5 Best lakes in Italy for a scenic getaway
Gina Willcox
Jewels of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Centovalli Railway
Italy
Fully Guided7
Nights-
Half Board (+2)
Flights & TransfersYour Guided Group Holiday To Lake Maggiore
Let’s explore Italy’s lesser known lakes on this 7-night holiday that offers the perfect combination of activity, exploration and recreation. We’ll take in the crystal blue waters of Lake Maggiore and Orta with panoramic boat rides, stopping to explore some of the lakeside towns and the famous summer palace on Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands. We will also visit Lake Orta, considered a hidden gem by locals who refer to it as “La Cenerentola” or Cinderella, because it’s even more beautiful than its sisters Como and Maggiore. We’ll take a scenic train journey, between Locarno and Domodossola which runs through the magical “Hundred Valleys”. This Italy holiday also offers plenty of free time to stroll around the Lake Maggiore, relax with a gelato or explore the surrounding area with tips from your expert guide.
Please note: Stays at the Hotel Moderno are on a Bed & Breakfast basis with two evening meals included
Tour Map
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Moderate
What does this level mean?
Day
Travel to Italy
1
Transfer to Lake Maggiore
Upon arrival in Italy, you will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel.
Free Time on Lake Maggiore
2
Full Day
At Leisure
Full DayToday is free for you to experience Lake Maggiore at your own pace.
Take time to:
- Discover the local cafés
- Enjoy gentle lakeside walks
- Admire splendid views across the water towards the Borromean Islands
Our guide will be happy to recommend places of interest based on your tastes.
Borromean Islands
3Full Day
Full-Day Boat Excursion to the Borromean Islands
Full DayToday, we’ll take a full-day excursion by boat to the beautiful Borromean Islands, one of the highlights of any Lake Maggiore tour.
- First stop is Isola Bella, one of Lake Maggiore’s most admired destinations
- We’ll visit the famous Baroque Palace and Italian-style terraced gardens, known for their elegant design and white peacocks
- After some free time, continue to Fisherman’s Island, or Isola dei Pescatori
- You will have free time for lunch, which is at your own arrangement
- Next, we’ll continue to Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands
- Then, we’ll visit the 16th-century home where the Borromean family spent their summers
At Leisure
4Full Day
Free Time in Lake Maggiore
Full DayToday is yours to relax and take things slowly. You may wish to:
- Soak up the beautiful lakeside scenery
- Explore nearby places of interest
- Simply unwind at your hotel
Our guide will be happy to suggest activities and places to see in the surrounding area.
Lake Orta
5Half Day
Half-Day Trip to Lake Orta and Orta Village
Half DayFollowing breakfast, travel by coach to Omegna at the northern tip of Lake Orta.
From here, continue through quaint villages to the southern end of the lake, where we’ll board a boat and sail to the medieval village of Orta, known as ‘Venice without water’. A maze of cobbled lanes and picturesque streets, it is home to many chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi.
You will return to your hotel in the afternoon.
At Leisure
6Full Day
Explore Lake Maggiore at Your Own Pace
Full DayToday gives you another opportunity to relax and relish this lovely region of Italy.
Spend the day as you please, whether you prefer
- Lakeside stroll
- Local cafés
- Simply taking in the scenery
Our guide can recommend places of interest to suit your preferences.
Centovalli Railway
7Full Day
Scenic Journey on the Centovalli Railway
Full DayAfter breakfast, travel by coach along the Ossola Valley floor towards Domodossola.
Here, we’ll board a narrow-gauge railway for a scenic journey across 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels into the Swiss town of Locarno, at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore.
Once in Locarno, you will have free time for:
- Lunch which is at your own arrangement
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
You will then return to your hotel by coach in the afternoon.
Depart Italy
8
Return Home
Today, your Lake Maggiore holiday comes to an end.
We’ll transfer you from your hotel with assistance from our guide for your return flight home, filled with happy memories of Italy.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
