Italian Lakes Discovery Tour 2027
Tour Essentials
Daily breakfast. Four lunches and three dinners. Wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative) with included meals.
Tour Details
This nine-day journey through the lakes of northern Italy is designed around two contrasting but equally distinctive bases on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, with time also spent on the quieter shores of Lake Orta. Moving between these locations, the itinerary combines historic villas, small lakeside towns and alpine scenery, offering a varied view of the region as it unfolds.
The pace allows time to experience each lake from the water as well as from the shore, with private boat travel, guided visits and periods at leisure built into the programme. Along the way, there are opportunities to enjoy regional food and wine and to appreciate the character of each setting, from the elegance of the larger lakes to the more intimate atmosphere of the smaller ones.
What’s Included
- Eight nights’ accommodation in lakefront hotels
- Daily breakfast
- Four lunches and three dinners
- Wine (or a non-alcoholic alternative) with included meals
- Private transport throughout the tour
- Private boat excursions on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
- Entry fees to all listed sites
- Local guides at selected locations
- Experienced tour leader
- Group transfers at the start and end of the tour
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at Lake Maggiore
The journey begins with a group transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Maggiore.
On arrival, there is time to settle into your lakefront accommodation before meeting for welcome drinks and dinner. The first evening offers an easy introduction to the group and the pace of the days ahead.
Overnight: Pallanza or Verbania
Day 2 - Borromean Islands
We explore the Borromean Islands by private boat, travelling across the lake to Isola Bella.
Here, a guided visit introduces the palace and its terraced gardens, which rise in tiers above the water. We continue to Isola dei Pescatori, a small inhabited island, where there is time for a relaxed lunch and a walk through its narrow lanes before returning to the mainland.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
Day 3 - Lake Orta
A short drive brings us to Lake Orta, a quieter and more intimate setting.
In Orta San Giulio, there is time to explore the historic centre before taking a boat across to the island of San Giulio. The basilica and surrounding streets create a calm and reflective atmosphere.
Later, we visit the Sacro Monte, where paths through woodland open to views across the lake.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
Day 4 - Alpine valleys and Domodossola
Today we travel inland towards the alpine valleys beyond Lake Maggiore.
We stop in Domodossola, a historic town shaped by its position on routes between Italy and Switzerland. Its arcaded square and stone buildings reflect this long history of trade and exchange.
Continuing into the surrounding valleys, we enjoy a relaxed lunch at a mountain restaurant before returning to the lake in the afternoon.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
Day 5 - Lugano and Bellagio
After leaving Lake Maggiore, we travel north to Lugano in Switzerland, where there is time for a short walk and coffee by the lake.
Returning to Italy, we stop for lunch before continuing to Bellagio on Lake Como. On arrival, the remainder of the day is free to settle in and explore.
Overnight: Bellagio
Day 6 - Villa Carlotta and Varenna
We cross the lake to visit Villa Carlotta, known for its gardens and art collection. The grounds extend across terraces filled with seasonal planting and mature trees.
Afterwards, we continue to Varenna, where there is time to explore the waterfront, walk along the promenade or simply enjoy the setting before returning to Bellagio.
Overnight: Bellagio
Day 7 - The Valtellina
Today we travel north into the Valtellina, an alpine valley known for its vineyards and traditional cuisine.
We visit a local winery to learn about the wines produced in this landscape, followed by a long lunch featuring regional dishes. The afternoon return to Bellagio is at a relaxed pace.
Overnight: Bellagio
Day 8 - Lake Como by boat
A slower morning allows time to enjoy Bellagio before we set out on a private boat across the central lake.
From the water, the scale of Lake Como becomes clear, with villas, small harbours and wooded slopes lining the shore. We visit Villa del Balbianello, set on a wooded promontory, before returning for a farewell dinner.
Overnight: Bellagio
Day 9 - Departure
A group transfer is provided to Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale for onward travel.
Tour Highlights
- Explore the Borromean Islands by private boat, including Isola Bella
- Visit Lake Orta and the island of San Giulio
- Stay in Bellagio on Lake Como
- Visit Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello
- Travel into the Valtellina for a winery visit and lunch
- Cruise central Lake Como by private boat
- Enjoy regional cuisine throughout the tour
Accommodation
- Lake Maggiore – Hotel Pallanza (Pallanza) or Hotel Ancora (Verbania)
- Lake Como – Hotel Florence (Bellagio)
Room layouts and outlook may vary, particularly in historic lakeside properties. Final hotel selections are confirmed prior to departure, and alternative properties of a similar standard may be used where required.
Tour Notes
Physical Requirements
The tour requires a moderate level of fitness, including walking for up to several hours with breaks.
What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Local city tax
- Meals not specified
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
Additional Information
Travel insurance is compulsory for all travellers.
Cancellations
For information related to cancellations and any associated costs, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
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