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Magnificent Maggiore & Lake Como

From £1,299
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: May 2025 - Sept 2025
Book now
From £1,299
Duration 8 Days
Departures from: May 2025 - Sept 2025

Tour Overview

The lakes of northern Italy are surrounded by breathtaking scenery and idyllic towns. Breathe in lungfuls of fresh, Alpine air and discover the magical beauty of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como on this gentle-paced holiday that’s good for the soul.

You’ll stay in a comfortable hotel on the shores of Lake Maggiore and enjoy a day trip to Lake Como and the elegant town of Bellagio. There’s a chance to admire the rugged peaks of the Alps when you visit a pretty mountain resort and time to savour the moment as you cruise to a tiny island for dinner.

This tour is about having time to yourselves to relax and soak up the stunning scenery. You can also choose from an array of optional excursions if you want to see more by road, rail or boat

  • Relax & Discover Holidays
  • Half Board
  • Flight Choices

Your Holiday Includes

  • Return flights from London
  • 7 nights half-board in a 3-star hotel
  • 14 meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 dinners and welcome drink
  • Travelsphere Holiday Director
  • Overseas transfers, other transportation and porterage

Included Holiday Highlights

  • Visit Lake Como, Como town and cruise to Bellagio
  • Explore the Alpine resort of Macugnaga
  • Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori and enjoy dinner on the island

Itinerary

Day 1 UK - Milan

Your much anticipated holiday begins as you travel to the airport and check-in for your flight to Milan. Perhaps treat yourself to a celebratory drink on board, and then when you arrive, we’ll drive you to the pretty resort of Baveno on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. Your hotel is in a lovely lakeside setting and you’ll have some free time to settle in and relax before dinner this evening.

Meals included: D

Day 2 Baveno - at Leisure

Spend your first full day in Italy admiring the beauty of Lake Maggiore. Its sparkling blue water is home to the enchanting Borromean Islands, which are set against a backdrop of soaring mountains. You can enjoy stunning views of the islands as you relax at the hotel or get closer if you join today’s optional private cruise.

We’ll be sailing to two of the islands known as ‘the sisters’ and will begin by stepping ashore on Isola Madre for a guided tour of its magnificent villa and English-style garden. Full of rare and colourful plants, you might also spot white peacocks, golden pheasants, and parrots as you explore the well-tendered grounds. Our next stop is Isola Bella, an island wholly occupied by the spectacular Palazzo Borromeo. Accompanied by a Local Guide, we’ll admire its stunning façade before venturing inside to see the richly furnished rooms. Outside, the highlight of the extravagant landscaped gardens is the Teatro Massimo, a pyramid of 10 terraces decorated with hedges, obelisks and statues. Another interesting highlight is a series of six grotto-like rooms that form a connecting passageway between the palace and the gardens. The rooms were built to provide a cool refuge during the hot summer months and are embellished with water-themed decorations.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Lake Como

After breakfast, we’re going to glistening Lake Como and the charming town of Como, which we’ll explore together. It has long been a popular destination for Italians, who head here to escape the stifling heat of the cities, and you'll see many impressive villas lining the mountain-backed shore.

We’ll wander around the picturesque lanes of the historic town centre admiring its medieval walls, ancient churches, enticing shops and welcoming piazzas. Once you have your bearings, there’s free time to enjoy a coffee or explore by yourselves before we travel further around the lake to Tremezzo. Here, a boat will whisk you to the elegant town of Bellagio, with its handsome, red-roofed buildings, cobbled streets, and stairways. Once on land, you can head off and do your own thing. Browse the upmarket boutiques, admire pretty gardens, or simply watch the world go by from a lovely little café or bar.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4 Macugnaga & Mount Rosa

Today, you’re going to discover the rugged beauty of the Anzasca Valley as we drive to the pretty Alpine resort of Macugnaga, a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Located in a glorious setting at the foot of Mount Rosa, the second-tallest mountain in the Alps, the village is surrounded by spectacular forest-clad peaks. After taking a stroll to look around, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the scenery, browse the shops and perhaps enjoy a bite to eat.

Later, we’re going to cruise to the smallest of the Borromean Islands, Isola dei Pescatori, where we’ve arranged a very special three-course dinner.

Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Baveno - at Leisure

After a couple of busy days, you might want to spend today relaxing at the hotel. It has an inviting swimming pool where you can take a refreshing dip, and is surrounded by a lovely, tranquil garden.

Alternatively, you can squeeze in a few more scenic sights on an optional trip to Orta, one of the region’s smaller lakes. We’ll begin our journey by coach and make a stop at a traditional market to see the array of stalls selling fresh and colourful local produce. Then, we’ll board a boat and sail across the lake to the beautiful village of Orta, which nestles close to the Swiss border in the foothills of the Alps. Enjoy some time to yourselves to explore the town’s picturesque streets and alleyways, stopping for lunch, if you wish, in one of the lovely al fresco restaurants. In the middle of the lake, St Julius Island is home to a stunning Romanesque Basilica and on our way back, the boat will make a short stop so that we can step ashore and take a closer look.

Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Baveno - at Leisure

You have another full day to do your own thing in Baveno. Perhaps take a stroll to the town’s historic centre to see the lovely church in the Piazza della Chiesa or enjoy a cappuccino in one of the tempting cafés.

If you would like to venture further afield, we offer an optional excursion into Switzerland today. First, you'll board a coach for the scenic journey across the Simplon Pass, a stunning mountain road with breathtaking views. Then, once you’ve crossed the border, a train will take you from Tasch in the Matter Valley to the mountain resort of Zermatt. Here, you’ll be greeted by the incredible sight of the towering near-symmetrical peak of the Matterhorn.

You’re now free to take in the scenery however you please. One option is to board the Gornergrat train and climb to an altitude of 3,089 metres. At the top, you’ll enjoy breathtaking, panoramic views of 29 mountains, including the mighty Matterhorn. Alternatively, you can take a thrilling cable car ride to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise for different, but no less spectacular, views of the Matterhorn and surrounding mountains.

Meals included: B,D

Day 7 Baveno - at Leisure

A day of quiet relaxation lies ahead, so why not take a leisurely walk by the lake and treat yourself to a gelato.

If you're keen to discover more, today’s optional excursion takes you on a scenic train journey across the Centovalli, or Hundred Valleys, to the Swiss town of Locarno. On the way, you'll pass through hillside villages and over high bridges, seeing waterfalls, vineyards, and chestnut forests from your window. When you arrive, you’ll have plenty of time to explore Locarno, a charming town where palm and citrus trees flourish. Perhaps you’ll decide to take a stroll around Piazza Grande at the heart of the Old Town or discover the majestic castle, now an archaeological museum.

Later, we'll make our way back to Baveno via a relaxing cruise.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Milan - UK

It’s time to bid farewell to Italy, and after breakfast, we’ll drive you to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B
  1. Favourite Moment

    Cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, the smallest of the Borromean Islands, taking in stunning views of Isola Bella on the way.

Accommodation (as specified or similar)

Hotel Beau Rivage

Hotel Beau Rivage is ideally located in Baveno, just a few minutes walk from the ferry landing stage.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, garden terrace and a swimming pool, typically open June to September. Bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, safe and a TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a balcony or a room with a lake view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.

Hotel Beau Rivage is ideally located in Baveno, just a few minutes walk from the ferry landing stage.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, garden terrace and a swimming pool, typically open June to September. Bedrooms have private facilities, hairdryer, safe and a TV. If you wish to upgrade to a room with a balcony or a room with a lake view for a supplement please call and our Holiday Advisors will be happy to assist.

Optional Excursions

Experience even more of your destination by adding one or more optional experiences to your holiday before you set off. Take a look below at the extra trips you can enjoy on this tour

Lake Orta and a Traditional Market

Lake Orta and a Traditional Market

Discover picturesque Lake Orta on this full-day excursion. Lesser known than its more famous neighbour Maggiore, it is equally as impressive, located as it is in the foothills of the Alps. Facing the lake is the quaint medieval village of Orta San Giulio, where you’ll find a wealth of Romanesque and Baroque architecture, quaint townhouses embellished with wrought-iron balconies and cobbled lanes flanked by old stone walls. Look out to the Isola San Giulio, an island dominated by the 12th century Basilica di San Giulio and enjoy a visit to a local outdoor market.

Full Day - Moderate Walking - Highly Recommended
Discover picturesque Lake Orta on this full-day excursion. Lesser known than its more famous neighbour Maggiore, it is equally as impressive, located as it is in the foothills of t...

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Gornergrat Glacier by Train

Gornergrat Glacier by Train

As an extension to your 'Journey across the Simplon Pass to Zermatt & the Matterhorn' you can add this extra train journey.

From Zermatt station, Europe's highest open air railway will take you to the summit of the Gornergrat at an altitude of 3089m. The train passes over bridges, through tunnels and across forests of Swiss stone pine and past rocky ravines and lakes. Once you have reached the top you will be greeted by spectacular views taking in Mount Rosa, the Gorner Glacier and of course the Matterhorn in all its glory.

Please note: this excursion must be booked alongside the 'Journey across the Simplon Pass to Zermatt & the Matterhorn' excursion - it is not possible to only take this excursion.
As an extension to your 'Journey across the Simplon Pass to Zermatt & the Matterhorn' you can add this extra train journey.

From Zermatt station, Europe's highest open...

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Italy - Borromean Islands Cruise

Italy - Borromean Islands Cruise

Take a fabulous cruise by private motorboat around the Borromean Islands, the jewels of Lake Maggiore. This group of three small islands and two islets is named after the Borromeo family, who began to acquire them in the early 16th century. Upon the islands, the family built magnificent summer palaces that were visited by royalty and noble members of society. You’ll see Isola Madre, whose villa is surrounded by open parkland and a beautiful botanic garden and Isola Bella, famed for its unique terraced garden.

3/4 Day – Moderate walking including many steps – Must-see
Take a fabulous cruise by private motorboat around the Borromean Islands, the jewels of Lake Maggiore. This group of three small islands and two islets is named after the Borromeo ...

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Italy - Rail Journey across the Centovalli

Italy - Rail Journey across the Centovalli

This full-day excursion will take you across the Centovalli. It features a superb 90-minute scenic train journey through the ‘hundred valleys’ over high bridges to Locarno. Along the way, you’ll pass thundering waterfalls, pristine vineyards, chestnut forests and remote hillside villages. You’ll return by ferry boat to Baveno and the relaxing cruise will allow you to appreciate the spectacular scenery from a different perspective.

Full Day - Moderate Walking - Bestseller
This full-day excursion will take you across the Centovalli. It features a superb 90-minute scenic train journey through the ‘hundred valleys’ over high bridges to Locarno. Along t...

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Italy - Journey across the Simplon Pass to Zermatt and the Matterhorn

Italy - Journey across the Simplon Pass to Zermatt and the Matterhorn

This full-day trip takes across the border from Italy into Switzerland, so remember to bring your passport! Keep your camera at the ready too, as views of spectacular mountain scenery begin as soon as you board the coach and journey across the Simplon Pass between the Pennine and the Lepontine Alps. Once in Switzerland, you’ll board a train for the short journey to the stylish ski resort of Zermatt, which nestles beneath the Matterhorn, one of the highest peaks in the Alps. Here, the Alpine air and picture-perfect views are a treat for your senses.

Full Day - Moderate walking - Scenic tour

Please note: It is possible to extend this excursion and book glacier experience. Please speak with a Holiday Advisor for more details.
This full-day trip takes across the border from Italy into Switzerland, so remember to bring your passport! Keep your camera at the ready too, as views of spectacular mountain scen...

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Further Information

Average group size of our tours

Group sizes vary between tours - we have an average group size of 27. We endeavour to make sure the size of the group has a positive impact on each trip and our guests almost always say that the group was one of the highlights of the trip!

Deposit information

When you book a holiday, you will be asked to pay a deposit, this will be made clear at the time of booking. In most cases we will charge the following deposit amount;

  • European Holidays - £200 Per person
  • Worldwide Holidays - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater
  • Ocean Cruises - £250 or 10% whichever is the greater

On some holidays we may charge a slightly higher deposit, to cover any costs we have to pay immediately to secure your booking with our suppliers. This will be made clear at the time of booking.

If you choose a tour that is within 84 days of departure you will need to pay the full balance when you book.

Our cancellation policy

If you decide to cancel your confirmed booking you must notify us (or your travel agent) in writing, as soon as possible. Since we incur costs in cancelling your arrangements, you will have to pay the applicable cancellation charges up to the maximum shown below.

  • More than 75 days before departure - Loss of deposit only
  • 43 - 74 days - 50% of tour price
  • 29 - 42 days - 75% of tour price
  • 15 - 28 days - 90% of tour price
  • Day of Departure - 14 days - 100% of tour price

Our full cancellation policy can be found in our booking terms and conditions, section 8.

How do I find out Entry and Health Requirements for my holiday?

We have partnered with Sherpa, an on-line self service tool that allows you to search up-to-date information regarding travel entry requirements for all countries and also allows you to apply for eVisas or eTAs via their on-line portal. Just click on this link to find out more – Travel Requirements & Visa Service

You can also refer to the Foreign Travel Advice section on the gov.uk website: Foreign travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Click on your destination and then click on 'Entry Requirements'. For Health Requirements, the Department of Health also offers travellers health advice on www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, click on country information to locate your destination.

It is important to remember that passport, visa and health requirements can change before departure; therefore, we recommend you regularly familiarise yourself with the latest requirements before you travel. If you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport/entry/immigration requirements, we are unable to accept any responsibility.

For some destinations, it is not always discernable that a visa is required for entry at the border.  For example, for some customers, to travel to the United States, an ESTA may be required. For Canada, an ETA and to India, an e-visa may be needed. Please do check your requirements to avoid any unnecessary cost and delays.

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Prices shown are based on twin occupancy of a double or twin bedded room with private facilities unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy supplements will apply. Travelsphere have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the hotel images provided on this website and images of room types displayed may vary to those offered on your tour. Therefore due to the possibility of inadvertent errors we do not guarantee their accuracy. Accommodation, airlines used and flight times are subject to change and will be confirmed in your final documents.

Reasons to book with Travelsphere

  • 60 years of touring
  • Expert direction & local flavours
  • Carefully-crafted holidays
  • A service you can count on
  • Book with confidence

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All Travelsphere holidays are financially protected via ATOL (flight-inclusive holidays) and financial insurance (non-flight packages). Additionally, all customer money is held in a Trust Fund, governed by independent Trustees. This means your money is 100% protected no matter what.