For Summer 2016, specialist holiday company Inghams is encouraging travelers to try a lesser-known lake-side destination, from central Europe’s scenic Lake Constance to Slovenia’s charming Lake Bled.
Mainland Europe is world-famous for its pine clad green hills, gentle mountains and tranquil lakes which offer a great base for walking, hiking and cycling holidays. While many of us are familiar with the continent’s most celebrated lakes such as Garda, Annecy and Como, there are plenty of other hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Here are some examples.
If you like Lake Garda... try Lake Constance, central Europe
As the largest expanse of water in Italy, and with its celebrity status, Lake Garda is undoubtedly one of the world‘s most popular lake destinations; meanwhile, despite being even larger than Garda, the magnificant Lake Constance bordering Germany, Austria and Switzerland, remains one of central Europe’s best kept secrets! The Lake Constance region enjoys an exceptionally mild climate with palm trees, exotic plants and flowers growing effortlessly. The stunning Flower Island of Mainau is one of the lake’s top attractions along with the beautiful city of Constance, the small Bavarian island town of Lindau and the village of Lochau, just over the Austrian border, which are all linked by boat or train service.
New for summer 2016, Inghams has introduced stays on the Lake Constance island of Reichenau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just half an hour away from Constance by train and an area known for its natural beauty, historic monastery and medicinal gardens.
Inghams is offering seven nights at the stylish three-star plus Ganter Hotel Mohren in Mittelzell centre on the island of Reichenau from £739 per person on a half board basis including return flights to Zurich, transfers, free packed lunches, and one day free bicycle hire.
If you like Lake Annecy… try Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia’s serene Lake Bled is reminiscent of Lake Annecy in France. Both lakes offer crystal clear waters, villages steeped in history and exceptional scenery with fairy-tale castles. Bled offers marvellous walks, from strolls around the lake to scenic hikes in the surrounding hills. Guests can also enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and a sail on gondola-like boats to visit Slovenia’s only island where they can make a wish while ringing the bells in the ornate church. The area’s outdoor activity options include bicycles and rowing boats for hire, tennis and one of Europe’s most scenic golf courses.
Inghams is offering seven nights, half board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Park in Lake Bled, with its lakefront position, from £599 per person in summer 2016. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Ljubljana and resort transfers.
If you like Lake Como … try Lake Iseo, Italy
Even quieter than neighbouring Lake Como but equally as magnificent, Lake Iseo is a beautiful summer destination for fans of the northern Italian lakes, and is becoming a firm favourite amongst Inghams’ guests. Lake Iseo offers plenty of walking opportunities for varying levels with even more trails accessible by boat, train and bus. This summer, from 18th June to 3rd July, world-renowned Bulgarian-born artist Christo will create an installation named ‘The Floating Piers’ on the lake featuring floating shimmering yellow walkways which circle the islands of Monte Isola and San Paolo, before continuing to the mainland town of Sulzano. The two islands have never been linked to the mainland before and we’re told it will be like ‘walking on water’! Lake Iseo will also host a summer series of music festivals with plenty of opportunities for picnic lunches and alfresco dining.
Inghams is offering seven nights, half board accommodation at the four-star Hotel Iseolago set in extensive gardens with three outdoor swimming pools from £769 per person in summer 2016. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Verona and resort transfers.
If you like Zell am See… try Fuschl am See, Austria
With its quaint bandstand and alfresco cafes and restaurant, the village of Fuschl am See is a smaller and more laid-back alternative to Zell am See, for those that enjoy Austria’s spectacular scenery, woodland walks and local summer festivals. Fuschl am See lies on the shores of a crystal clear lake with lots of walking and tougher hiking trails, and is also a great base from which to explore the Lakes region. From St. Gilgen, just four miles away, guests can take a boat trip on Lake Wolfgang or take the gondola which ascends the Zwölferhorn.
Inghams is offering seven nights, half board accommodation at the alpine-style four-star Landhotel Schützenhof with lakeside sun-terrace from £679 per person in summer 2016. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Salzburg, resort transfers, buffet breakfast and four-course evening meal.
If you like Lake Geneva… try Lake Thun, Switzerland
Those that like their lakes surrounded by dramatic snow-capped mountains should visit the serene Lake Thun located in the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, which is a great alternative to Lake Geneva. A Lake Thun holiday offers turquoise waters, charming lakeside villages, rustic mountain farming communities and castles rich in history. As with all holidays on the Swiss lakes, a gentle cruise or two on a lake steamer is absolutely essential!
Inghams is offering seven nights, half board accommodation at the three-star plus Hotel Bellevue au Lac, in the heart of Hilterfingen, two minutes from the lake excursion boat, from £869 per person in summer 2016. Price includes return flights from London Gatwick to Zurich, resort transfers, buffet breakfast, four-course evening meal and daily afternoon tea and cake.
For more information visit www.inghams.co.uk or contact 01483 791 116.
