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Tour Overview

Lakes Orta, Maggiore and Como: the magnificence of the scenery combining alpine peaks with cool lake water, dotted with islands full of princely villas and lakeshores garlanded with exquisite gardens have long conspired to draw poets, artists, gardeners and perhaps, next April, you too?

We visit all the famous horticultural sites and see villas and gardens that are not on other itineraries. On two occasions we shall be entertained to lunch by the owning families.

The visit will be led by Sylvia Richards, who lives on Lake Maggiore and who has led many horticultural groups in the past, ably assisted by James Hill, our resident Italian tours director.

We shall stay at two excellent hotels: on Lake Maggiore we use the 5*Hotel Villa Arminta, just outside Stressa and directly overlooking the Lake; on Lake Como we use the 4* Hotel Belvedere perched just above the town centre with views across the lake. Both hotels have excellent swimming pools.