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Italian Lakes: Orta, Como & Maggiore

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You are viewing the 2026 itinerary. Select your departure year
202520262027
7 days From £1,299 per person
4.2 stars(76 reviews)
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Experience three of Italy’s best-loved lakes, exploring historic lakeside towns, cruising to picturesque islands, and visiting Lugano, a city which blends Italian and Swiss charm

Mobility Rating 3

2026 Tour code: 26ORL

About the tour

Soak up the beauty, serenity and relaxed ambience of three of Italy's glorious lakes. Staying in a hotel on the peaceful shores of Lake Orta, quieter than its famed neighbours, we explore Como's lakeside towns and elegant Stresa on Lake Maggiore, Italy's second largest lake.

On this holiday of picturesque lakes, mountains and unforgettable views, cruise to tiny islands such as Isola San Giulio and enjoy a day trip to Lugano with free time to discover this historic lakeside city independently.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Sailing to the tiny islands of Lake Orta
Sailing to the tiny islands of Lake Orta
Enjoy a gentle cruise on Lake Orta, seeing the towns along its shores from a different perspective, visiting the medieval island of Isola San Giulio and the pretty town of Orta San Giulio.
Discovering Stresa on Lake Maggiore
Discovering Stresa on Lake Maggiore
Visit the town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore, immersing yourself in the history, natural beauty and charm of this elegant resort which has been popular with artists and writers for over 200 years.
Cruising across Lake Como, visiting lakeside towns
Cruising across Lake Como, visiting lakeside towns
Discover beautiful lakeside towns on the shores of Lake Como, one of Italy’s most celebrated lakes, on a cruise from the classic town of Menaggio to glamorous Bellagio.
Free time in the southern Swiss city of Lugano
Free time in the southern Swiss city of Lugano
Visit Lugano, the stylish Swiss city on the shores of Lake Lugano. Wander through the atmospheric old town, stroll among palm-lined parks, or ride the funicular above the city for views across the lake.
Based in a serene lakeside retreat
Based in a serene lakeside retreat
A family-run hotel with a highly-rated restaurant and a swimming pool in the serene location of Pettenasco, provides an idyllic base for our Italian Lakes holiday.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Turin for an overnight stay

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager this morning, before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, we change to the direct train to Turin where, after a scenic journey through the Alps, we arrive this evening.

The historic city of Turin is an important centre of business, finance and technology whose wide boulevards showcase Baroque, Renaissance and modern architecture. On arrival, a coach transfers us to our overnight hotel then, after checking in, we walk a short distance to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

Please note, if travelling by air, your holiday starts on Day 2 of the itinerary and ends on Day 8.

Includes
  • Dinner (Rail departures only)
Day 2 - Through the Alps to Lake Orta

After breakfast in Turin, we are taken on a guided walking tour of the city with a local expert, followed by free time over lunch. You may like to relax in one of the open piazzas and sample a Turin speciality, Fetta di Polenta, a slice of polenta.

Our journey continues in the early afternoon when we travel further north by coach towards to the peaceful village of Pettenasco on the secluded shores of Lake Orta. Arriving at our idyllic base, we check in to our friendly, family run hotel. With modern facilities, and spectacular views across the lake, our hotel is perfectly positioned for a relaxing six-night stay. Unlike the more famous lakes, Garda and Como, Lake Orta's seclusion makes it a peaceful alternative, where you can experience the authentic and laid-back Italian way of life.

Tonight, and each evening of our stay at Lake Orta, we are served a three-course dinner with a glass of wine or beer and hot drinks.

Please note, if travelling by air, your holiday starts today at London Gatwick where you meet your Tour Manager and group before flying to Milan Malpensa. In Milan we are transferred directly to our hotel on Lake Orta.

Includes
  • Breakfast (Rail departures only)
  • Dinner
Day 3 - Cruising to Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio

Today is a highlight of our holiday, as we board a boat from our hotel's private jetty for a cruise across the lake to the pretty town of Orta San Giulio, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has attracted writers and poets since the 19th century. Here, whitewashed townhouses with terracotta roofs are set against forested mountains. There is free time to look around this scenic medieval town, and maybe enjoy a lunch of fresh perch in one of the restaurants on Piazza Motta, looking out across the lake. Or wander down to the waterfront, dotted with small fishing boats.

Our cruise continues to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village, dominated by a fascinating ancient monastery. There is free time over lunch and into the afternoon to discover the pretty island. You could choose to walk its circular pathway known as the 'Way of Silence'. The 12th-century basilica is well worth a visit, for its frescoes and the crypt of the 4th-century Greek evangelist to whom the island owes its name. We sail back to our hotel later, and there is time to unwind or maybe to enjoy the hotel pool and spa before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - A day trip to the city of Lugano

Today's excursion is a visit to the pretty Swiss city of Lugano by coach, where there's free time to explore at your own pace. Nestled on the shores of glacial Lake Lugano in the south of Switzerland, this pristine city is filled with chic boutiques, pavement cafés and bars. Maybe make the most of Lugano's mild climate and take a scenic walk along the palm-lined waterfront before finding a local spot to settle down for lunch.

For amazing views of the surrounding hills and Lake Lugano, you could ride the funicular to the top of Mount Brè. Wherever you choose to explore in Lugano, you'll find a good choice of restaurants where you can indulge in local specialities, from typical Swiss dishes such as fondue or raclette to meals with an Italian twist such as pasta and pizza.

Returning to our lakeside hotel at the end of the day, there's time to relax before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - A day on the shores of Lake Orta

This morning a full day stretches ahead of you to spend as you choose. It is market day in the nearby lakeside town of Omegna and you could hop on one of the one of the boats from our village if you feel like visiting (payable locally). There you could browse the many stalls of produce and local crafts and maybe enjoy a coffee in the square. Another option is to visit the museum in Pettenasco, dedicated to the town's wood-working industry. The Romanesque church here may also be of interest, with its two bell towers and pretty entrance.

Alternatively, with lovely lakeside views from our hotel's panoramic terrace, you might be content to linger here, and drink in the scenery. Or make the most of the inviting swimming pool while soaking up some sunshine. However you choose to spend your day, dinner will be served this evening at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - A trip to beautiful Lake Como

We head to another breathtaking location today by coach - enchanting Lake Como, with a backdrop of the Alps and shores dotted with luxurious villas, orange trees, and sunlit village squares. Our first stop is the lakeside town of Menaggio, on the western shores of Lake Como, which has classic Italian appeal. With free time to explore here, you could wander down to Piazza Garibaldi, in the heart of the Old Town - maybe tuck into a gelato and watch the world go by.

We then cross the lake by ferry to Bellagio, a stunning location known as 'the pearl of Lake Como', on the edge of a peninsula. There's plenty of time to wander the cobbled streets independently and visit a café, or browse shops of locally produced crafts. You could also choose to visit Villa Melzi D'Eril and its gardens, just outside the compact town centre, which was commissioned by Duke Melzi D'Erlil, an assistant to Napoleon Bonaparte. Later, we drive back to Lake Orta, arriving at our hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - An excursion to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore

On the last full day of our tour, our explorations of the Italian Lakes continue. We drive to the sophisticated Belle-Epoque town of Stresa, overlooking Lake Maggiore, which has welcomed visitors - including the writers Lord Byron and Robert Browning - to its luxurious villas and hotels since the 19th century. There is plenty of free time to explore the town's beautiful villas, public gardens and museums. One suggestion is Villa Pallavicino, which has an English garden and a zoo.

Stroll along the promenade or maybe take a scenic boat trip to the Borromean islands, catching one of the frequent ferries from the port. The small island of Isola Bella is a popular place to visit, known for the opulent Borromeo Palace and its formal Italian Gardens. You could also take a sightseeing cruise to the nearby town of Baveno, with its pale pink granite buildings. Tonight is the last night of our tour and our final dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 - Homeward bound, by air or rail

Our Italian Lakes holiday has included visits to the renowned town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore and cruises to enchanting islands. We discovered the historic waterfront city of Lugano independently and visited the glamorous towns of Lake Como. After breakfast, our tour draws to a close and it's time to say a final goodbye to Italy.

If returning by air to London, your group will be transferred to Milan Malpensa airport this morning before your flight to London Heathrow.

If returning home by rail, we transfer by coach to Stresa for a rail connection to Paris, travelling via the lakeside city of Lausanne. On arrival in Paris, we join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras, where you are free to make your way home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

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

Hotel Giardinetto, Pettenasco

Hotel Giardinetto, Pettenasco

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Trains

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 76 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (28)
  2. 4 stars
    (37)
  3. 3 stars
    (10)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

Linda S

5 stars

Submitted 30/May

As a first time solo traveller, I was a little concerned if it was “my thing” but warmly welcomed into an incredibly friendly group of people with a great tour guide.. thank you Chris. My room in the hotel though was very dated with no outside space or view.. if booking make sure you ask for. Lakeside view with balcony! I wasn’t given that option.. food was good, and complimentary wine appreciated ., I felt the whole holiday was very good value for money, and I may look at another trip next year!

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Annette Breeton

5 stars

Submitted 30/May

The Italian Lakes trip was fabulous. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe what an amazing holiday we had. The scenery was spectacular and we were so lucky with the weather. From a forecast of rain nearly every day we had some cloud but mostly clear blue skies and sunshine. Each lake was quite unique and interesting, Maggiore our favourite with the boat rides out to the Borromean Islands. The excursions were all well planned and our tour manager Chris was exceptional, giving us just the right amount of information without overloading us. He was always helpful, friendly and extremely efficient. The hotel was great, food in the dining room was local, fresh and delicious. All in all a really wonderful, memorable experience.

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Douglas Jones

5 stars

Submitted 11/May

Great hotel, well organised travel, great locations. Great weather. All in all a great holiday

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Susan Norie

5 stars

Submitted 01 Nov 2024

Excellent value for money. Good hotels. Top class guide. Ideal for single travellers

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JANET TOWN

5 stars

Submitted 28 Oct 2024

Fantastic train journeys, wonderful hotel, gorgeous food ,excellent excursions, stunning scenery, above and beyond tour manager, great group of fellow travellers . Looking forward to my next trip ,took advantage of the no single supplement thank you .

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JANET TOWN
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Judith Newbold

5 stars

Submitted 18 Oct 2024

A very enjoyable holiday!

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