Day 5 – To Switzerland on the railway of 100 valleys
A highlight of your holiday awaits today as your group transfers
to Stresa train station for a superb round trip. In Domodossola,
you change on to the Centovalli Railway. Meaning '100 valleys', the
Centovalli is a spectacular route through the Alps to Locarno in
Switzerland.
The track quickly begins to climb after leaving Domodossola,
passing the evocative ruins of the tower of Creggio as it winds its
way up to Trontano and into the Vigezzo Valley. In fantastic alpine
scenery flanked by impressive mountains, the train passes
characteristic villages and elemental nature in the form of gorges,
ravines, rivers and waterfalls. The whole route is incredibly
scenic and, shortly after entering Switzerland, you can enjoy views
of the emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. In total, the route
crosses 83 bridges on the journey from alpine peaks to the
palm-lined promenade of lakeside Locarno.
On arrival in Locarno, on the northern edge of Lake Maggiore,
you're free to choose a place to enjoy lunch and look around.
Polenta is a local speciality, and the regional cuisine beautifully
blends Italian and Swiss cultures. You could take the funicular
railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso, a historical site
perched above the town, with fantastic views over Locarno and the
lake, or enjoy the town's glittering lakeside.
The return journey to Stresa sees you board a boat for a
two-hour cruise on Lake Maggiore. The serene waters of Italy's
longest lake are bordered by attractive mountains sloping gently
into the lake. Shortly after passing the twin islands of Brissago,
home to a botanical garden, you leave Switzerland, with the Italian
region of Piedmont on the right and Lombardy on the left. Charming
towns and villages spill out of the valleys between the peaks, and
you will be able to spot the 16th-century castle island of Cannero
before arriving in Stresa in time for tonight's three-course
dinner.
*For depatures 05/10/2024 and 12/10/2024 the day running
order may vary from the above.
Includes