Sunday Express

Luxury Cunard cruise and a tour of the Italian lakes

Visit Italy’s breathtaki­ng Lake Maggiore, included on Imagine Cruising’s 12-night Cunard Mediterran­ean Voyage and Italian Lakes Retreat, with an Exclusive Gala Evening

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Italy is jam-packed with breathtaki­ng landscapes, charming castles, ancient ruins and some seriously sumptuous cuisine – and now you can get a taster thanks to a glamorous holiday across the spectacula­r Italian Lakes.

Imagine Cruising is currently offering a lavish 12-night Cunard Mediterran­ean Voyage, Italian Lakes Retreat & Exclusive Gala Evening holiday, which includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Lake Maggiore.

Nestled in lush green scenery just south of the Alps, this beautiful lake boasts azure blue waters and a landscape that’s bursting with colour, from the exotic plants to be found along the winding roads and trails, to the colourful fishing villages dotted around the scenery.

The second-largest lake in Italy is blessed with a mild climate all year round, making it a popular spot with intrepid explorers.

Imagine Cruising is offering up the perfect opportunit­y to discover Lake Maggiore’s charms courtesy of two-night stay in a luxurious fourstar hotel right by the lake.

You’ll get plenty of time to enjoy leisurely walks around the scenery, sample some of that world-famous Italian cuisine in local foodie haunts, and soak up the sunshine and culture.

One highlight includes the chance to spend the day on one of the lake’s Borromean Islands, the stunning Isola Bella with its picture-perfect Italian Baroque Garden, the magnificen­t palace and the coastal views over the lake that make for the ultimate photo backdrop.

However, Isola Bella won’t be the only once-in-a-lifetime experience on offer during the trip.

As part of Imagine Cruising’s signature enhanced entertainm­ent, guests will be treated to an exclusive gala evening in the resplenden­t Rocca di Angera castle. You’ll get to wander through the opulent surroundin­gs as you’re welcomed with an aperitif, before sitting down for a delectable four-course dinner.

The glorious flora in the gardens is the finishing touch to what’s sure to be an enchanting evening. But

Lake Maggiore won’t be the only incredible destinatio­n on offer as part of the 12-night holiday.

Guests will also get to spend two nights in beautiful Lake Como, where a meandering shoreline with ancient villages and exquisite villas awaits - no wonder the region is such a hit with the A-list.

The itinerary also includes a two-night break in Florence so you can soak up the rich culture and history, before embarking on a lavish Mediterran­ean cruise on board Cunard’s Queen Victoria cruise ship.

The sailing itself also has everything you could need for a trip of a lifetime, from the luxurious cabins on offer to fine dining and dazzling entertainm­ent ranging from Cunard’s iconic gala evenings to West End-style shows.

The cruise will feature a day at sea before heading on to ports of call in Cartagena – which boasts world heritage sites such as its 17th century walled Old Town – and Gibraltar where a walk up The Rock is a must, if only for the unrivalled views.

 ??  ?? BAROQUE The stunning palace on Isola Bella
LUXURY Relax onboard Queen Victoria
BAROQUE The stunning palace on Isola Bella LUXURY Relax onboard Queen Victoria
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 ??  ?? ENCHANTING Visit villages around the Italian lakes
ENCHANTING Visit villages around the Italian lakes

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