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Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps

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You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
20252026
8 days From £1,499 per person
4.0 stars(134 reviews)
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Uncover idyllic scenery and charming towns on this holiday to two beautiful Italian lakes, and experience a journey to Switzerland on the Centovalli Railway

Mobility Rating 2

2026 Tour code: 26LMS

About the tour

Explore the serene beauty of Italy's lakes from your base in the attractive town of Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy a cruise on Lake Orta to an island monastery and explore the lakeside village of Orta San Giulio. Journey through the Alps to Switzerland on the Centovalli Railway, passing incredible scenery on the way to Locarno, before cruising back along Italy's longest lake to Stresa.

Experience Lake Maggiore at your own pace, with free time to uncover the idyllic Borromean Islands and Stresa's elegant history.

Unforgettable Experiences

Journeying on the ‘railway of 100 valleys’ to Switzerland
Journeying on the ‘railway of 100 valleys’ to Switzerland
Enjoy a spectacular ride through the Alps on the Centovalli Railway from Italy to the lakeside Swiss town of Locarno before relaxing on a return cruise along Lake Maggiore.
Cruising to Isola San Guilio and Lake Orta’s island monastery
Cruising to Isola San Guilio and Lake Orta’s island monastery
After sailing to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by an impressive monastery, explore serene Lake Orta and the picture-perfect village of Orta San Giulio.
Staying in a hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore
Staying in a hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore
Relax in four-star accommodation on the shores of Italy’s longest lake, savouring wonderful views of glistening waters and the stunning peaks of the Italian Alps.
Spending time at leisure to explore
Spending time at leisure to explore
Uncover Stresa and surrounding areas at your own pace, maybe taking the opportunity to go island hopping to the stunning Borromean Islands, catching a boat not far from our hotel.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – From London to Strasbourg

Your holiday starts as you meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras this morning before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, we board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in this historic Alsace city in the afternoon.

Our hotel is a short walk from the station, and Strasbourg's impressive main square, Place Kléber, or the half-timbered, riverside houses of La Petite France are only a short stroll from the hotel.

This evening, our group gathers to enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – From the Alsace to the Italian lakes

Walking to the station after breakfast, we board the train to Basel, continuing by rail to Stresa. Passing Swiss lakes and climbing the Alps, we then get our first glimpse of northern Italy, emerging into a verdant valley with sharp, tree-covered cliffs.

Our base for the next five nights is Stresa, a highly popular Italian resort that retains its characteristic charm. Small enough to explore on foot, its picturesque alleys and elegant promenade reward visitors with medieval buildings, opulent villas, attractive public gardens and fascinating museums.

Set beside the lake, our historic hotel has wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian Alps. We regroup for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Lake Orta cruise to an island monastery

After breakfast, we transfer by coach to San Filiberto, where we take a scenic cruise on Lake Orta to Isola San Giulio. Here, you are free to look around this tiny island village dominated by a monastery at your own pace. The inside of the basilica is worth a visit, with artwork stretching across the walls and under the domes. Alternatively, walk round the shore on the 'Way of Silence', viewing the Bishop's Palace and Benedictine abbey.

We then catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta. Unlike its more famous cousins Como and Garda, Orta's seclusion makes it a peaceful alternative where you can experience an authentic and relaxed Italian way of life.

This small but beautiful village has inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. On Piazza Motta, colourful buildings look out across the lake, and the 16th-century town hall is decorated with frescoes. You are free to explore and maybe stop for lunch. From Orta San Giulio, a coach takes us back to Stresa in time for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 – A free day to explore Stresa and its surroundings

You're at leisure in Stresa after breakfast today. The town's popularity began with the arrival of the railways as it found itself on the line connecting London, Paris and Milan. Soon, travellers and writers from Europe and beyond were drawn to its charming lakeside position. You could head out to explore the town or follow in the footsteps of historic guests such as Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret on a stroll along the promenade.

There are many impressive houses here, including Villa Pallavicini. With free entry, the gardens are a great place to wander around and observe giant tulip trees, Lebanese cedar and colourful flowerbeds which burst into life throughout summer. There is also a zoo with llamas, flamingos, zebras, kangaroos and other animals.

Alternatively, make the most of the hotel's comforts and spend the day relaxing. Enjoy spectacular alpine views from the sun terrace or take a dip in the pool of the sister hotel. Stresa's restaurants offer an array of fresh fish, meat and pasta dishes, which you are free to try when dining independently this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 – To Switzerland on the scenic ‘Railway of 100 Valleys’

A holiday highlight awaits as we transfer by coach to Domodossola for a superb trip aboard the Centovalli Railway. Meaning 'Railway of 100 Valleys', this is a spectacular route through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland.

We quickly ascend, passing the ruined tower of Creggio as our route winds up to Trontano and into majestic alpine scenery of mountains, gorges and waterfalls. After entering Switzerland, look out for the emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. Our train crosses dozens of bridges on its journey to its lakeside destination. On arrival in Locarno, on Maggiore's northern shores, you're free to choose a place to enjoy lunch and look around. You could take the funicular railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso or enjoy the town's lake views.

Our return journey is a cruise on Lake Maggiore, Italy's longest lake. Bordered by mountains, charming towns and villages spill out of the valleys, and you can spot the 16th-century castle island of Cannero before arriving in Stresa in time for tonight's dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – A free day for island hopping or relaxing

With a day at leisure ahead, you could relax at the hotel or go island hopping. From the jetty outside the hotel, you can board a hop on/hop off boat for a day of exploring the idyllic Borromean Islands.

The closest is pretty Isola Bella, dominated by the Borromeo Palace and its opulent gardens where you might spot one of the magnificent white peacocks. The next island is Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman's Island), a quaint fishing settlement. Here you could stop at one of the traditional restaurants to try a local speciality - perch caught directly from the lake. You could also visit San Vittore church to see the wooden busts of apostles Peter and Andrew, the patron saints of fishermen. The largest and final island is Isola Madre, covered with gardens of rare plants and trees from around the world. The grand palazzo overlooks an ornate pond and a charming family chapel.

Tonight, you dine independently, and to accompany the tempting risottos, raviolis and fresh fish on offer, you might like to try a regional Nebbiolo wine, such as Barolo.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 7 – Leaving Lake Maggiore by rail to Mulhouse

As we depart Stresa after breakfast, we travel by train through Switzerland to Basel, continuing to Mulhouse in France.

Travelling through Switzerland, soak up spectacular views of the majestic mountains lining the Rhône Valley before passing Lake Thun and the fairytale castle at Spiez.

In the historic Alsace city of Mulhouse, the focus of the medieval centre is Place de la Réunion, where you can find the Gothic Revival Temple St-Étienne and the pink and gold decorated town hall. Constructed in 1553, this striking Renaissance building displays allegoric frescoes representing vices and virtues. Our hotel is near the station, and it is here that we gather with our group to enjoy dinner this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound

From the gentle cruises surrounded by spectacular scenery to marvelling at the majestic Alps aboard the Centovalli Railway, it's easy to understand why lakes Maggiore and Orta have been charming visitors for centuries. Our elegant base of Stresa provided many opportunities to absorb the beautiful views on enjoyable excursions or while exploring independently.

After breakfast this morning, we take the short walk to Mulhouse station for the train to Paris. Returning to London St Pancras on the Eurostar, your holiday concludes, and you can make your way home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please Note

While every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Discoveries collection

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Milan Speranza Hotel au Lac

Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, Stresa

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Trains

Centovalli Railway
Eurostar
TGV

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Upgrades

Upgrade to Plus Class on Eurostar
London Hotels
UK rail connections
Door to door luggage service

Reviews

4.0 stars4.0 / 5 · 134 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (52)
  2. 4 stars
    (48)
  3. 3 stars
    (20)
  4. 2 stars
    (8)
  5. 1 star
    (6)

Mr Grey

5 stars

Submitted 10/Jul

Perfect weather, and a perfect hotel location facing the lake with its garden theme promenade.

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Mr Grey, Thank you for your review. I am thrilled to read that the location of the hotel made for a wonderful holiday to the Italian Lakes, it is even more beautiful in the sunshine! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Susan

5 stars

Submitted 27/Jun

It was a very enjoyable experience staying in a lovely hotel, and able to enjoy the use of a nearby swimming pool. Our guide Rob was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and well organised. I enjoyed all the travels both by train and coach.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Susan, Thank you for your review. I am thrilled to hear that you had an enjoyable holiday to the Italian Lakes, enhanced by your Tour Manager, Rob. Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Gill from Newbury

5 stars

Submitted 26/Jun

Wonderful trip. Rob was an excellent tour guide; offering a wealth of local knowledge. A beautiful part of Italy with an excellent railway service. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Gill, Thank you for your review. I am very glad to read that you enjoyed your visit to the beautiful Italian Lakes, and I am delighted that you would recommend this holiday! Best wishes, Richard
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr Philip Ogden

5 stars

Submitted 25/Jun

It was great the highlight for us was the free day to Isola Madre, Isola Pescatoria and Isola Bella. What needs to be pointed out though is when a balcony is offered as an upgrade it needs to be pointed out that you can’t sit out on it.

from Great Rail Journeys
Hi Philip, Thank you for your review. I'm really pleased to hear you enjoyed your holiday to Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Alps, and were able to make use of your free time. I will relay your feedback to our Product Management Team to ensure room descriptions are clearer going forward. Best wishes, Richard
Thank you Richard
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

A Duxbury

5 stars

Submitted 23/Jun

Wonderful holiday, super tour manager, amazing scenery, great company…

Collected by Trustpilot

Mr R Godwin

5 stars

Submitted 31/May

Excellent service from all concerned making the holiday relaxing and enjoyable.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show 6 more reviews
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Europe Holidays 2026 Preview

Rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning scenery await in Europe. Experience the Swiss Alps, indulge in Italy, explore castles in France, and much more.

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