Day 1 UK-Milan-Lake Orta

Fly to Milan and transfer to Lake Orta (53 miles, 90 minutes). Stay three nights at the 4-star Hotel L’Approdo (4Q).

The comfortable hotel has a peaceful setting on the lake shore. Facilities at this comfortable hotel include a restaurant, bar, outdoor swimming pool (seasonal), and tennis court. Each of the 72 bedrooms feature a balcony, television, telephone, safe, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. D

Day 2 Lake Orta

Today you explore this delightful lake by public boat, visiting the charming town of Orta and the island of San Giulio.

Spend this afternoon at leisure. B, D

Day 3 Lake Orta

Spend the day at leisure, or enjoy an optional relaxing day in the lake town of Arona where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the quaint Umbrella Museum for a glimpse of a bygone era. B, D

Day 4 Lake Orta-Lake Maggiore

Travel to Baveno (13 miles, 30 minutes), a typically Italian town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where you'll spend the next three nights at the 4-star Hotel Simplon (4Q) or similar.

The elegant hotel is set within attractive gardens, and has a restaurant, lounge and bar, seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, table tennis and a sauna (extra charge). All 113 air-conditioned bedrooms have a television, safety deposit box, and hairdryer.

In the afternoon take a short drive to the market town of Omegna and explore the small shops and pretty lakeside promenade. Later you'll stop to explore elegant Stresa, one of Italy's oldest tourist hotspots with a beautiful setting overlooking the historic Borromean Islands.

An optional excursion visits the stunning garden island of Isola Bella, that rises from the lake. B, D.

Day 5 Locarno

Cross the border into Switzerland on an included full-day excursion to the resort town of Locarno.

From here you'll enjoy an included trip on the Centovalli Scenic Railway, stopping at Domodossola. B, D

Day 6 Lake Maggiore

This morning you head to Villa Taranto to stroll through its immaculate botanical gardens.

Scotsman Neil McEacharn established the gardens in 1931 with a view to having a little sliver of Britain on the Italian coast. Nowadays thousands of plant, flower and tree specimens from all corners of the globe flourish in the beautiful surroundings, nestled between the mountains and the sea.

After returning to your hotel, this afternoon is at leisure. B, D

Day 7 Lake Maggiore to Lake Garda

This morning transfer to Lake Garda (139 miles, two hours and 30 minutes) where you spend the next three nights at the 4-star Palace Hotel Cittá in Arco (4Q).

Located three miles from Lake Garda, the hotel has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and a wellness centre. All 81 comfortable bedrooms have a television, telephone, safe and hairdryer.

En route, you'll stop to explore the town of Como, whose history of silk production goes back over 4000 years, with fashion houses in Milan and New York still being supplied with Como silk today. B, D

Day 8 Malcesine and Riva del Garde

A scenic drive takes you to the pretty towns of Riva del Garda, at the northern tip of the lake, and the town of Malcesine. If weather permits, you can travel up Monte Baldo by cable car for more heavenly panoramic views (extra charge). B, D

Day 9 Lake Garda

Today an optional excursion visits the pretty, lakeside town of Bardolino. Take time to explore independently before taking a scenic boat trip to the historic peninsula town of Sirmione. B, D

Day 10 Lake Garda-Molveno

Travel to Molveno (50 miles, 90 minutes), pausing en route in the town of Trento. Continue for a four-night stay at the 3-star Hotel Lido (3Q) or 4-star Hotel Du Lac (4Q), depending on departure date.

The Hotel Lido overlooks the Brenta Dolomites and has a restaurant, garden, bar, terrace and free Wi-Fi. Rooms are soundproofed have a television and hairdryer.

The family-run Hotel Du Lac has panoramic views of Lake Molveno. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, heated outdoor pool, gym and free Wi-Fi. Rooms feature a television, minibar and safe. This is a seasonal resort and may be quieter during early spring and late autumn. B, D

Day 11 Molveno

Soak up the culture of medieval Bolzano on an optional full-day excursion that includes entrance to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, home to Ötzi the Iceman. B, D

Day 12 Molveno

Join an optional full-day excursion to the mountain village of Ortisei. B, D

Day 13 Three lake tour

Enjoy an included excursion to the smaller mountain lakes of Tenno, Ledro and Toblino where there will be time to stroll around each and take in the stupendous views. B, D

Day 14 Molveno-Milan-UK

Transfer to Milan for your flight to the UK. B