Italian Lakes Discovery Tour 2025

The tour begins with a mid-afternoon group pick-up from Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale train station, then a transfer to scenic Lake Maggiore. Upon arrival, settle into your cozy lake-view accommodations and prepare for an enjoyable evening of introductions. Share welcome drinks and dinner with your tour leader and fellow travellers.

Overnight stay: Verbania or Cannobio (location varies by departure date; details be-low).

Begin your day with a private boat trip to the Borromean Islands. Your first destination is Isola Bella. Enjoy a guided tour of the opulent Palazzo Borromeo, celebrated for its intricate baroque architecture and lush terraced gardens.

After exploring the elegance of Isola Bella, your private boat will whisk you away to Isola Pescatori, the “Fishermen’s Island.” Here, relax over a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savouring dishes featuring freshly caught lake fish.

In the afternoon, return by boat to either Intra or Cannobio in time to unwind and explore the charming town.

Overnight: Verbania/Cannobio

This morning, a private coach will pick you up from your hotel for the short drive to Lago d’Orta, one of the lesser-known and most picturesque of the Italian Lakes. Your visit begins in the charming town of Orta San Giulio, where you’ll have time for a coffee before taking a boat across to the island of San Giulio to explore the impressive 9th-century Romanesque Basilica.

Enjoy free time for lunch by the lake, followed by an afternoon visit to the Sacro Monte, a shrine to San Francesco perched above Lago d’Orta with stunning views.

Overnight: Verbania/Cannobio

Today, you’ll cross the border into Switzerland to visit the charming town of Brissago, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. After a stroll through town, board a boat to the Brissago Islands, an idyllic pair known for their lush botanical gardens. The larger island, San Pancrazio, features the renowned Botanical Park of Canton Ticino, showcasing an impressive collection of over 1,700 plant species worldwide.

Return to your base in either Verbania or Cannobio in the early afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps with a lakeside promenade, a relaxing stop at a café, or some shopping at local boutiques. The laid-back ambience is ideal for unwinding after the morning’s adventure.

Overnight in Verbania/Cannobio.

This morning, check out of your hotel in Verbania or Cannobio and travel north along the scenic shores of Lake Maggiore. Pause for a coffee break in Lugano, a picturesque Swiss town on Lake Lugano.

A short drive brings you back into Italy, where you’ll stop for a leisurely lakeside lunch in the charming town of Porlezza. Then, continue to Bellagio, the renowned “pearl” of Lake Como, and settle into your elegant lakefront hotel.

Overnight: Bellagio

This morning, board the ferry in Bellagio for a short ride to Villa Carlotta, located on the shores of Lake Como. Villa Carlotta is celebrated for its lush gardens and art-filled interiors. Spanning over 70,000 square meters, the gardens are a flourishing showcase of colour with azaleas, rhododendrons, and ancient cedar and sequoia trees. Inside, the villa houses an impressive art collection, including sculptures by Canova and paintings from the 19th century.

After your visit, catch another ferry to the charming town of Varenna, which offers a picturesque setting for an afternoon stroll. Explore the cobbled streets, visit the lovely Church of San Giorgio, or simply relax at a lakeside café. Spend your free time soaking in the ambience of this delightful Italian gem before returning to Bellagio

Overnight: Bellagio

You’ll leave the bustling shores of Lake Como this morning to visit the Valtellina, a region celebrated for its mountain vistas, robust agriculture, and cultural richness. As you drive through this panoramic landscape, notice the terraced vineyards that climb the steep slopes, evidence of a winemaking tradition that dates back centuries.

Your first stop in the Valtellina is a family-owned winery, where you will have a guided tour of the vineyards and the cellars, learning about the unique alpine climate’s influence on the local grapes. You’ll be able to taste the local wines. After the winery visit, you’ll have lunch in a local trattoria before driving back to Lake Como and Bellagio in the afternoon.

Overnight: Bellagio

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Bellagio, exploring its elegant gardens and chic boutiques or relax at a lakeside café. In the afternoon, board a private boat for a cruise across central Lake Como. Admire the stunning vistas of villas and quaintvillages along the shores.

Your cruise includes a stop at the exquisite Villa del Balbianello, famous for its manicured gardens, panoramic views, and a history rich with cinematic glamour. Tour the villa’s elegant interiors and learn about its storied past.

Return to Bellagio for a farewell dinner at your hotel’s restaurant on their terrace overlooking the lake.

Overnight: Bellagio

This morning, it’s time to pack your bags and leave the Italian Lakes, hopefully with plans to return! Your transfer arrives at Milan’s Malpensa airport by 11 am and at Milano Centrale by 12 pm for your onward travel. If you need to arrive at the airport or station at a different time, please get in touch with us before booking any tickets.

Overnight: NA