the western branch of Lake Como as far as Como town where a stop is made for an hour or so to visit the Cathedral and the historic centre. Como is very important for silk manufacturing. From Como we take the motorway towards the southern end of Lake Maggiore, and travelling beside the lake we return to Stresa and Baveno.

Depart 08.00 / Return 18.00

LAKE ORTA

THURSDAY         € 42,00

Almost at once we leave Lake Maggiore and after a short drive we arrive at Omegna which is at the northern tip of Lake Orta. Optional boat ride of about 40 minutes to the village of Orta at the southern end of the Lake, stopping at the little island Of Saint Julius to visit island and the Church. Then over to the the Medieval village of Orta to explore this delightful small town with its tiny streets. Above Orta there is a sacred hillside where there are many chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. Orta is nicknamed “Venice without water!”.
After free time we board the boat again and travel to the opposite side of the lake where we find the coach.
We pass through pretty countryside until we come to Arona at the southern end of Lake Maggiore.
We make a short stop above Arona to see the Statue of Saint Charles Borromeo, the second highest in the world where there are beautiful views of Lake Maggiore. We return to Stresa and Baveno along the road beside Lake Maggiore.

Depart 13.15 / Return 18.15

MILAN: HISTORY, ART AND DESIGN

FRIDAY

An interesting drive to the capital of Lombardy – Milan — a thriving industrial city. On arrival we meet our official city guide to visit the city on foot and by coach to see the modern town rebuilt after the war and the historic town including the Sforza Castle, La Scala Opera House (outside ), the Monumental Cemetery where Toscanini is buried,the Arch Of Peace (sister to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris), the famous arcade “La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II”, and the Cathedral. The centre of Milan is a pedestrian area where there are also many elegant shops.
After the guided tour there is free time for shopping or a visit to La Scala museum before joining the coach and returning to Lake Maggiore.

Depart 08.15 / Return  18.00

MACUGNAGA – AT THE FOOT OF THE MIGHTY MOUNT ROSA

SATURDAY

A scenic drive up the rugged Anza Valley.
Through charming villages built in stone, past winding rivers. and waterfalls towards the village of Macugnaga, once famous for its gold mines, Macugnaga lies at the foot of the Mount Rosa range, the second highest in the alps ( 4634 metres ).
Free time to explore the village and take the chair lift/cable car (optional) to admire the peaks and glaciers. A stroll in the meadows to see the wild flowers and visit the “Walser” hamlet with its typical wooden and stone houses. Time perhaps to taste a “fil de fer” in the local café before returning down the valley.

Depart 13.00 / Return 18.45