Lakes of Italy & Switzerland STANDARD Independent Rail Tour 2025

Our tour of the Lakes of Italy and Switzerland begins with arrival in Milan (arrival transfer included), where we will have a free day to explore the sights of the "Capital of Northern Italy": the Duomo with its terraces, the Castello Sforzesco, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the famous fashion and shopping streets. Return to the hotel in the evening and overnight stay.

Breakfast at the hotel. Afterwards, we will travel to Milan Central Station where we will take our train to Lake Maggiore. The shores of this lake are shared between Switzerland and Italy. The name Maggiore derives from the fact that it is the largest of the lakes in the area, but among the Italian lakes, it is the second largest after Lake Garda. Our train will take us to Stresa, the most famous resort on the western shore. After checking in at our hotel, we can spend the rest of the day strolling through the beautiful and picturesque streets of this town and letting ourselves be enchanted by the wonderful views of the lake. Return to the hotel in the evening and overnight stay. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we dedicate the day to visiting the famous Borromean Islands, a small archipelago that owes its fame to its three main islands: Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Ile) and Isola Bella. The first stop will be Isola Madre, the largest of the three and the most important island on Lake Maggiore. On the island is a 16th-century palace set in a magnificent English-style botanical garden dating back to the late 19th century. From Isola Madre one then goes to Isola dei Pescatori which is the only public island of the three and is also the only one permanently inhabited by a small community. Isola Bella, on the other hand, is famous for its paradisiacal Italian garden with the Teatro Massimo at its centre, composed of ten terraces forming a truncated pyramid adorned with statues and fountains; the scenographic layout is of rare beauty! The garden and palace were commissioned by Count Vitalino Borromeo in 1650, but it took a good four centuries to transform a rock into the magnificent work we visit today. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and overnight stay. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey with a private car transfer from Stresa to Domodossola, a picturesque town nestled in the Italian Alps. This comfortable drive allows you to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes as you make your way toward the Swiss border. Upon arrival in Domodossola, board the famous Centovalli Train, known for its breathtaking route through the "Hundred Valleys." This scenic train journey takes you through lush forests, over deep gorges, and past charming mountain villages as you travel towards Locarno. The Centovalli route is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Once you arrive in Locarno, a lovely town on the shores of Lake Maggiore, get the train to Lugano. The journey to Lugano is short and pleasant, taking you through more of Switzerland's picturesque landscapes. Arriving in Lugano, you'll have the afternoon at your leisure to explore this vibrant city. Lugano, located on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, is known for its Mediterranean flair, beautiful parks, and elegant shopping streets. You can visit Parco Ciani, stroll along the lakeside promenade, or explore the charming old town with its historic buildings and vibrant piazzas. After a day of travel and exploration, check into your hotel in Lugano, where you'll spend the night. Enjoy a relaxing evening, perhaps with dinner at a local restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere of this beautiful Swiss city. Overnight stay at your hotel in Lugano. (B)

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Today you have the opportunity to explore Lake Lugano by boat (not included in the rates). You can take a full tour of the lake, enjoying the scenery and stopping at some of the lakeside villages you didn’t visit the day before (be sure to check the timetables for boats and funiculars to optimize your itinerary). In the afternoon, if you’re up for a mountain adventure, take the funicular to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore (not included in the rates). Both mountains offer spectacular views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding area. On Monte Brè, you can enjoy a scenic walk or simply relax at the mountaintop restaurant. Have lunch at one of the panoramic restaurants on the mountain or at a café in Lugano upon your return. Spend the late afternoon exploring more of the city or shopping in local stores. You could also visit one of Lugano's museums, like the Museo d'Arte della Svizzera Italiana (MASI), if time permits. End the day with a relaxing dinner at a lakeside restaurant. Overnight stay at your hotel in Lugano. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take the early morning train to Como San Giovanni station from Lugano. The journey takes about 30 minutes, offering beautiful views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Como is known for its Gothic-style cathedral, the panoramic funicular railway and the pedestrian path along the lake. The Educational Silk Museum illustrates the history of Como's silk industry, while the Tempio Voltiano is a museum dedicated to the physicist Alessandro Volta. To the north are the lakeside gardens of Villa Olmo and other elegant villas. Afternoon free to stroll through the streets of this beautiful town or take the funicular and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake from above. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and overnight stay. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will dedicate the day to discovering the beauty of Lake Como, on the stretch of the lake that leads from Como to Bellagio. Our ticket allows us to get off at each stop and visit the various villages on the western shore. Arriving in Bellagio, we could devote some time to visiting this romantic town, situated exactly between the two arms of Lake Como. Bellagio is known for its cobbled streets, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park, an 18th-century terraced garden overlooking the lake. Be careful not to be distracted by such beauty and be sure to check the ferry return times to Como! On the way back to Como, you can admire the changing colours of the lake in the late afternoon light. Return to the hotel in Como and overnight stay. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Take your regional train from Como San Giovanni station to Milano Centrale Station. Arrival in Milano and end of services. (B)