7 Days Italian Lakes Tour

Lake Maggiore 

Lake Maggiore is a serene northern Italian gem, celebrated for its clear waters, elegant towns and mountain views. With its mild climate, lush gardens and the iconic Borromean Islands, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and timeless charm. It’s an inviting setting for relaxed days by the water and leisurely exploration.

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4* Hotel Villa Paradiso

Set on the peaceful shores of Lake Maggiore, Hotel Villa Paradiso offers a refined yet welcoming retreat where classic Italian charm meets modern comfort. Housed within a beautifully preserved historic villa and surrounded by verdant gardens, the hotel provides a sense of tranquillity from the moment you arrive. Its serene setting makes it an ideal choice for travellers seeking a relaxing base while still being close to the lake’s cultural highlights and scenic walking routes.

Rooms are bright, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, many opening onto balconies or large windows that frame views of either the gardens or the lake’s shimmering waters. Soft tones, natural light and contemporary touches create an inviting atmosphere, while well-appointed facilities ensure a restful stay. Whether waking to sunrise over the lake or winding down to the sound of rustling leaves, the hotel’s calm environment enhances every moment.

Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s private sandy beach, a rare luxury along the lake, perfect for basking in the sun or taking a refreshing dip. The outdoor pool, set within the gardens, offers an alternative place to unwind, with loungers and peaceful corners ideal for an afternoon of relaxation. When it comes to dining, the hotel’s restaurant provides a warm, informal setting where seasonal ingredients and regional flavours take centre stage, complemented by lovely views that enhance the dining experience.

With its restful ambience, elegant surroundings and excellent access to both nature and culture, Hotel Villa Paradiso serves as a delightful base for exploring this picturesque corner of northern Italy. Whether your days are spent discovering lakeside villages, strolling through gardens or simply slowing down by the water, the hotel offers comfort and charm in equal measure.

Day 1 - Arrival - 13th April 

Depart Cork at 13:05h and arrive at Bergamo Airport at 16:35h

Meet your English speaking tour leader and the driver at the airport. Transfer to Bergamo. Drive to the Hotel Villa Paradiso 4* in Meina. Welcome drinks, dinner and overnight

Day 2- Borromean Islands Excursions - Full Day 14th April

Breakfast in Hotel.

Private boat from the slipway across the road from our hotel to the Borromean Islands (Isola Bella / Isola Madre and Isola Pescatori). Entrance to the Palace and Gardens on Isola Bella and Isola Madre is included. (Lunch included)

Today we visit one of the real gems of northern Italy, the stunning Borromean Islands, once owned by a Milanese Count who, in the 17th century, created the most amazing ‘belle époque’ villa here of which we have a guided tour this morning. Isola Bella, as it is called, is a stunning achievement, with its staterooms crammed with fine furniture, sculpture and art with intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork and frescoes adorning the high ceilings; it is simply stunning. Even more impressive, though, are the astonishing grounds, featuring ten interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. Marble statues and unique white peacocks add the final touches to this dramatic display. Previous distinguished visitors include Queen Caroline of England, wife of George IV, plus Napoleon and Josephine. In complete contrast, the narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and charming buildings of the fascinating Isola dei Pescatori, the second island we visit, reflect its 10th century origins and centuries-old fishing tradition after which it is named. 

Day 3 – Gardens of Villa Taranto and Island of San Giulio on Lake D'Orta - 15th April 

Breakfast in the Hotel. Driver to Verbania. Meet the guide in front of Villa Taranto and guided visit of one of the most important botanic gardens in the world, with thousands of species of trees and flowers from all over the world, planted harmoniously over an area of around 16 hectares, crossed by 7 km of paths and avenues. Lunch at leisure. Depart for Lake ORTA, one of the smallest Lombard lakes but also one of the most Graceful with its wooded banks. Meeting with your guide and access from the car park to the town centre by small local train, then crossing by boat to SAN GIULIO, a charming island which emerges in the middle of the lake, surrounded by houses with terraced gardens. Guided tour in the single, very picturesque street, dominated by the imposing mass of the seminary.

Back to the hotel at the end of the excursion. 

Day 4 - Lago Maggiore Express, Centovalli train and boat to Locarno Full Day - 16th April 

Breakfast in the Hotel.

Drive by coach to Domodossola. Arrive and board the narrow-gauge Centovalli Railway that travels to Locarno in Switzerland through the "hundred valleys" area. The little train winds its way up the Centovalli Valley, passing many traditional villages and old stone houses. From the train you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of beech and chestnut woods, alpine pasture, mountains and waterfalls. The railway crosses 83 bridges and travels through 31 tunnels between Domodossola and Locarno. When you arrive in Locarno, there is ample free time to have lunch, explore the town centre The ferry leaves Locarno in the afternoon for a gentle cruise back down Lake Maggiore to Arona. 

Day 5 – Lake Como, Villa Carlotta & Lugano - Full Day - 17 Apri

Breakfast in Hotel. Drive to Lake Como, the one of the most spectacular lakes in Italy. Guided visit of Como, a modern city steeped in history. See the 14th century cathedral or hunt out some bargains in the vast array of silk shops.Drive to Temezzo and visit the Villa Carlotta. Lunch at leisure. Drive to Lugano Lake.

Lugano city nestles between the peaks of S. Salvatore and Monte Bré and looks out over the celestial blue waters of the Lake. Back to the Hotel. Dinner at leisure and overnight

Day 6 - Free Day (with optional tour to Milan City Tour) - 18th April 

Breakfast in Hotel.

Milan boasts an unparalleled combination of history and culture with all the advantages of a modern European city. You will have the opportunity to see all the important sights.

This optional tour is outside the included itinerary and therefore a supplement is payable should you wish to take this day tour– Also the entrance fee to climb to the Dome of Milan Cathedral is payable locally.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Hotel.

Day 7 – Free Day - 19th April 

Breakfast in Hotel.

Today you can relax in the beautiful grounds of the Hotel, do some last minute shopping in Meina. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 8 –Departure - 20th April 

Breakfast in Hotel. Transfer from Hotel to Bergamo Airport.

Single Supplement: €550pp

Deposit: €450pp

*The above price is based on a specific airfare. If the airfare increases at the time of booking, an additional supplement will be charged.