Italian Lakes
8 Days
From £1,875
In association with Tripsmiths Travel Limited
Check availability
Call now and book 0330 037 4741 Quote ref: ITALYLAKES
Check availability
Call now and book 0330 037 4741
Quote ref: ITALYLAKES
Email us
Spend a day in cosmopolitan Milan, sandwiched between visits to Lakes Como and Maggiore – all from your base on the stunning Lake Orta

Travel by rail on this no-fly tour, discovering the elegant gardens and serene lakes of Northern Italy along the way.

You'll stay at the four-star Hotel Giardinetto, beautifully positioned on the shores of Lake Orta, with time at leisure to explore the surrounding area. You might admire the medieval and Baroque architecture of Orta San Giulio or take a relaxing boat trip across to the peaceful island of Isola San Giulio.

A visit to Lake Maggiore includes time in the charming resort town of Stresa, famed for its grand villas and exquisite gardens, before crossing the border into Switzerland to explore Locarno, located at the northern tip of the lake. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Lake Como with its Renaissance cathedral, regarded as one of the finest in Lombardy.

The journey is rounded off with a day in Milan, adding a touch of vibrant city life. This cosmopolitan capital of fashion and design offers a wealth of attractions, from shopping and striking architecture to iconic sights such as the Duomo, Sforzesco Castle and Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

"A really interesting trip, never done this type of travel before but would definitely do again. The Tour Guide was exceptionally good, informative, amusing and very helpful. The various trips out were very good and i liked the no-fly aspect."

Previous guest - May 2026

To read more about this trip:
PDF
Download the brochure here

Tour Highlights

No-fly holiday

Travelling by rail from London to Stresa takes away the stress of flying. Relax as you watch the spectacular scenery along the way

Breathtaking lakes

You’ll be impressed by the sheer beauty of Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Como with their sparkling blue waters

Charming Swiss towns

An excursion to Locarno will give you a chance to experience the traditional character of these pretty Swiss border towns

Discover Milan

Soak up this cosmopolitan city, known for its architecture and fashion. Wander around the Duomo or explore the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Lakeside hotel

Four-star Hotel Giardinetto in Pettenasco is located on the shores of Lake Orta. Take in the beautiful views and dine on the terrace

Explore Lake Orta

With three days of free time to explore Lake Orta, you may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to see the 12th century Basilica
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Tour brochure
PDF
Download a PDF tour brochure

Price includes

  • Seven nights' at the Hotel Giardinetto, Pettenasco, on a half board basis
  • Excursions to Lake Como and entrance to Villa Carlotta
  • A day trip to cosmopolitan Milan
  • Excursion around the shores of Lake Maggiore, including Stresa and Locarno
  • Explore your surroundings on stunning Lake Orta
  • Stunning rail travel through the Swiss Alps
  • Return Eurostar from London to Paris; return TGV from Paris to Stresa

Essential information

You will need to handle your own luggage throughout the journey, including moving bags through stations, boarding and alighting from trains, on public transport and to your accommodation. For your comfort, we strongly recommend packing light and using wheeled luggage wherever possible as travelling by rail often means a longer journey time. Please also note that, as these holidays rely on public transport and train services, delays or service changes can occasionally occur and are outside of our control.

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 4, 2026
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 11, 2026
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,895*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Full payment required at the time of booking. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

London (LON)
From
Sun, Sun, Oct 18, 2026
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 25, 2026
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,875*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

London (LON)
Call now to book 0330 037 4741
Quote ref: ITALYLAKES
Got any questions about this trip? Send us an enquiry

Itinerary

  1. Day
    1
    Arrive in Lake Orta
    Lake Orta,

    Take the Eurostar from London to Paris and join the high speed train to Stresa (via Basel). Upon arrival, transfer by coach to Lake Orta and check in to the four-star Hotel Giardinetto.

  2. Day
    2
    Free time in Lake Orta
    Lake Orta,

    After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  3. Day
    3
    Lake Maggiore
    Lake Maggiore ,

    After breakfast, you'll visit Lake Maggiore by coach. Your first stop will be Stresa, on the lake's western shore. The town is full of villas and gardens and has an attractive lakeside promenade, perfect for a stroll. Continue to the Swiss canton of Ticino to stop at Locarno on the northern tip of the lake. Locarno is laced with Latin charm, and all the cobbled alleys of the old town lead to the colonnaded Piazza Grande which is renowned for its annual film festival. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  4. Day
    4
    Lake Como and Villa Carlotta
    Como, Italy

    After breakfast, you'll visit Lake Como in Lombardy. Lake Como is striking for both its mountain landscape and shores dotted with picturesque villages, luxurious villas and parks. Visit the town of Como at the foot of the Como branch. There are many artistic sites to see including the 11th-century Church of Sant'Abbondio and the Basilica of San Fedele. The heart of the old town is the Piazza del Duomo with its Renaissance cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in Lombardy.

    Next, visit Tremezzo, which offers some of the most spectacular views on the lake. One of the most visited destinations in the town is the Villa Carlotta, the only historic villa on the lake. Entrance is included, spend time exploring the stunning gardens, and you will quickly see why it is famous throughout the world. The other villas are private, but you can still admire their beautiful structures and architecture.

    Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  5. Day
    5
    Free time in Lake Orta
    Lake Orta,

    After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day
    6
    Day trip to Milan
    Milano, Italy

    After breakfast, enjoy a day trip to the city of Milan, internationally famous for fashion and design. Milan is also home to several historic and artistic attractions and is a fascinating city to explore. Wander around the spectacular Duomo, and explore the magnificent 'Galleria' where designer names jostle for attention. Or perhaps enjoy an Aperol whilst watching the Milanese go about their daily business. Return to the hotel for dinner.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  7. Day
    7
    Free time in Lake Orta
    Lake Orta,

    After breakfast, you are free all day to explore Lake Orta at your leisure. Situated entirely in Piedmont, it's only eight miles long and less than two miles wide - a hidden gem. You may wish to head to the island of San Giulio to enjoy a peaceful stroll or see the 12th century Basilica. Or, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacro Monte di Orta. This evening, have dinner at the hotel.

    Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
  8. Day
    8
    Departure
    Lake Orta,

    After breakfast, transfer back to the station in Stresa for your return journey to London (via Paris for your Eurostar connection).

    Meals - Breakfast

Brought to you by

Tripsmiths Travel Limited
This tour is operated solely by Tripsmiths Travel Limited
Tripsmiths Travel Limited is the UK's leading specialist in creating bespoke tours, cruises and rail journeys in the company of experts. Its exclusive trips combine unique experiences as well as access to inspirational people. All trips are ATOL-protected and financially bonded.

To view Tripsmiths Travel Limited’s supplier’s terms and conditions click here.

This tour is protected by the following:
Tripsmiths
Tripsmiths partners with leading tour operators and media brands to deliver unique travel experiences.

Availability

From
Sun, Sun, Oct 4, 2026
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 11, 2026
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,895*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Full payment required at the time of booking. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

London (LON)
From
Sun, Sun, Oct 18, 2026
To
Sun, Sun, Oct 25, 2026
Duration
8 Days
Price per person
£1,875*

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a standard room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £275. Deposit 30%. All mandatory additional charges are included in the price, please enquire for details. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Tripsmiths Travel Limited (ATOL bonded).

London (LON)
Call now to book 0330 037 4741
Quote ref: ITALYLAKES
Email us