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Best of the Italian Lakes
Operated by Railbookers
Tripcode:
Overview
Destination:
Italy,
Switzerland,
Start:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Zurich, Switzerland
Finish:Zurich, Switzerland
Duration:10 days
Travel Period
March 2026 - May 2026
Discover three of Europe's most beautiful lakes on this unforgettable European rail holiday. The tour starts with an overnight in Zurich then an amazing rail journey via the alps to Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy and the largest in southern Switzerland. You will stay in the resort town of Stresa whose landmark buildings include Villa Pallavicino, with its gardens and zoo, and the Grand Hôtel des Îles Borromées, where author Hemingway once stayed. Next is Lake Lugano a glacial lake which straddles the Swiss-Italian border. Next is Lake Como, an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery - here you will stay in the village of Cadenabbia on the westside of the lake which forms the perfect base to explore the surrounding area.
Best of the Italian Lakes rail holiday highlights:
- Explore the cobbled streets of Zurich's splendid Old Town
- Discover the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore
- Enjoy some Swiss hospitality in Lugano
- Relax on the shores of iconic Como
Please note: Prices are based per person twin share.
Highlights:
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Zurich
On arrival in Zurich make your own way to the hotel for your overnight stay. Zurich is a boutique city that offers everything that implies, albeit in small and exquisite format. So, explore the restaurants and bars alongside the shimmering lake framed by alpine mountains, or take a stroll around the Old Town, alternatively a dip in a ‘badi' - open-air swimming pools beloved by locals.
Overnight: Zurich.
Day 2: Zurich to Stresa
This morning is free time before boarding your lunch time train to Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Once you have checked into your hotel enjoy the sunset over the lake. Meal: (B).
Overnight: Stresa.
Day 3: Stresa
Today discover the tiny Borromean Islands with your hop-on hop-off ferry ticket. Use the 1-day pass to venture out from Stresa and spend your day sightseeing as you wish. Step onto the shores of Isola Bella, home to the Borromeo family ‘palazzo'; wander amid the houses of pocked-sized Isola dei Pescatori; and admire the greenery of Isola Madre where botanical gardens beckon. Meal: (B).
Overnight: Stresa.
Day 4: Stresa
A day of leisure why not take the Mottarone Cable Car which departs every 20 minutes from the Lido in Stresa and is one of the best ways to view Lake Maggiore. The first stage of the cable car takes you to Alpino where, a 5-minute stroll from the cable car station, you will find the Alpine Gardens. The second stage of the cable car takes you to Mottarone where, a 10-minute walk will take you to the summit. From there you have a 360° view which includes 7 lakes and the beautiful Mount Rosa. Meal: (B).
Overnight: Stresa.
Day 5: Stresa - Lugano
After breakfast head to Lugano travelling via Milan and arriving early lunch time. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Lake Lugano the centrepiece of Switzerland's Ticino region, the southern canton where Italian is the official language. Tour the lake on one of the white steamers. The mountains not only give Lake Lugano a stunning backdrop from nearly every angle, but they provide some of Europe's finest viewpoints to admire it from. Some favourite spots around the lake are best accessed by boat, a fine way to reach the traditional grottos, or little informal restaurants along its shore. Meal: (B).
Overnight: Lugano.
Day 6: Lugano
Scout out the places where the locals eat in Lugano with your self-guided food tour of the city. Put together by food lovers living in Lugano, the itinerary takes in six recommended eateries, from cafes selling coffee and cakes, to restaurants and wine bars. You'll enjoy enough snack-style samples to provide a full meal at each place, allowing you to discover places to eat off the main tourist trail. Meals: (B, L).
Overnight: Lugano.
Day 7: Lugano to Lake Como
Departing Lugano, you board your direct train to Como where a private transfer awaits you for the 30 min drive to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore and enjoy your classic package perhaps have a drink at one of three hotel bars or take a dip in the infinity lake side pool.
Overnight: Como.
Day 8: Lake Como
A day of leisure Como is one of the deepest and most impossibly photogenic lakes in Europe, and is famed for its luxury homes, shimmering waters and pure tranquillity away from the bustle of city life. Take a boat ride to the town of Como which is over 400 years old and bursting with ancient churches, historic monuments, verdant gardens and, of course, tasty antipasti. Don't miss the beautiful Cathedral, considered by many to be the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy. On sunny days, wander through the lakeside gardens of the elegant Villa Olmo or take a funicular railway line up to Brunate for fabulous views from the Alps Balcony. Meal: (B).
Day 9: Lake Como
Historic landmarks, a favourable climate AND beautiful parks await you to explore, and while here, don't miss out on visiting, the Garden of Villa Melzi Or I Giardini Di Villa Melzi. Meal: (B).
Overnight: Como.
Day 10: Lake Como - Zurich
Enjoy a breakfast before getting your transfer to Como for your final rail journey direct to Zurich where your tour concludes. Meal: (B).
Dates
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Operator
Railbookers
Railbookers, experts in rail, hotels, sightseeing, transfers and more offers expertly planned rail holidays worldwide. As leading rail experts, we take the complexity out of rail and can curate the perfect holiday for every travel style. Offering an ever-expanding portfolio of holidays to inspiring, sought-after destinations across worldwide destinations like Europe, Canada, United States, and beyond. They take the complexity out of independent rail travel and offer all their customers hassle-free service, incredible travel experiences and the very best value.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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Price from
$3,619
$3,438
*
Member price from
$3,438*
per person twin share
9 nights
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