Best of the Italian Lakes by Rail

Day 1  Milan, Italy    
Arrive at glamorous Milan and settle into your hotel. Head out to explore the captivating sites of this dynamic city including the spectacular Duomo, the medieval Sforza Castle and the numerous art galleries, admiring Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous masterpiece ‘The Last Supper’. Enjoy a relaxing evening dining alfresco in one of the atmospheric piazzas.    

Day 2  Milan to Lake Maggiore    
Board the train to Stresa, the hub of Lake Maggiore and make your own way to your nearby hotel nestled by the tranquil waters. Situated at the foot of the Alps, Lake Maggiore offers jaw dropping scenery and enchanting, pastel-coloured villages that pepper the shoreline. Perhaps spend today simply relaxing on the lakefront and wandering the pretty old town of Stresa, passing the grand villas from a bygone time.    

Days 3-4  Lake Maggiore  
Spend the next couple of days lounging on Lake Maggiore’s sunny beaches, rowing on the picturesque lake, visiting the many nearby villages as well as hiking or cycling the breathtaking trails of the area. Lake Maggiore is particularly known for its incredible gardens, the most striking being Isola Madre and Isola Bella on the Borromean Islands, the jewels of Lake Maggiore. The charming communes that surround the lake can easily be reached by ferry or bus, visiting picturesque villages such as Verbania and Baveno. Make sure to take the trip to Luino’s weekly wednesday market, the largest market on Lake Maggiore with over 300 stalls to peruse.    

Day 5  Lake Maggiore to Lake Como    
Hop on your train to Como, the charming historic town and vibrant centre of glamorous Lake Como. Make your own way to your hotel located in Como Town, just moments away from the glistening lake shores. Spend the afternoon wandering the beautiful cobblestone streets, admiring the impressive Gothic cathedral and savouring lakeside cuisine.    

Days 6-7  Lake Como  
Enjoy the next couple days taking in the many incredible wonders of Lake Como. Take a day trip to the ‘pearl of the lake’, Bellagio for some of the prettiest views and quaint cafés, explore the elegant, large villas that dot the shoreline and take part in the plethora of watersports available. For the most dramatic views take the short funicular ride from Como to Brunate where you can marvel at breathtaking panoramas over the alps and lake. For the thrill seekers, perhaps visit Menaggio for its plethora of excursions and sport activities, whilst the quaint village of Nesso is perfect for those seeking a more hidden gem, offering vistas of authentic brick houses with red rooftops cascading down slopes and a picturesque gorge.    

Day 8  Lake Como to Lake Lugano, Switzerland    
Board the train to the Mediterranean-influenced, Swiss lakeside city of Lugano and make your own way to your hotel, just a short walk or funicular from the station. Lake Lugano sits across the border of Switzerland and Italy, gifting both countries with its glistening shores. This afternoon, enjoy navigating the hidden lanes and lively café culture of Lugano, surrounded by mesmerising views of verdant hillsides and turquoise waters.

Days 9-10  Lake Lugano    
Continue exploring delightful Lake Lugano, perhaps taking the cable car to Monte Bré summit for unforgettable views or hopping on board a scenic lake cruise. Why not walk the picturesque Olive Trail, starting in Castagnola, the path meanders around the lake past ancient olive groves and chestnut forests to tiny Gandria, an enchanting car-free village set at the foot of Monte Bré mountain. Lounge by the lake, walk the numerous well-maintained trails or perhaps take a short train journey to Bellinzona, Ticino’s medieval capital, to see the three impressive castles built into the hillside.  

Day 11  Lake Lugano to Milan, Italy    
Today, leave the lakes behind and hop on board your train back to Milan. Enjoy a final day to see the sights you may have missed and reminisce on your holiday.

Day 12  Fly home