Europe
First Day
We meet at Malta International Airport at 10:30 for flight KM624, which departs at 12:35, and arrive in Milan at 14:40. Transfer by coach to Arona, where we will be accommodated at the 4-star Hotel Concorde. Check-in and then a tour with the leader to the city center. Dinner at the hotel.
Second Day
Buffet breakfast. Half a day of free time in Arona to explore the local market, where you can find everything you need. Around 12:30, we depart for Lago D’Orta, one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. A short journey takes us to Orta. A tour with the leader to visit Sacro Monte, dedicated to St. Francis. Here, we will find 20 chapels depicting episodes from the life and miracles of St. Francis. Next, we will visit Orta, taking a tour with the leader through the narrow, picturesque streets of the town. We will see the Town Hall and enjoy a beautiful panorama of the lake and Isola San Giulio from the garden. The main square is filled with restaurants, cafes, and small shops selling traditional products. Free time to visit Isola San Giulio (extra boat ride). We return to the hotel for dinner.
Third Day
A very interesting excursion to Switzerland, where we will visit the city of Lugano – the capital of the canton of Ticino – and Ascona, located on Lake Maggiore. First, we explore the city of Lugano, where we will have an interesting tour with the tour leader. Here, we will discover the historic center, the Church of Santa Maria Degli Angeli, and take a walk along Lake Lugano surrounded by mountains. Free time. We then head to Ascona, located at the northern end of Lake Maggiore. A tour of the old town, a walk through the picturesque streets filled with restaurants and cafes leading to the promenade. Free time and then we return to the hotel.
Fourth Day
An exciting excursion to Como, where we will visit Piazza Cavour, Piazza Volta, Città Vecchia, and the Duomo – made of white marble in the Gothic style. We will see the famous Lake Como. A cruise on Lake Como will take us to Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of the Lake." With the tour leader, we will explore the town center with its many beautiful streets and the stunning promenade. There will be time for shopping, or you may have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious fish meal (extra). We begin our journey back but first take a boat tour to Isola Madre, arriving in Stresa. A tour with the leader in the town center, followed by free time for shopping. We return to the hotel.
Fifth Day
Today's outing will take us to the city of Bergamo. The city of Bergamo can be considered two cities in one: Città Bassa (Lower Town) and Città Alta (Upper Town). Together with the tour leader, we will explore these cities, surrounded by ancient fortifications and filled with narrow streets. Among other sights, we will see Via Sentierone and Palazzo di Giustizia. Afterward, we take the funicular (extra charge) to visit Bergamo Alta, the most beautiful part of the city, where we will see Piazza Vecchia, Palazzo della Ragione, Cappella Colleoni, and the Baptistery. On our way back to Arona, we will stop at a shopping center, 'Arese.' We return to the hotel.
Sixth Day
Discover with us the beauty of Macugnaga in a spectacular trip through the Anzasca Valley, surrounded by mountains. Macugnaga, located beneath Monte Rosa, is a traditional Alpine village. From here, we will take the chairlift (extra charge) to Monte Rosa, where we will enjoy picturesque views of the Alps and glaciers. A truly unforgettable experience! Dinner and outing with the leader.
Seventh Day
Today we will visit the Borromean Islands. We depart for Stresa, where we will board a boat to visit the islands (boat fare and entrance fee are approximately €35). First, we will visit Isola Bella, where we will tour the Renaissance palace of the aristocratic Borromeo family and its botanical garden, Salone d’Onore, Sala Delle Colonne, Sala della Musica, Galleria degli Arazzi, and Artificial Grottos. This majestic Gothic-style palace is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Next, we will visit Isola dei Pescatori, a medieval island with many narrow streets and beautiful views. Free time for souvenir shopping. Afterward, we will transfer to Linate Airport for flight KM627, departing from Milan at 20:45 and arriving in Malta at 22:45.
