Experience Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands and Villa Taranto as gardens, lakeside towns and scenic journeys create a magical Italian escape.
Starting from $1000 per person.
A Taste of Lake Maggiore Tour | Vacation Packages for 2025 – 2026
4 Days/3 Nights
Starting from
$1000
per person*
Unforgettable Italian Journeys, Designed for You
Curated by passionate Italy experts, this sample itinerary is just the beginning of your Italian adventure. Every journey we design is unique, crafted around your interests, pace, and dreams so you can experience Italy’s beauty and culture like a true insider. Let us transform your vision into a one-of-a-kind travel experience, filled with authentic moments and lasting memories
Day 1
LAKE MAGGIORE, BAVENO, VERBANIA, VILLA TARANTO
A Soft Landing in Northern Italy’s Scenic Corner
- Arrival on Lake Maggiore and check-in at your hotel in Baveno or nearby
- Suggested afternoon visit to Verbania and the famous Gardens of Villa Taranto
- Stroll among rare plants, flowerbeds, and landscaped terraces overlooking the lake
- Return to Baveno for a welcome dinner
- Overnight stay at your hotel on Lake Maggiore
Day 2
BORROMEE ISLANDS, STRESA
Palace Gardens and Lake Breezes
- Breakfast at your hotel in Baveno
- Meet your local guide and transfer to the lake pier
- Ferry excursion to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori
- Visit Isola Bella: Palazzo Borromeo and its terraced Italian-style gardens
- Explore Isola dei Pescatori: narrow alleys, traditional houses, and lakeside restaurants
- Return to Stresa with free time for lunch on your own
- Suggested afternoon in Stresa with a stop at a pasticceria to taste “Margheritine” cookies
- Return on your own to Baveno; dinner on your own and overnight stay
Day 3
DOMODOSSOLA, CENTOVALLI LOCAL TRAIN, LOCARNO (Switzerland)
From Market Squares to Mountain Rails
- Breakfast at your hotel on Lake Maggiore
- Suggested independent excursion by train from Stresa to Domodossola
- Board the scenic “Centovalli” (100 Valleys) train through the Vigezzo Valley and alpine landscapes
- Enjoy views of waterfalls, deep gorges, vineyards, forests, and picturesque villages
- Arrive in Locarno, Switzerland (passport required) and stroll through the town center
- Ferry cruise on Lake Maggiore from Locarno back to Stresa with panoramic lake views
- Return to your hotel in Baveno; dinner on your own and overnight stay
Day 4
LAKE MAGGIORE
Sparkling Waters and Storybook Shores
- Breakfast at your hotel in Baveno
- Check-out and end of services
MAKE THIS ITINERARY YOURS
Turn this sample itinerary into your dream Italy vacation – tailored to your pace, passions, and budget.
Day 1
LAKE MAGGIORE, BAVENO, VERBANIA, VILLA TARANTO
A Soft Landing in Northern Italy’s Scenic Corner
Arrive on the shores of Lake Maggiore and check in at your hotel in Baveno or the surrounding area, a peaceful base for exploring this stunning Italian lake district. In the afternoon, we suggest heading to Verbania to visit the renowned Gardens of Villa Taranto, considered among the most beautiful botanical gardens in Europe. Carefully designed by Captain McEacharn starting in 1931, these gardens feature rare plants, colorful flowerbeds, and scenic paths with panoramic views of the lake. After your visit, return to your hotel in Baveno to enjoy a welcome dinner and a relaxing overnight stay on Lake Maggiore.
Day 2
BORROMEE ISLANDS, STRESA
Palace Gardens and Lake Breezes
After breakfast, meet your local guide and transfer to the pier for a scenic ferry ride on Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands. Your first stop is Isola Bella, the most famous island on the lake, where the magnificent Baroque Palazzo Borromeo and its spectacular Italian-style gardens cascade down in ten terraces to the water’s edge. Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, a charming fishing village island with narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and inviting restaurants. After exploring, return to Stresa, one of Lake Maggiore’s most elegant resort towns, and enjoy lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we suggest wandering through Stresa’s historic center and stopping at a local pasticceria to taste the traditional “Margheritine” cookies, created in honor of Queen Margherita di Savoia and now a symbol of the town. Make your way back on your own to your hotel in Baveno. Dinner is at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 3
DOMODOSSOLA, CENTOVALLI LOCAL TRAIN, LOCARNO (Switzerland)
From Market Squares to Mountain Rails
After breakfast, we recommend a full-day independent excursion into the mountains and across the border into Switzerland. Take the train from Stresa to Domodossola, then board the famous “Centovalli” train, a scenic railway that winds through the Vigezzo Valley and countless picturesque valleys. During the 1.5-hour journey, you’ll pass dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls, vineyards, chestnut forests, and charming alpine villages. The train arrives in Locarno, a delightful Swiss town on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore (passport required). After a short walk through the historic center, board a ferry for a relaxing cruise back down the lake to Stresa, enjoying splendid views of the shoreline, islands, and mountains. Return to your hotel in Baveno later in the day, then enjoy dinner on your own and an overnight stay.
Day 4
LAKE MAGGIORE
Sparkling Waters and Storybook Shores
Enjoy your final breakfast on Lake Maggiore before checking out of your hotel. Your stay among the gardens, islands, and alpine scenery of Baveno, Stresa, and the surrounding region comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes.
This Package Includes:
– 3 nights accommodation in 4 Star Hotel in Baveno or similar;
– Daily breakfast;
– Welcome Dinner;
– Half day English speaking guide to visit the Borromees Islands;
– 4 Days of Car Rental Class B (Fully Inclusive Coverage Included)
– Vat Taxes and service Charges.
This Package Does Not Include:
– All Land & Air prices: Additional U.S. & Foreign Departure Taxes and Surcharges Fee(s) assessed by the Airlines.
– Hospitality city tax which varies by city and hotel category. If applicable it has to be paid locally to the hotel.
– Transportation, Entrance Fees to Monuments or Museums, Tips, Extras.
– Beverages during meals.
– All which is not mentioned under PACKAGE INCLUDES.
Terms and Conditions:
Fly and Drive independent tour package.
Available all year around on request.
Minimum number of participants: 2 people.
The suggested itinerary includes also Switzerland. A Passport is necessary to enter Switzerland. Some nationalities require also a Visa. It is the responsibility of each traveler to check with the appropriate consulate if any Visa is required.
(*) Rate based on two adult persons sharing a double or twin bedded room with private bathroom. Single rooms are available at an additional supplement. Childrens, triple room rates and alternative accommodation arrangements are available upon request. (Additional and different charges may apply).