An epic journey through the high Alpine regions of Italy, Switzerland and France. Our adventure begins in eastern France as we start to climb through the Vosgues forests of Alsace, before turning south along the Rhine valley into Switzerland. We follow high mountain passes down to our first base by an Italian Lake and later, travel between the Matterhorn and the Jungfrau (both members of the exclusive 4000 metre club) and along the route taken by Hannibal and his war elephants, until we reach the highest Alpine peak of all, Mont Blanc. From there we descend to another lakeside hotel, this time in France, at Annecy.

Our tour is based well inside Italian territory on the edge of Maggiore. From there we explore the beautiful Borromeo Islands on the lake, travel around all three lakes and to Milan, to spend a day in one of Europe's most cosmopolitan cities.

Our first base is at the 4* Astoria, located on the edge of Lake Maggiore just a few minutes walk from the centre of Stresa and beside the boat terminal for trips to the islands. It is a stylish modern building with a lovely dining room, a bar, outdoor swimming pool and a garden. The guest bedrooms are all en suite and air-conditioned with balconies facing either the garden or the lake. They are fully equipped with satellite TV, internet connection, direct dial telephone, hairdryer and fridge. The dining room serves buffet breakfasts. Dinners are three courses with a choice of main menu. The Novotel, Annecy is in the centre of this historic town, just five minutes from the Old Town and its beautiful lake. Like the Astoria, the Novotel is modern with excellent facilities including air conditioning.