EXPLORE THE SPLENDOR OF THE ITALIAN LAKES: AN UNFORGETTABLE 9-DAY SMALL GROUP TOUR.
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 in the picturesque town of Cannobio, nestled on the shores of 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 Cannobio, 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 the picturesque town of Cannobio, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the best this region has to offer.
A highlight of your Lake Maggiore adventure is a visit to the celebrated Borromean Islands. Marvel at the baroque splendor 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.
From Cannobio, take a day trip to the serene Lake Orta. Visit the enchanting Orta San Giulio, known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful views. A short boat ride brings you to the mystical island at its center, 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.
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
“Thank you, our Italian hosts and guides, for a wonderful, bespoke and well-organized tour. Our agenda was a sensory mix of historical solemnity, floral whimsy, hydraulic innovation, and artistic beauty. We had great fun discovering the variety of species collected and showcased through the northern countryside and were humbled by the gracious hospitality of the private estate tours. Not only were we sated by the splendour of Spring, but the local wine and food more than quenched our appetites. It’s a fabulous tour for all the senses, with good walking shoes.”
Pauline & Suzette, The Great Gardens of Italy Tour 2023