Tour Details
Italian Lakes Discovery Tour (Lake Como & Lake Maggiore)
Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Duration: 9 Days
Dates 2026:
- 5th of May – 13th of May 2026
- 26th of May – 3rd of June 2026
- 3rd – 11th of September 2026
- 24th September – 2nd of October 2026
Prices:
- $6,650 AUD Per Person (Double/Twin-share)
- $8,050 AUD Per Person (Solo Traveller)
Discover the elegance and tranquillity of northern Italy on this unforgettable small group tour of the Italian Lakes. Over nine days, you’ll explore some of the most picturesque corners of the country, with stays on both Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, two jewels of the region.
The journey begins on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore, where you’ll explore the remarkable Borromean Islandsand the lesser-known Lake Orta and enjoy a short visit to Lake Lugano in Switzerland. From here, travel to Bellagio, often called the “pearl of Lake Como,” where you’ll stay in a beautiful lakeside hotel right in the heart of town.
Highlights include a private boat tour on Lake Como, guided visits to the famous Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello, and a day trip to the Valtellina valley, known for its alpine beauty and exceptional wines—complete with a visit and tasting at a historic family-run winery.
Our tours are designed to be unhurried and enjoyable, with plenty of free time to relax or explore at your own pace. You won’t find crack-of-dawn starts or rushed itineraries here. Meals are a highlight, too—four long lunches and three dinners in handpicked restaurants where local flavours take centre stage.
With a maximum of just 12 guests, and led by a knowledgeable tour leader throughout, this is a carefully curated, slow-paced experience through the most scenic parts of northern Italy.
What’s Included
- Experienced and bilingual tour leader on hand for duration of tour
- Transfer at the start and end of the tour to Milan Malpensa airport or Milano Centrale station
- Accommodation (on a twin-share basis) in charming 3 or 4 star hotels
- All breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners (wine, or something softer if you would prefer, is included with all lunches and dinners)
- All land travel in Italy in private, air-conditioned mini-coach
- Entry fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
- Expert, local guides at key attractions
Exclusions and Add-ons
- Local city tax (payable directly at the hotel)
- Add-on a night or two in Milan pre-tour
Weather
- May and September are both ideal times to visit the Italian Lakes. In these shoulder seasons, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C. You can expect warm days that are perfect for sightseeing and boat trips, while the evenings may still carry a slight
chill—so it’s wise to bring a light jacket or an extra layer. These months also tend to be less crowded than the height of summer, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable travel experience.
Physical Fitness
- We don’t place any age limitations on the tour and welcome anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness. Specifically, you should be comfortable on your feet for up to 3 hours with short breaks and be able to walk comfortably at a consistent pace without assistance.
Travel Insurance
- Travel insurance is compulsory when travelling on one of our tours. Please contact us if you need help arranging travel insurance.
- Private boat cruise on Lake Como
- Guided visits to Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello
- Visit the spectacular Borromean Islands
- Explore Lake Orta and the cobbled streets of Orta San Giulio
- Panoramic views from the Sacro Monte di Orta
- Day trip to the Valtellina with winery visit and tasting
- Authentic meals in selected local restaurants (three dinners, four lunches)
DAY 1 - ARRIVAL AT LAKE MAGGIORE
The tour begins with a mid-afternoon group pick-up from Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale train station, followed by a scenic drive to Lake Maggiore.
On arrival, settle into your cosy lake-view accommodation and ease into the rhythm of the trip.
Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner with your tour leader and fellow travellers in the evening—a relaxed opportunity to get to know each other and hear what’s ahead.
Overnight: Pallanza or Verbania (location varies by departure date; details below)
DAY 2 - BORROMEAN ISLANDS
This morning, set off by private boat to explore the Borromean Islands. Your first stop is Isola Bella, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the opulent Palazzo Borromeo, famed for its baroque architecture and elaborate terraced gardens.
From there, your boat continues to Isola Pescatori—the “Fishermen’s Island.” Here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant featuring freshly caught lake fish and regional dishes.
Return to the mainland in the afternoon and enjoy some free time.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
DAY 3 - LAGO D’ORTA
Today, a private coach takes you on a short journey to Lago d’Orta—one of Italy’s most picturesque yet lesser-known lakes. Begin in the charming town of Orta San Giulio, where you’ll have time for a coffee before taking a boat to the island of San Giulio. There, explore the 9th-century Romanesque Basilica and wander the peaceful lanes.
After some free time for lunch by the lake, head to the Sacro Monte di Orta, a peaceful sanctuary dedicated to San Francesco, offering sweeping views over the lake and surrounding hills.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
DAY 4 - ALPE DEVERO MOUNTAIN ESCAPE
Today, we leave the lakeside behind and head into the mountains for a refreshing change of pace. A private coach takes you into the Lepontine Alps to visit Alpe Devero, a peaceful alpine plateau surrounded by rugged peaks and larch forests – the drive winds through quaint mountain villages, each with its own character. On arrival, take a short, scenic walk through meadows and along forest paths, breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Enjoy a relaxed alpine lunch at a traditional mountain hut featuring hearty local fare made with regional ingredients. Return to Lake Maggiore in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps for a lakeside stroll or a quiet drink at a café.is ideal for unwinding after the morning’s adventure.
Overnight: Pallanza/Verbania
DAY 5 - LAKE LUGANO AND ONWARD TO BELLAGIO
After breakfast, check out and begin your journey north along the lake. Your first stop is Lugano, a lovely Swiss town on the lake of the same name, where you’ll pause for a coffee and a short walk.
Crossing back into Italy, stop in Porlezza for a lakeside lunch, then continue to Bellagio—known as the “pearl” of Lake Como.
On arrival, settle into your elegant lakefront hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your own pace.
Overnight: Bellagio
DAY 6 - VILLA CARLOTTA AND VARENNA
This morning, catch the ferry from Bellagio to Villa Carlotta, a grand lakeside villa famed for its botanic gardens and art-filled interiors. The gardens stretch over 70,000 square metres, with azaleas, rhododendrons, and towering ancient trees. Inside, view sculptures by Canova and 19th-century artworks.
After your visit, continue by ferry to Varenna, a charming lakeside village known for its romantic promenade and cobbled lanes. Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring or simply enjoy the atmosphere before returning to Bellagio.
Overnight: Bellagio
DAY 7 - THE VALTELLINA
This morning, head north into the Valtellina, a region known for its alpine landscapes, terraced vineyards, and long-standing food and wine traditions. Your first stop is a family-run winery, where you’ll tour the vineyards and cellars and enjoy a tasting of local wines shaped by the alpine climate.
Afterwards, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local trattoria. In the afternoon, return to Bellagio, with time to rest before dinner or enjoy a quiet evening in town.
Overnight: Bellagio
DAY 8 - A PRIVATE CRUISE AND VILLA BALBIANELLO
Enjoy a slow morning in Bellagio—perhaps browsing the shops or sitting by the lake with a coffee. In the afternoon, board a private boat for a cruise across central Lake Como, taking in the beautiful villas and small towns that line its shores.
Stop at the spectacular Villa del Balbianello, perched on a wooded promontory. You’ll tour the villa’s elegant interiors and manicured gardens and hear about its role in films and history. Return to Bellagio in time for a farewell dinner with views over the lake.
Overnight: Bellagio
DAY 9 - DEPARTURES
It’s time to pack your bags and say goodbye to the Italian Lakes—at least for now.
The group transfer will travel to Milan Malpensa Airport (arriving by 11am) and Milano Centrale train station (arriving by 12pm). Please contact us before booking onward travel if you require a different transfer time.
Overnight: NA
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