Jewels of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Centovalli Railway
Italy
Fully Guided
Flights & Transfers
Your 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
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Moderate
Day
Travel to Italy
Arrive in Lake Maggiore
Upon arrival in Italy, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel.
At Leisure
At Leisure
Full DayToday is free to enjoy as you please.
Check out the local cafes and lovely lakeside walks, while enjoying splendid views across the lake to the Borromean Islands.
Ask our guide to recommend some places of interest for you according to your tastes.
Borromean Islands
Full Day Excursion to Borromean Islands
Full DayToday, we’ll enjoy a full day excursion visiting the Borromean Islands by boat. Isola Bella is one of the most admired destinations on Lake Maggiore and here we’ll visit the famous Baroque Palace and Italian style terraced gardens, famous for its white peacocks.
After some free time, our next visit will be to Fisherman's Island (Isola Dei Pescatori), the only permanently inhabited island, which is famed for its narrow lanes and Church of San Vittore.
We’ll have some free time for lunch (under own arrangements), before we continue to Isola Madre, the largest of the three islands. With its 20 acre park, the rare plants and exotic flowers in the English styled botanical gardens will enchant us, before we finish up with a visit to the 16th century home where the Borromean family spent their summers.
At Leisure
Free Time in Lake Maggiore
Full DayWe will have a full day to relax and take it easy today! Our guide will be happy to offer suggestions for activities and places to see in the surrounding area.
Lake Orta
Trip to Lake Orta
Half DayFollowing breakfast, we’ll travel by coach to Omegna at the northern tip of Lake Orta. Next, we’ll continue onwards 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 the 'Venice without water', Orta is a maze of picturesque streets and narrow cobbled lanes with many chapels dedicated to St Francis of Assisi. We’ll return to our hotel in the afternoon.
At Leisure
Explore Lake Maggiore at Your Own Pace
Full DayToday we have a further opportunity to relax and enjoy this lovely region of Italy.
Our guide will recommend some places of interest for you according to your tastes.
Centovalli Railway
Experience a scenic rail journey
Full DayAfter breakfast, we’ll travel by coach along the Ossola Valley floor towards Domodossola. Here, we’ll board a narrow gauge railway for our scenic rail journey travelling over 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels into the Swiss town of Locarno at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. We’ll have free time at leisure for lunch (under own arrangements), shopping and sightseeing in Locarno before returning to our hotel by coach in the afternoon.
Return Home
Depart Italy
Time to say 'arrivederci' to Lake Maggiore. Transfer from our hotel, with guide assistance, for our return flight home.
* 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.
Customer Reviews
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.
