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Lake Maggiore, Zermatt and the Centovalli Railway – Premier

Name: Lake Maggiore, Zermatt and the Centovalli Railway - Premier
Brand: Newmarket Holidays
SKU: 97988

From your base at a beautiful lakeside hotel in Baveno, discover the most picturesque landscapes of Italy and Switzerland by boat and train.

Staying at a historic, stately hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore, you’ll enjoy this holiday at a gentle pace, with a balanced mix of time at leisure and excursions. Begin with a cruise to the enchanting Borromean Islands, each offering its own unique attractions and highlights. Then journey across the dramatic Simplon Pass and board a shuttle train to reach the mountain resort of Zermatt, framed by the iconic Matterhorn.

Continue to step aboard the Centovalli Railway for a spectacular ride through deep valleys and across soaring bridges, arriving in the pretty lakeside town of Locarno. Travelling in a smaller group allows more time to pause and appreciate each destination, with further opportunities to explore Baveno, relax by the lake, or join optional outings. Choose to discover Milan, the stylish Italian fashion capital, or venture to the beautiful lakes of Como and Lugano.

Price

from £1984 /pp

was £2205
Flights included
Dates Available

October 2026 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

10 airports
Excursions & Visits

6 included
Meals

7 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £327.81 per month.

Centovalli Railway, River Melezza, Switzerland

Travel on the scenic Centovalli Railway to Locarno on Lake Maggiore in Switzerland

Scenic view of Baveno in Italy, featuring orange-roofed waterfront buildings along Lake Maggiore, framed by surrounding mountains

Enjoy a free day to explore Baveno’s city centre and waterfront promenade

Explore the three Borromean Islands by boat, which are home to beautiful villas and terraced gardens

Daytime view of the towering Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, with traditional Swiss buildings in the foreground and green hills framing the scene

Journey across the Simplon Pass and take a shuttle train to the resort town of Zermatt, the ‘Queen of the Alps’

Today, fly to Milan airport, where you’ll be met by your friendly, local tour manager and transferred to the hotel in the charming town of Baveno.

Set on the banks of Lake Maggiore, this upscale property is surrounded by stunning gardens and backed by the Italian Alps.

The rest of the day will be free to unpack and get settled in.

After breakfast, you can make the most of the day at leisure to take advantage of the hotel’s amenities, including a wellness centre and outdoor swimming pool.

Alternatively, take a short stroll to Baveno city centre, with its shoreside villas, waterfront promenade, pink granite quarries, and historic mineral water springs.

A wander around the town will reveal an assortment of cafés and gelaterias, as well as the Church of Saints Gervasio and Protasio, dating back to the 11th century and boasting impressive frescoes.

Following breakfast, you’ll board a boat at the nearby harbour and cruise across Lake Maggiore.

As you sail, the enchanting Borromean Islands will come into view, each with its own distinctive character. Your first stop is Isola Madre, the largest of the islands, home to a 16th-century palace located within an extraordinary botanical park, which you can choose to visit (on your own account). Here, rare and exotic plants bloom throughout the year, and peacocks, golden pheasants, and other species roam freely among palms, camellias, and azaleas.

A short journey then brings you to Isola dei Pescatori (also known as Isola Superiore), the only island that has been permanently inhabited. There will be time to walk around its narrow lanes and traditional houses before having lunch (on your own account) at one of the family-run restaurants, many of which serve freshly caught fish from the lake.

The final highlight of the trio is Isola Bella, dominated by the magnificent Borromeo Palace and its spectacular terraced gardens, a baroque masterpiece adorned with statues, fountains, and rare plants. You can opt to visit the palace (on your own account) or discover the pretty village with boutiques and cafés.

Later, return to the mainland and the hotel in the evening.

Another day of leisure awaits today, or you can join an optional tour, which first includes a visit to the town of Lugano, based on Lake Lugano. Located in southern Switzerland’s Italian-speaking Ticino region, this city offers breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.

There will be time to experience its ‘Monte Carlo of Switzerland’ atmosphere, complete with casinos, a lively waterfront, and high-end shops. After exploring, you can enjoy an Italian delicacy in a Swiss setting.

Back on the coach, you’ll continue to Lake Como, stopping in the scenic town of Tremezzo, where you can visit the celebrated Villa Carlotta (entrance not included). This 18th-century villa is renowned for its impressive gardens and ancient trees, as well as its collection of sculptures and artworks inside.

From here, travel south to the lakeside town of Como, which has drawn poets, artists, and travellers throughout the years. Discover its historic centre with cobbled streets, sprawling piazzas and boutique shops, as well as the towering Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta or Duomo di Como, which dominates the skyline.

Located in the main square, Piazza Duomo, this place of worship is one of the most important religious buildings in northern Italy, dating back to the 14th century. The nearby waterfront is another highlight, lined with monuments, lush gardens, and villas, including the splendid neoclassical Villa Olmo.

At the end of the afternoon, return to Baveno.

Begin the day with breakfast before driving along Lago Maggiore and through the dramatic Ossola Valley, following the Simplon Road to the Swiss border. Here, the landscape opens up into the majestic high Alps as you ascend the Simplon Pass, reaching an altitude of 6,500 feet.

At the Belvedere viewpoint, enjoy the panoramic vistas that stretch across snow-capped peaks and valleys. There will be time for refreshments and to take some photographs. After the mountain stop, descend into the picturesque town of Brig, the gateway to the Alps. Continue along the Rhone Valley to Visp, a bustling town, before turning south into the narrow Matter Valley (Valle della Mattera), following the River Vispa-Matter.

Next up is the village of Tasch, where you’ll leave the coach and board a shuttle train to Zermatt. Situated at 5,300 feet above sea level, Zermatt, the ‘Queen of the Alps is a car-free resort town. Famed for its backdrop of the iconic peaks, it overlooks the Matterhorn (14,680 ft) and Monte Rosa (15,200 ft), the highest mountain in Switzerland.

Upon arrival, you’ll have time for lunch (on your own account) and the opportunity to explore Zermatt at your own pace. For those seeking more mountain vistas, take a cable car or the Gornergrat rack railway, promising sweeping views over the glaciers.

Later, return to Tasch by train and travel back to Baveno, retracing the route through the Rhone Valley, Brig, and across the Simplon Pass.

Have breakfast and embrace a free day to relax, or join an optional excursion to Milan, one of Europe’s most dynamic and captivating cities.

This city is not only a global fashion capital, but it is also steeped in history, culture, and art. During this excursion, discover some of the city’s most well-known landmarks under the guidance of your tour manager.

These include Sforzesco Castle, a magnificent fortress housing several museums and art collections, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an exquisite 19th-century arcade filled with boutiques, cafés, and sophisticated architecture. You’ll also see La Scala Opera House, internationally renowned as one of the world’s greatest theatres. Finally, marvel at the Duomo di Milano, a Gothic masterpiece and one of Europe’s largest cathedrals, crowned with a towering spire.

After the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. Perhaps wander through Milan’s fashionable streets, browse world-class galleries or museums, or simply take a seat in a pavement café and watch the world go by.

Once you’ve had breakfast, you’ll travel to the Italian town of Domodossola and board the Centovalli Railway.

This scenic 52 km (32 miles) metre-gauge railway is also known as the Vigezzina Line and links Domodossola in Italy with Locarno in Switzerland. Opened in 1923, the line crosses the landscapes of the Centovalli and Vigezzo Valleys, often referred to as the ‘Hundred Valleys’. The train journey takes approximately one hour and 45 minutes, and the carriages feature large windows, perfect for taking in the views.

Upon arrival in Locarno, a delightful town on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore. Make your way along the lakeside promenade, enjoy an espresso on the Piazza Grande (one of the largest squares in Switzerland), or enter the flower-filled gardens of the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary, sitting above the town. The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso also boasts fantastic views of the landscapes.

Later this afternoon, depart by coach for the return journey to Baveno.

Church of Santi Gervasio and Protasio, Piazza Della Chiesa, Baveno, Italy

View of the Church of Gervasio and Protasio’s clock tower in Baveno, Italy, seen from under arches in the courtyard

Old Street, Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Botanical Gardens, Isola Madre, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Isola Bella, Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore, Piedmont, Italy

View from baroque gardens of Borromeo Palace, Isola Bella, Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore, Italy

Lakeside Como Town, Lake Como, Northern Italy

Simplon Pass in Switzerland, featuring the historic Simplon Hospice at the centre, surrounded by snow-covered alpine peaks and rugged mountain scenery

View of Zermatt, Switzerland, showing the town’s buildings in the valley below with the Matterhorn towering in the distance

View of Duomo Cathedral through archways

Centovalli Railway bridge in Switzerland with a train crossing, surrounded by mountainous countryside, and a town visible in the distance

Landscape view of the Centovalli Railway bridge, surrounded by tall green trees, with mountains and a distant church tower in the background

View of Madonna del Sasso Monastery and Lake Maggiore, Locarno, Switzerland

Join an optional excursion to Lake Lugano in Switzerland and the famous Italian shores of Lake Como

Visit Milan, the stylish global fashion capital, on a full-day optional tour

Stay at the four-star Grand Hotel Dino, overlooking Lake Maggiore

Seven nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation at the four-star Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno
Visit to the Borromean Islands
Journey across the Simplon Pass and shuttle train to Zermatt
Journey on the Centovalli Railway and visit to Locarno
Return flights to Milan
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Premier Collection tour manager
All mandatory local taxes and charges

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
Aberdeen	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2182.00 pp	8 dates available
Aberdeen	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2231.00 was £2479.00	Only 8 places left!
Aberdeen	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2182.00 was £2425.00
Aberdeen	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2636.00 was £2929.00
Aberdeen	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2672.00 was £2969.00
Aberdeen	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Aberdeen	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Aberdeen	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Aberdeen	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2389.00 was £2655.00
Belfast City George Best	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2137.00 pp	8 dates available
Belfast City George Best	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2294.00 was £2549.00	Only 8 places left!
Belfast City George Best	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2137.00 was £2375.00
Belfast City George Best	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2654.00 was £2949.00
Belfast City George Best	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2686.00 was £2985.00
Belfast City George Best	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2929.00 was £3255.00
Belfast City George Best	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2929.00 was £3255.00
Belfast City George Best	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2929.00 was £3255.00
Belfast City George Best	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2497.00 was £2775.00
Edinburgh	April 2027 - October 2027		from £2132.00 pp	7 dates available
Edinburgh	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2132.00 was £2369.00
Edinburgh	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2636.00 was £2929.00
Edinburgh	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2672.00 was £2969.00
Edinburgh	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Edinburgh	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Edinburgh	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Edinburgh	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2389.00 was £2655.00
Glasgow	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2123.00 pp	8 dates available
Glasgow	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2123.00 was £2359.00	Only 8 places left!
Glasgow	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2132.00 was £2369.00
Glasgow	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2632.00 was £2925.00
Glasgow	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2672.00 was £2969.00
Glasgow	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Glasgow	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Glasgow	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Glasgow	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2389.00 was £2655.00
Inverness	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2146.00 pp	8 dates available
Inverness	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2222.00 was £2469.00	Only 8 places left!
Inverness	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2146.00 was £2385.00
Inverness	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2650.00 was £2945.00
Inverness	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2681.00 was £2979.00
Inverness	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Inverness	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Inverness	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Inverness	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2389.00 was £2655.00
London Gatwick	October 2026 - October 2027		from £1984.00 pp	8 dates available
London Gatwick	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £1984.00 was £2205.00	Only 8 places left!
London Gatwick	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2150.00 was £2389.00
London Gatwick	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2533.00 was £2815.00
London Gatwick	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2560.00 was £2845.00
London Gatwick	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2659.00 was £2955.00
London Gatwick	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2659.00 was £2955.00
London Gatwick	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2672.00 was £2969.00
London Gatwick	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2240.00 was £2489.00
London Heathrow	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2015.00 pp	8 dates available
London Heathrow	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2015.00 was £2239.00	Only 8 places left!
London Heathrow	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2033.00 was £2259.00
London Heathrow	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2528.00 was £2809.00
London Heathrow	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2555.00 was £2839.00
London Heathrow	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2740.00 was £3045.00
London Heathrow	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2740.00 was £3045.00
London Heathrow	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2740.00 was £3045.00
London Heathrow	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2308.00 was £2565.00
London Stansted	April 2027 - October 2027		from £2069.00 pp	7 dates available
London Stansted	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2069.00 was £2299.00
London Stansted	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2488.00 was £2765.00
London Stansted	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2474.00 was £2749.00
London Stansted	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2573.00 was £2859.00
London Stansted	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2573.00 was £2859.00
London Stansted	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2510.00 was £2789.00
London Stansted	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2078.00 was £2309.00
Manchester	October 2026 - October 2027		from £1993.00 pp	8 dates available
Manchester	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £1993.00 was £2215.00	Only 8 places left!
Manchester	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2222.00 was £2469.00
Manchester	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2627.00 was £2919.00
Manchester	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2627.00 was £2919.00
Manchester	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2699.00 was £2999.00
Manchester	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2699.00 was £2999.00
Manchester	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2681.00 was £2979.00
Manchester	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2249.00 was £2499.00
Newcastle	October 2026 - October 2027		from £2132.00 pp	8 dates available
Newcastle	24 Oct 2026 Saturday 8 days 31 Oct 2026 Saturday	Late Escape	from £2317.00 was £2575.00	Only 8 places left!
Newcastle	14 Apr 2027 Wednesday 8 days 21 Apr 2027 Wednesday		from £2132.00 was £2369.00
Newcastle	12 May 2027 Wednesday 8 days 19 May 2027 Wednesday		from £2636.00 was £2929.00
Newcastle	09 Jun 2027 Wednesday 8 days 16 Jun 2027 Wednesday		from £2672.00 was £2969.00
Newcastle	08 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 15 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Newcastle	15 Sep 2027 Wednesday 8 days 22 Sep 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Newcastle	06 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 13 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2821.00 was £3135.00
Newcastle	20 Oct 2027 Wednesday 8 days 27 Oct 2027 Wednesday		from £2389.00 was £2655.00

Aerial view of the lakeside pool and gardens at Grand Hotel Dino in Baveno, with Lake Maggiore and mountains in the background

Grand Hotel Dino, Baveno Baveno, Italy Overlooking Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands, this sophisticated hotel is surrounded by beautiful, manicured gardens and backed by the Italian Alps.

Venice, Verona and the Wonders of Lake Garda

Italy

Visit Italy's beautiful cities of Venice and Verona, take in the Dolomites, and tour Lake Garda with Newmarket Holidays. Book your Italian holiday now. Best Selling Scenery & Nature

Journey through the dramatic Dolomites
Enjoy a full-day visit to incomparable Venice, La Serenissima
Explore Verona, Romeo and Juliet’s exquisite city

8 days from £1,172 pp

was £1,465 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

October 2026 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

12 airports
Excursions & Visits

4 included
Meals

7 included

Explore

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Positano, Ischia and the Amalfi Coast - Premier

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Idyllic coastal gardens, colourful seaside towns and the ‘Versailles of Italy’ await across the world-famous Neapolitan Riviera and breathtakingly beautiful Amalfi Coast. Premier Collection Small Group

Discover idyllic Ischia, the ‘Green Isle’ on the Tyrrhenian Sea, and explore the extraordinary Aragonese Castle on a tour
Marvel at Caserta’s UNESCO-listed Royal Palace, the ‘Versailles of Italy’, and meander around its vibrant array of stately gardens
Take in the lively waterfronts of Sorrento and Positano, the ‘Pearl of the Amalfi Coast’

8 days from £2,285 pp

was £2,539 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

April 2027 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

7 airports
Excursions & Visits

4 included
Meals

14 included

Explore

The Bernina Express going across Brusio Spiral Viaduct, Switzerland

Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express

Italy

Stay on the shores of Lake Como, visit Bellagio, & take the Bernina Express to St Moritz. Book your escorted break with confidence from Newmarket Holidays. Best Selling Rail

Ride the Bernina Express to St Moritz
Discover Bellagio, "Italy's most beautiful town"
Enjoy a week on the shores of Italy’s most romantic lake

8 days from £1,597 pp

was £1,879 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

October 2026 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

14 airports
Excursions & Visits

6 included
Meals

7 included

Explore

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Guests on half-board arrangements will be served a three-course evening meal, and can expect a first course of traditional pasta or soup, a main meat or fish course accompanied by one or two types of vegetable, and a simple dessert of fruit, cake or Italian ice cream. Breakfasts will usually consist of bread rolls, jam, cereal, ham, cheese, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Menus will vary from hotel to hotel, but choice will be more limited than in a normal restaurant. In some instances, individual guests who have booked with the hotel independently may be offered a different menu from those who are staying at the hotel as part of a package tour.

An authentic dining experience in Italy can often be a bit different to the Italian food that international tourists might be used to, but it’s one of the best ways to truly appreciate the finer cultural differences of this tourist hotspot. From simpler, but more frequent, courses to regional dishes, here are some points to note when dining in Italy.

The first major difference you’re likely to notice is that the dining experience as a whole is much longer; you’ll enjoy a much more social experience than the average dinner back home with multiple smaller courses spread across a longer period of time. While each meal will be prepared to order, you may notice that dishes are served cooler than you might be used to – Italian dishes are rarely served piping hot to preserve the more delicate flavours of each ingredient and to provide a more enjoyable dining experience. The final thing to bear in mind is that it may be tricky to find Italian classics in the same form as they are at home. For instance, while Spaghetti Carbonara is a staple in historic Rome – and made traditionally using egg yolks rather than cream – you’ll often find it replaced with a wild boar ragù in Tuscany.

Please be aware that for departures in March and April, the swimming pool at this hotel may not yet be open, as hotels across Italy traditionally open their pools from May onwards in line with the warmer season. Similarly, air conditioning is not typically activated until May in Italian hotels, in accordance with local custom and regional regulations. During the spring months, daytime temperatures are generally mild and pleasant, though we recommend packing a light layer for cooler evenings. We hope this does not cause inconvenience and that you enjoy the wonderful spring atmosphere Italy has to offer at this time of year.

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at all EU borders on 10 April 2026.

EES is a digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay across the external borders of most European countries. It replaces passport stamping. When you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system registers your entry and exit, and you will only need to complete this biometric registration on your first entry into Europe.

Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.

For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operation at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side.

The latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees.

For further information please visit the ABTA website.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen countries.

ETIAS is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026 (exact date to be confirmed). We recommend applying in good time once the system goes live. ETIAS is expected to cost €20 per person. If you are aged under 18 or over 70, the fee is waived. Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.

The latest information can be found at www.etias.com.

Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service at https://thetravelvisacompany.co.uk/newmarket-holidays/?sup=NMH

All mandatory local taxes and charges are included in the price of your holiday as per the itinerary. Prices for any optional excursions are listed separately. Any suggested free-time activities, attractions, meals or entertainment are not included (unless otherwise stated), and may be subject to local charges. Please note that tipping is optional and as such, is typically not included in the price of your holiday (unless otherwise stated).

Offer Terms & Conditions

Save up to 15% discount applies to escorted tours only. This offer applies to new bookings only, made between 31 July and 30 September 2026, and cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings already confirmed. This offer does not apply to child pricing, holidays with late availability pricing and excludes river cruises, Wimbledon tours, Andre Rieu concert breaks and Edinburgh Tattoo. See full terms & conditions.

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Lake Maggiore, Zermatt and the Centovalli Railway – Premier

Dates Available

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