EXPLORE THE SPLENDOR OF THE ITALIAN LAKES: AN UNFORGETTABLE 9-DAY SMALL GROUP TOUR.
11 – 19 MAY 2025 – NEW DATE JUST RELEASED!!
25 MAY – 2 JUNE 2025
4 – 12 SEPTEMBER 2025
6,270 AUD per person (double/twin-share)
7,670 AUD per person (solo traveller)
Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Italian Lakes on this exquisite eight-day small group tour. With elegant accommodations on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, you’ll wake each morning to breathtaking views that promise a day of enchantment and relaxation.
Your adventure begins on the shores of the picturesque Lake Maggiore. Explore the splendid Borromean Islands, the tranquil Lake Orta, and the charming vistas of Lake Lugano in Switzerland, all while enjoying the comfort and guidance of our dedicated tour leader.
From Lake Maggiore, you’ll travel to your next destination, Bellagio—the “pearl” of Lake Como. Here, you will stay in a delightful lake-front hotel right in the heart of town. Discover the renowned villas dotting Lake Como’s shores and venture into the lush Valtellina valley, known for its scenic landscapes and culinary delights.
Our tours are designed with your comfort in mind—ample free time is included to ensure you can explore or relax at your own pace, without the rush of early morning starts. Meals are enjoyed in carefully selected restaurants, renowned for their genuine local flavors and high-quality cuisine.
The tour accommodates a minimum of six and a maximum of twelve guests, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience that brings out the best of Italy’s legendary lakes.
Highlights
- Visit the stunning Borromean Islands
- Visiting pretty Lake Orta, a quiet, smaller lake off the usual tourist track and wandering the quaint streets of Orta San Giulio
- The views over Isola San Giulio from the Sacro Monte
- Private boat trip around central Lake Como
- A private guided tour of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello on Lake Como
- A short stop in Lugano in Switzerland
- Day trip to the Valtellina including a visit and tasting at a historic winery
- Authentic meals in carefully selected restaurants (3 dinners, 3 lunches) with wine included
Itinerary
Days 1 – 4 – Exquisite Lake Maggiore
Begin your nine-day Italian Lakes tour with an enchanting stay at Lake Maggiore, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil waters. Based in either Verbania or Cannobio, you’re perfectly positioned to explore this region’s best.
A highlight of your Lake Maggiore adventure is a visit to the celebrated Borromean Islands. Marvel at the baroque splendour of Isola Bella, wander the quaint streets of Isola Pescatori and enjoy the lush gardens and aristocratic ambience that have attracted visitors for centuries.
You’ll venture into Switzerland to discover the northern reaches of Lake Maggiore, including the charming town of Brissago and its adjacent islands. The Brissago Islands are particularly famous for their botanical gardens, where subtropical and alpine plants flourish side by side, creating a unique horticultural tapestry.
You’ll take a day trip to the serene Lake Orta. Visit the enchanting Orta San Giulio, known for its peaceful ambience and beautiful views. A short boat ride brings you to the mystical island at its centre, home to an ancient basilica. Conclude your visit with a walk around the Sacro Monte di Orta, a site of pilgrimage and spirituality, offering panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding forests.
11 May departure stays in Verbania
25 May departure stays in Cannobio
4 September departure stays in Cannobio
Days 5 – 9 Captivating Lake Como
As the tour continues, shift your focus to the elegant and iconic Lake Como, known for its dramatic scenery and luxurious lakeside villas. The second part of your tour blends cultural exploration with relaxing leisure, making the most of this stunning Italian locale.
You’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and spectacular gardens of Villa Carlotta, a treasure trove of art and horticulture. Then, experience the romantic allure of Villa Balbianello, a site of cinematic fame and breathtaking architecture, perched on the edge of the lake. Both villas offer insights into the luxurious lifestyle of Lake Como’s past aristocrats and provide picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
You will board a private boat for an exclusive cruise on Lake Como, allowing you to experience the lake’s beauty from a unique perspective. Admire the stunning villas dotted along the shores, each telling its own story of elegance and historical significance, and enjoy the tranquil waters of the lake enveloping you in its serene atmosphere.
And you’ll venture into the heart of the Valtellina, a valley known for its rugged beauty and the cultivation of Nebbiolo grapes, which produce some of Italy’s most respected wines. Visit a local winery to delve into the traditions of winemaking in this region. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a traditional trattoria, where you can taste regional dishes that complement the wines perfectly.
What our clients say about travelling with Italian Tours
Now that my holiday has come to end (as I await my flight home at the airport) I just wanted to send a quick note .
I have been on many big bus tours in the past- I will never go back to that! This trip has opened my eyes to this new way of travelling – it is great!!
The places we visited on this trip were truly beautiful and breathtaking vistas. There was a great balance of guided tour vs free time. The hotels were nice as well – and the location can’t be beat!!
I guess most of all, Anna Maria helped to make this a great trip. She is very knowledgeable on the area but most importantly, always took care of us. I also had dinner with her on 2 separate occasions (the single ladies, as we called ourselves – with B) and that was nice as well.
So, thanks again for this great trip. I will most definitely recommend you guys for anyone interested in this type of vacation, including myself when I come back to Italy.
Nadia, Italian Lakes Discovery Tour, September 2023