During this week-long tour, discover the timeless beauty of northern Italy.
Combining the tranquil beauty of Italy's lakes with glorious gardens and rich heritage, you can look forward to unforgettable excursions and leisure time to explore at your own pace.
Joining you for the first two days is journalist, presenter and Church of England vicar Rev. Kate Bottley, who will offer her expertise and insights along the way. She will also join you for the tour's highlight - watching the extraordinary Sordevolo Passion Play.
This remarkable open-air performance takes place once every five years and is performed by hundreds of local volunteers of all ages. You'll also enjoy backstage access and a visit to the Passion Play Museum, where you'll gain a rare insight into a tradition that has captivated audiences for generations.
Spend the first two nights in Piedmont before a four-night stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Explore the picturesque shores of Maggiore and Orta, cross the border to Switzerland and wander through the atmospheric streets of Locarno, visit the enchanting island of San Giulio.
There will also be time to admire the magnificent botanical gardens of Villa Taranto and the sacred hill of Sacro Monte di Orta, on a memorable trip which perfectly combines culture, history and natural beauty.
The Reverend Kate Bottley is a Church of England vicar, bestselling author, and broadcaster who rose to fame on Gogglebox, before becoming a regular presenter on Songs of Praise and co-host of BBC Radio 2's Good Morning Sunday. She explores faith, community and contemporary life across television, radio and print.
FLIGHT TIMES -
British Airways
LHR - MXP 08:40 - 11:45
MXP - LHR 11:30 - 12:40
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - £695
Please note this information is indicative and subject to change.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £655. Deposit 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded)
Fly from London to Milan Malpensa. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hotel Agora Palace in Biella for your two-night stay. This evening, enjoy dinner and a talk from Rev. Kate Bottley.
Today, you'll enjoy the company of Rev. Kate Bottley. After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Biella to explore independently, perhaps visiting the cathedral or ancient baptistery, taking a walk through one of the many beautiful squares. This afternoon, transfer to Sordevolo for dinner in a local restaurant and a backstage visit to the setting of the Passion Play. There is also some free time to visit the fascinating village museum which depicts the history of the play and is housed in the 15th century church of Santa Marta. Behind the spectacle, around 300 people work unseen to bring the scenes of this famous play to life. Tonight, enjoy the highlight of the tour, the Passion Play performance. Held every five years in Sordevolo in the Elvo Valley, the Passion Play is one of Italy's greatest folk theatre traditions. Over 400 local residents take to the stage across a 4,000 square metre open-air amphitheatre, re-enacting the story of Christ's Passion before audiences of more than 30,000 visitors per year from all around the world. Later, transfer back to the hotel.
After breakfast, depart Biella. Visit Sacro Monte di Orta by little train. Continue on to Orta, where you will have time to independently explore this delightful town. You'll also visit the island of San Giulio, located in the centre of the lake and well known for its 12th century Romanesque church. Continue by coach to Lake Maggiore and check in to your four-star hotel for your four-night stay. Dinner and the evening is yours at leisure.
After breakfast, you'll enjoy a full day excursion by coach to Locarno. Based on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore, this chic Swiss resort town boasts palm-fringed promenades and has a distinct relaxed Italian feel about it. Must-see sights include the Piazza Grande, ride the funicular to Santuario della Madonna del Sasso and visit Castello Visconteo. Later, return to the hotel, where dinner and the evening is yours at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure exploring Lake Maggiore. We would highly recommend taking the ferry to the Borromean Islands. Famed for their history, opulent palaces and botanical gardens, each island has a unique feel. You could also visit the town of Stresa. Later, return to the hotel, where dinner and the evening is yours at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion by boat to Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens. The result of the vision and work of Captain Neil McEacharn, who initiated this ambitious project in 1931, the park welcomes thousands of visitors every year. Spanning 16 hectares and featuring over 20,000 plant varieties, the botanical gardens are famous for their equatorial water lilies, which you'll see during the visit. While not yet in full bloom, visiting in June, you'll see the winding paths lined with the beginnings of over 300 spectacular dahlia species. Later, return to the hotel, where dinner and the evening is yours at leisure.
After breakfast, check out and transfer back to Milan Malpensa airport for your return flight to London.
Overlooking the Zumaglini Gardens park, the four-star Hotel Agora Palace is located in the historic heart of Biella. The hotel’s 84 rooms are cosy and bright, elegantly furnished and equipped with all comforts. The hotel has a renowned restaurant, loved by guests and locals alike. The fitness room is open 24 hours a day.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £655. Deposit 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded)