Uncover idyllic scenery and charming towns on this holiday to two beautiful Italian lakes, and experience a journey to Switzerland on the Centovalli Railway

Your holiday starts as you meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras this morning before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, we board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in this historic Alsace city in the afternoon.

Our hotel is a short walk from the station, and Strasbourg's impressive main square, Place Kléber, or the half-timbered, riverside houses of La Petite France are only a short stroll from the hotel.

This evening, our group gathers to enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant.

Please Note - For departures 16th May and 3rd October we will travel out via Basel, staying at the Schweizerhof Basel hotel.

Walking to the station after breakfast, we board the train to Basel, continuing by rail to Stresa. Passing Swiss lakes and climbing the Alps, we then get our first glimpse of northern Italy, emerging into a verdant valley with sharp, tree-covered cliffs.

Our base for the next five nights is Stresa, a highly popular Italian resort that retains its characteristic charm. Small enough to explore on foot, its picturesque alleys and elegant promenade reward visitors with medieval buildings, opulent villas, attractive public gardens and fascinating museums.

Set beside the lake, our historic hotel has wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian Alps. We regroup for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to San Filiberto, where we take a scenic cruise on Lake Orta to Isola San Giulio. Here, you are free to look around this tiny island village dominated by a monastery at your own pace. The inside of the basilica is worth a visit, with artwork stretching across the walls and under the domes. Alternatively, walk round the shore on the 'Way of Silence', viewing the Bishop's Palace and Benedictine abbey.

We then catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta. Unlike its more famous cousins Como and Garda, Orta's seclusion makes it a peaceful alternative where you can experience an authentic and relaxed Italian way of life.

This small but beautiful village has inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. On Piazza Motta, colourful buildings look out across the lake, and the 16th-century town hall is decorated with frescoes. You are free to explore and maybe stop for lunch. From Orta San Giulio, a coach takes us back to Stresa in time for dinner.

You're at leisure in Stresa after breakfast today. The town's popularity began with the arrival of the railways as it found itself on the line connecting London, Paris and Milan. Soon, travellers and writers from Europe and beyond were drawn to its charming lakeside position. You could head out to explore the town or follow in the footsteps of historic guests such as Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret on a stroll along the promenade.

There are many impressive houses here, including Villa Pallavicini. With free entry, the gardens are a great place to wander around and observe giant tulip trees, Lebanese cedar and colourful flowerbeds which burst into life throughout summer. There is also a zoo with llamas, flamingos, zebras, kangaroos and other animals.

Alternatively, make the most of the hotel's comforts and spend the day relaxing. Enjoy spectacular alpine views from the sun terrace or take a dip in the pool of the sister hotel. Stresa's restaurants offer an array of fresh fish, meat and pasta dishes, which you are free to try when dining independently this evening.

A holiday highlight awaits as we transfer by coach to Domodossola for a superb trip aboard the Centovalli Railway. Meaning 'Railway of 100 Valleys', this is a spectacular route through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland.

We quickly ascend, passing the ruined tower of Creggio as our route winds up to Trontano and into majestic alpine scenery of mountains, gorges and waterfalls. After entering Switzerland, look out for the emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. Our train crosses dozens of bridges on its journey to its lakeside destination. On arrival in Locarno, on Maggiore's northern shores, you're free to choose a place to enjoy lunch and look around. You could take the funicular railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso or enjoy the town's lake views.

Our return journey is a cruise on Lake Maggiore, Italy's longest lake. Bordered by mountains, charming towns and villages spill out of the valleys, and you can spot the 16th-century castle island of Cannero before arriving in Stresa in time for tonight's dinner.

Please note: on the 25th April departure, we will return from Locarno to Stresa by coach in the evening.

With a day at leisure ahead, you could relax at the hotel or go island hopping. From the jetty outside the hotel, you can board a hop on/hop off boat for a day of exploring the idyllic Borromean Islands.

The closest is pretty Isola Bella, dominated by the Borromeo Palace and its opulent gardens where you might spot one of the magnificent white peacocks. The next island is Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman's Island), a quaint fishing settlement. Here you could stop at one of the traditional restaurants to try a local speciality - perch caught directly from the lake. You could also visit San Vittore church to see the wooden busts of apostles Peter and Andrew, the patron saints of fishermen. The largest and final island is Isola Madre, covered with gardens of rare plants and trees from around the world. The grand palazzo overlooks an ornate pond and a charming family chapel.

Tonight, you dine independently, and to accompany the tempting risottos, raviolis and fresh fish on offer, you might like to try a regional Nebbiolo wine, such as Barolo.

As we depart Stresa after breakfast, we travel by train through Switzerland to Basel, continuing to Mulhouse in France.

Travelling through Switzerland, soak up spectacular views of the majestic mountains lining the Rhône Valley before passing Lake Thun and the fairytale castle at Spiez.

In the historic Alsace city of Mulhouse, the focus of the medieval centre is Place de la Réunion, where you can find the Gothic Revival Temple St-Étienne and the pink and gold decorated town hall. Constructed in 1553, this striking Renaissance building displays allegoric frescoes representing vices and virtues. Our hotel is near the station, and it is here that we gather with our group to enjoy dinner this evening.

From the gentle cruises surrounded by spectacular scenery to marvelling at the majestic Alps aboard the Centovalli Railway, it's easy to understand why lakes Maggiore and Orta have been charming visitors for centuries. Our elegant base of Stresa provided many opportunities to absorb the beautiful views on enjoyable excursions or while exploring independently.

After breakfast this morning, we take the short walk to Mulhouse station for the train to Paris. Returning to London St Pancras on the Eurostar, your holiday concludes, and you can make your way home.

While every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

The Centovalli Railway was originally planned to connect Locarno in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland with Domodossola in the very north of Italy. The line's opening was delayed considerably owing to the First World War, but construction was resumed almost immediately afterwards and the first services began in 1923.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

Located in a superb position overlooking Lake Maggiore in the heart of Stresa, the elegant 4-Star Milan Speranza Hotel au Lac has a restaurant with a lake view, a lounge, a bar and a lakeside veranda. It is also possible to make use of the outdoor swimming pool in a nearby hotel, 150 metres away.

The ensuite guest room are air-conditioned and equipped with a flatscreen television with satellite channels, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.

Your holiday begins the moment you meet your Tour Manager at St Pancras International and board the Eurostar train for mainland Europe. If you wish to get your holiday off to an extra special start, why not consider upgrading your on-board accommodation from Standard Class to Plus Class?

As well as all the amenities enjoyed in Standard Class, Plus Class travellers benefit from extra spacious, comfortable seats, complimentary newspapers and magazines and a light snack with drinks served at your seat during the journey. Before 11am, the light snack comprises breakfast pastries, yoghurt, fruit juice and tea or coffee. After 11am there is a choice of 2 main dishes and a dessert, accompanied by soft drinks, wine or beer and tea or coffee.

Prices for an upgrade from £125 each way. Please call us for more details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Enjoy hassle-free travel with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £199 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag as your luggage will be delivered direct to your first destination hotel. The luggage service is not available where you are flying to or from your destination and you will need to take your own luggage with you on the flight.