Overview

Just as our desire to explore and experience new lands is timeless, so too is the beauty of the Italian Lakes, which have unfailingly delighted visitors for centuries. It was the British travelers of the Grand Tour who first brought fame to Lake Maggiore, shaping the sophisticated lakeside villages that now nestle along its picturesque shores.

This breathtaking journey blends the serene Italian lakes with majestic Swiss mountain scenery. From Lake Maggiore to the hidden gem of Lake Orta, from the chic town of Locarno in Switzerland to Zermatt, where the legendary Matterhorn dominates the skyline, this itinerary captures the essence of northern Italy and Switzerland.

The region has inspired composers like Verdi and Rossini, poets, and writers who sought peace and creativity among forested hillsides, medieval villages, and crystal-clear waters. Whether it’s the scent of orange blossoms, the charm of traditional Italian markets, or the panoramic views from mountain peaks, every moment of this tour is one to treasure.

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrival in Stresa

• Flight from your selected airport.
• Arrive in Stresa, a charming lakeside town on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Day 2: Lake Maggiore & Borromean Islands

• Cruise to the Borromean Islands, a hidden gem of northern Italy.
• Visit Isola Bella, home to:
  • A stunning Baroque palace with frescoes and fine sculptures.
  • Terraced gardens filled with orange trees, magnolias, and white peacocks.
  • Views that once captivated Napoleon, Josephine, and Queen Caroline of England.
• Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, a quaint 10th-century fishing village perfect for a relaxing lakeside lunch.
• Return to Stresa in the afternoon.

Day 3: Centovalli Railway & Locarno (Switzerland)

• Private boat transfer to Cannobio, a picturesque Italian town.
• Travel by coach to Locarno, a Swiss resort town nestled beneath the Alps.
• Free time to explore Locarno’s historic center and medieval castle.
• Board the Centovalli Railway, a scenic narrow-gauge train journey through:
  • Chestnut forests, dramatic waterfalls, and hidden Alpine valleys.
  • Spectacular mountain landscapes with views of tiny villages clinging to cliffsides.
• Return to Stresa via Domodossola by coach.

Day 4: Lake Como

• Visit Lake Como, often described as Italy’s most romantic lake.
• Free time to explore Como town, known for:
  • Elegant lakefront promenades and grand villas.
  • Villa Olmo, a neoclassical masterpiece.
  • Its history as home to Napoleon, Archduke Ferdinand, and Garibaldi.

Day 5: Free Day in Stresa

• Relax at your hotel’s pool or explore Stresa’s elegant lakeside promenade.
• Optional activities:
  • Visit the Grand Hotel, made famous in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms.
  • Ride the Monte Mottarone cable car for panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the Alps (subject to restoration completion).

Complimentary Guided Walk (May – September)

• Take a scenic nature walk from Verbania Pallanza to Lake Mergozzo, an untouched hidden gem.
• Enjoy a forest walk with a naturalist guide, spotting wildlife and local flora.
• Return by local train to Stresa.

Day 6: Zermatt & The Matterhorn

• Journey into the Swiss Alps via the Simplon Pass, a historic route once used by the Romans and Napoleon.
• Marvel at:
  • Snow-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and glacier streams.
  • The possibility of spotting ibex, chamois, or golden eagles.
• Arrive in Zermatt, a charming car-free mountain village beneath the Matterhorn.
• Optional: Take the cog railway to 3,000 meters for unparalleled views of glaciers and Alpine summits.
• Alternatively, explore Zermatt’s cafés, chalets, and scenic horse-drawn carriages.

Day 7: Lake Orta – The Hidden Gem

• Visit Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most enchanting and least-known lakes.
• Explore Orta San Giulio, a medieval lakeside town with:
  • Colorful shuttered houses in pastel hues.
  • A charming market square and artisan food shops.
• Optional visit to San Giulio Basilica, renowned for its:
  • 14th-century frescoes depicting biblical scenes.
  • Preserved 12th-century artworks.
• Stop at the monumental statue of San Carlo Borromeo, the tallest historical statue in the world until the 20th century.
• Return to Stresa for the final evening.

Day 8: Return Flight

• Transfer to the airport for your flight home, after an unforgettable journey through the Italian Lakes and the Swiss Alps.