Discover northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes on this 9-day small group tour of the Italian Lakes. Based on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, with a dedicated excursion to Lake Orta, this journey combines alpine scenery, historic villas, private boat travel and carefully selected lakeside accommodation.
Designed for Australian travellers who prefer a well-organised, unhurried experience, this tour includes boutique lakefront hotels, private transport, guided visits, and time to enjoy each destination at your own pace.
Tour Dates and Prices
6 – 14 May 2027
20 – 28 May 2027
2 – 10 September 2027
23 September – 1 October 2027
AUD 6,960 per person (twin or double share)
AUD 8,460 per person (solo traveller)
Tour Highlights
– Explore the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore by private boat, including a guided visit to Isola Bella
– Visit Lake Orta and the island of San Giulio
– Stay in Bellagio on Lake Como
– Visit Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello
– Travel into the Valtellina for a winery visit and traditional lunch
– Cruise central Lake Como by private boat
– Enjoy quality regional food and wine throughout the tour
Enquire About Our Italian Lakes Tour
If you would like more information about this small group Italian Lakes tour in 2027, please complete the enquiry form, and we will be in touch.
9-Day Italian Lakes Itinerary
Days 1 – 4 – Exploring the shores of Lake Maggiore
Your Italian Lakes tour begins on the shores of Lake Maggiore, where we stay in either Pallanza or Verbania, both positioned directly on the lakefront and well located for exploring the surrounding region.
A highlight of this stage is our private boat excursion to the Borromean Islands. On Isola Bella, we visit the palace and its formal terraced gardens, followed by time on Isola dei Pescatori, the only permanently inhabited island in the group. Travelling by private boat allows us to experience the scale of Lake Maggiore while moving comfortably between the islands.
We also spend time exploring the alpine valleys north of the lake, where the landscape begins to shift towards the high mountains. In and around Domodossola, an important historic town linking Italy with Switzerland, we gain insight into the culture and traditions shaped by centuries of cross-border trade, stone architecture and mountain life. The day includes time in the valley setting and a traditional regional lunch before returning to the lake.
Another day is dedicated to Lake Orta, smaller and quieter than its larger neighbours. In Orta San Giulio, you will have time to explore the historic centre before taking a short boat ride to the island of San Giulio and its basilica. We conclude at the Sacro Monte di Orta, where woodland paths provide wide views across the lake.
Days 5 – 9 The beauty and history of Lake Como
The second part of your Italian Lakes tour is based on Lake Como, where steep mountains rise directly from the water and historic villas line the shoreline. We stay in Bellagio, well positioned for exploring the central lake and its surrounding towns.
A private boat cruise across Lake Como provides a clear sense of the landscape and the scale of the lake. From the water, you see the historic villas, small harbours and villages that have shaped Lake Como’s long-standing reputation as one of northern Italy’s most distinctive destinations.
We include guided visits to Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, two of the lake’s most significant historic estates. At Villa Carlotta, you explore the art collection and formal gardens. At Villa del Balbianello, set on a wooded promontory, you gain insight into the architectural and cultural history of the lake.
One day is dedicated to the Valtellina, an alpine valley north of Lake Como known for its terraced vineyards and mountain cuisine. Here, we visit a local winery to taste wines shaped by altitude and climate, followed by lunch showcasing regional specialities.
There is also time in Bellagio to walk along the lakefront, explore the town’s stepped lanes and enjoy the setting at your own pace.
Accommodation
We stay in well-located, lakefront hotels throughout this Italian Lakes small group tour. Each property is selected for its position, comfort and character. As with most boutique-style accommodation in Italy, room layouts may vary slightly, but all rooms on this tour include lake views. Hotels listed are indicative and may be substituted with similar properties of the same standard if required.
Lake Maggiore
On Lake Maggiore, we stay in either Pallanza or Verbania, depending on the departure. In Pallanza, we use Hotel Pallanza, a historic lakeside hotel within easy reach of the Borromean Islands. In Verbania, we stay at Hotel Ancora, positioned directly on the waterfront with access to the promenade and historic centre.
Lake Como
On Lake Como, we stay in Bellagio at Hotel Florence, located directly on the lakefront in the centre of town. Its position allows easy access to ferries, walking paths and surrounding villages, making it straightforward to explore Lake Como without unnecessary transfers.
What’s included?
– Eight nights’ boutique accommodation in well-located, lakefront hotels
– Daily breakfast
– Four lunches and three dinners at carefully selected local restaurants
– Wine, or something softer, with all included lunches and dinners
– All land transport in Italy by private, air-conditioned mini-coach
– Private boat trips on Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
– Entry fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
– Expert, local guides at key attractions
– Experienced, bilingual tour leader throughout the tour
– Group transfers at the start and end of the tour from Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale train station
What’s not included?
– International flights
– Travel insurance (mandatory)
– Local city tax (payable directly at the hotels)
– Meals not specified in the itinerary
– Personal expenses
– Optional activities during free time
Why travel to the Italian Lakes with Italian Tours?
We specialise in small-group tours to Italy for Australian travellers. Since 2007, we have refined an approach that balances careful planning with a manageable pace. On this Italian Lakes tour, we stay in lakefront towns rather than passing through them, giving you time to properly experience Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Lake Como.
With a maximum of 12 guests, the group remains manageable and personal. We use well-positioned boutique hotels, travel on the lakes by boat, and work with experienced local guides, while your tour leader manages the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many people are in the group?
We travel in small groups of up to 12 guests. This keeps the Italian Lakes tour manageable and personal, and allows us to stay in well-located lakefront hotels.
Are flights included?
No, international flights are not included. Many guests choose to arrive in Milan a day or two before the tour begins or extend their stay afterwards. We are happy to advise on arrival and departure planning.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. We welcome solo travellers on all our small group tours, and most departures include several solo guests. A single supplement applies and guarantees a private room.
What does the single supplement include?
The single supplement covers the cost of a private room for the duration of the tour. Solo travellers are accommodated in a double room for sole use. As we use boutique lakefront hotels, room layouts and sizes may vary slightly.
Where does the tour begin and end?
The tour begins with a group transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport or Milano Centrale train station and concludes with a group transfer back to the same locations on the final day.
What level of fitness is required?
A moderate level of fitness is required. You should be comfortable walking for up to three hours at a steady pace, with breaks, including on uneven streets, garden paths and lakeside walkways.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests travelling with Italian Tours.
Other small group tours in 2027
If our Italian Lakes small group tour is not quite the right fit, we also offer a range of other small group tours across Italy. Many guests who enjoy Lake Como and Lake Maggiore also consider our Dolomites tour, Venice and the Veneto journey, or our Piemonte tour, each designed with boutique accommodation, regional food and wine, and a pace that allows you to properly experience the destination.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DOLOMITES
13 DAYS
June & September 2026
Trento, Ortisei, Merano, Riva del Garda
Experience dramatic alpine scenery, mountain villages and gentle walks in one of Italy’s most beautiful and lesser-visited mountain regions. Visit charming towns, scenic valleys and historic sites in this stunning corner of northern Italy.
THE GREAT GARDENS OF ITALY TOUR
15 DAYS
April 2027
Rome – Florence – Vereona – Lake Como
Explore some of Italy’s most beautiful historic gardens, set among cities, villas and lakeside landscapes. From Rome and Florence to Verona and Lake Como, this tour offers a graceful journey through Italy’s garden heritage.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE VENETO
14 DAYS
June 2027
Venice, Prosecco Hills, Vicenza & Verona
Travel through one of northern Italy’s most culturally rich regions, exploring historic cities, countryside and local wine and food traditions shaped by the former Venetian Republic.
COMING SOON
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