BY RAIL
SWISS LAKE MAGGIORE BY TRAIN HOLIDAY
7 nights / 8 days From £ 1,930 per person
Ascona, Lake Maggiore
LAKE MAGGIORE • ASCONA • LOCARNO
Lake Maggiore is unique amongst the Swiss lakes, known for its agreeable climate and Italianate towns full of vibrancy and mediaeval history. A seven-night stay in this region of Switzerland benefits from the southerly climate, but still with good proximity to the snow-capped Alps.
DAY ONE London to Ascona Travel from London to Ascona by rail on your first day; or fly into Zurich and travel the rest of the journey by rail, taking the Eurostar to Paris and then the TGV to Zurich where you change for Locarno.
DAYS TWO TO SEVEN In Ascona Spend seven nights enjoying the highlights of Lake Maggiore, making the most of your eight-day rail pass to explore the lakeside towns and villages, the mountains, and the Mediterranean feel. At just 192m above sea level, Ascona and Lake Maggiore mark the lowest altitude point in Switzerland. This accounts for the warm climate and the rich greenness of the environment. Ascona is also recognised as a centre for the arts as it has an abundance of galleries and craft shops nestled down quiet alleyways. Accessible by boat and known for their botanical gardens are the Isles of Brissago and the hillside sanctuary of Madonna del Sasso in Locarno is also worth a visit. Locarno’ s Old Town is rich with Italianate sqaures and arcaded townhouses, as well as historic churches and castle houses open to visitors. Bellinzona is the capital of Ticino and home to three mediaeval castles. The Centovalli Express offers a two-hour trip from Locarno to Domodossola in northern Italy, passing many pretty villages and striking historic buildings. Water sports are also readily available on the lake. The abundance of available activities, from exploring picturesque waterside towns and villages to scenic walks and hiking, will ensure that each of your days on Lake Maggiore is unique and memorable.
DAY EIGHT Ascona to London On your eighth day, board an early morning train from Ascona back to Zurich and Paris. Meet the Eurostar here and cross the Channel, arriving in London in the evening.
What’ s included
• Rail travel London to Switzerland via Paris in standard class
• 8-day Swiss rail pass
• 7 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at the Romantik Hotel Castello Seeschloss, Ascona
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday
• Local tourist tax, usually between Swiss Francs 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in Paris
• Travel by air from UK to Switzerland
PRICES
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel From £ 1,930
Supplements
• Standard premier / first class £ 430 per person
Holiday code CHBR13
To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk 71