Explore Northern Italy’s Lakes on a 9-Day Small Group Tour: Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and more.
5 – 13 MAY 2026
26 May – 3 June 2026
3 – 11 September 2026
24 September – 2 October 2026
6,650 AUD per person (double/twin-share)
8050 AUD per person (solo traveller)
Discover the elegance and tranquillity of northern Italy on this unforgettable small group tour of the Italian Lakes. Over nine days, you’ll explore some of the most picturesque corners of the country, with stays on both Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, two jewels of the region.
The journey begins on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore, where you’ll explore the remarkable Borromean Islandsand the lesser-known Lake Orta and enjoy a short visit to Lake Lugano in Switzerland. From here, travel to Bellagio, often called the “pearl of Lake Como,” where you’ll stay in a beautiful lakeside hotel right in the heart of town.
Highlights include a private boat tour on Lake Como, guided visits to the famous Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello, and a day trip to the Valtellina valley, known for its alpine beauty and exceptional wines—complete with a visit and tasting at a historic family-run winery.
Our tours are designed to be unhurried and enjoyable, with plenty of free time to relax or explore at your own pace. You won’t find crack-of-dawn starts or rushed itineraries here. Meals are a highlight, too—four long lunches and three dinners in handpicked restaurants where local flavours take centre stage.
With a maximum of just 12 guests, and led by a knowledgeable tour leader throughout, this is a carefully curated, slow-paced experience through the most scenic parts of northern Italy.
Highlights
- Private boat cruise on Lake Como
- Guided visits to Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello
- Visit the spectacular Borromean Islands
- Explore Lake Orta and the cobbled streets of Orta San Giulio
- Panoramic views from the Sacro Monte di Orta
- Day trip to the Valtellina with winery visit and tasting
- Authentic meals in selected local restaurants (three dinners, four lunches)
Itinerary Overview
Days 1 – 4 – Exploring the shores of Lake Maggiore
Begin your 9-day journey with a stay on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore, known for its majestic scenery and elegant lakefront towns. Depending on your departure date, you’ll be based in either Verbania or Pallanza—both perfect springboards for exploring the surrounding region at a relaxed pace.
One of the highlights of this first stage is a visit to the Borromean Islands, a trio of gems floating on the lake. You’ll step into the baroque splendour of Isola Bella, stroll the narrow laneways of Isola dei Pescatori, and enjoy the graceful gardens that have made these islands a favourite of travellers for centuries.
You’ll also enjoy a full-day excursion to the nearby Alpe Devero—a pristine mountain plateau high in the Italian Alps. Surrounded by peaks, wildflowers, and larch forests, this national park offers a refreshing change of pace. You’ll take a gentle walk through the alpine landscape, pause for a relaxed mountain lunch, and soak in the cooler air and quiet beauty of this peaceful setting.
Another day is devoted to Lake Orta, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. You’ll visit the lovely lakeside village of Orta San Giulio, with time to explore its cobbled streets before taking a short boat ride to the island at the lake’s centre, home to an ancient monastery. The visit concludes with a walk around the Sacro Monte di Orta, offering peaceful woodland trails and panoramic views over the water.
Days 5 – 9 The beauty and history of Lake Como
The second part of your journey takes you to Lake Como, where dramatic mountains meet deep blue waters and historic villas line the shore. You’ll stay in the heart of Bellagio, one of the lake’s most charming towns, with easy access to the best of the region.
Your time here includes a private boat cruise on Lake Como, where you can admire the grand lakeside villas and gardens from the water—one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the lake’s timeless elegance.
You’ll enjoy private guided visits to two of Como’s most iconic estates: Villa Carlotta, with its remarkable art collection and botanical gardens, and Villa Balbianello, famed for its stunning location and film-star history. Both offer a glimpse into the world of aristocratic leisure and beautifully maintained landscapes.
Another day takes you into the Valtellina valley, a scenic region known for its mountain views and wine traditions. Visit a local winery to sample elegant Nebbiolo-based wines, and enjoy lunch at a traditional trattoria, where hearty Alpine cuisine pairs perfectly with the local vintages.
Throughout your time on Lake Como, there’s also ample free time to wander, shop, relax, or simply soak up the view with a glass of wine in hand.
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