LAKE MAGGIORE & ITS VALLEYS

Eight Days Exploring Italy's Great Lakes, Alpine Valleys and Botanical Gardens

Experience the very best of Northern Italy and southern Switzerland on an unforgettable journey through spectacular lakes, mountain valleys and historic towns. Combining panoramic rail journeys, scenic cruises, magnificent gardens and charming villages, this itinerary offers the ultimate introduction to the Insubrian Lake District.

From the timeless beauty of Lake Orta and the magnificent Borromean Islands to the elegance of Lake Como, the scenic Lago Maggiore Express, the world-famous Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens and the emerald waters of the Verzasca Valley, every day reveals a new landscape.

Tour Highlights

Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio
UNESCO Sacred Mount of Orta
Lugano and Parco Ciani
Historic centre of Como
Lago Maggiore Express
Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway
Cruise on Lake Maggiore
The Borromean Islands
Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
Verzasca Valley
Locarno and Ascona

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival at Lake Maggiore

Arrival at the hotel, check-in, dinner and overnight stay.

Day 2 – Romantic Lake Orta

Discover the enchanting Lake Orta, one of Italy's most picturesque lakes.

Visit the medieval village of Orta San Giulio, the UNESCO-listed Sacred Mount of Orta, and enjoy a boat trip to the peaceful Island of San Giulio, home to an ancient Benedictine monastery.

Day 3 – Lakes Lugano & Como

Cross into Switzerland to explore elegant Lugano, including beautiful Parco Ciani, Via Nassa and the historic centre.

Continue to Como, where you'll discover its magnificent cathedral, charming old town and the city's long tradition of silk production.

Day 4 – Lago Maggiore Express

Enjoy one of the highlights of the tour aboard the famous Lago Maggiore Express.

Travel on the scenic Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, passing deep valleys, forests, bridges and dramatic mountain scenery.

Return to Lake Maggiore aboard a relaxing cruise, offering unforgettable views of the surrounding mountains and lakeside villages.

Day 5 – The Borromean Islands

Spend the day exploring the beautiful Borromean Islands.

Visit magnificent Isola Bella, the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori and the botanical gardens of Isola Madre, home to rare plants and free-roaming peacocks.

Day 6 – Villa Taranto

Guided visit to the celebrated Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, featuring more than 20,000 botanical species and varieties collected from around the world.

Free afternoon to relax or explore the lakeside town independently.

Day 7 – Verzasca Valley

Excursion into the spectacular Verzasca Valley, renowned for its crystal-clear emerald river, traditional stone villages and breathtaking Alpine scenery.

On the return journey, there is the opportunity to stop in Locarno or Ascona.

Day 8 – Departure

Breakfast before departure.

The Package Includes

Seven nights in a 3★ hotel on Lake Maggiore
Half-board accommodation
Six full-day guided tours
Private boat to the Borromean Islands
Entrance to Borromeo Palace and the gardens of Isola Bella and Isola Madre
Boat transfer to the Island of San Giulio
Tourist train in Orta San Giulio
Lago Maggiore Express (Vigezzina-Centovalli Railway and cruise from Locarno to Stresa)
Entrance to the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights

Price

From €589 per person (based on a minimum of 25 participants)