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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Italian Lakes Discovery

Ten-day rail tour of three Italian lakes from Geneva via Stresa, Como, and Desenzano

Illustration of Italian Lakes Discovery

Marvellous Escapes' Italian Lakes Discovery is a 10-day tailor-made rail holiday that begins in London and carries you via Eurostar and high-speed trains through Paris, Geneva, and into the Italian lake region. You will spend one night in Geneva, two nights in Stresa on Lake Maggiore, three nights exploring Como on Lake Como including a guided food tour with local tastings, and three nights in Desenzano on Lake Garda. The itinerary blends scenic train journeys with leisurely, self-paced days at each destination, where you can enjoy ferries, cable cars, thermal pools, vineyards, or simply walk the historic streets and waterfront promenades. Train reservations on Eurostar, SNCF, TGV, and TrenItalia connect each stop, and all hotel accommodation includes breakfast. This trip suits couples seeking romantic lakeside retreats, food-and-wine enthusiasts keen to taste local specialties, and repeat rail travellers comfortable navigating multiple operators and international borders. You return via train to Milan and an onward flight to the UK.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1599 covers the package, but flights to and from the UK are either included or you may substitute a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras; confirm which option applies to your booking.
  • The itinerary offers free time and optional activities (ferries, cable cars, funicular rides, vineyard visits) rather than fully guided excursions each day, meaning some exploration requires your own planning.
  • The pack describes this as tailor-made, suggesting the final hotel properties and some activity options may vary; confirm specific accommodations once you book.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    Embark on your Italian lakes by rail journey from London's St Pancras station, with a Eurostar voyage to Paris, then a high-speed train to Geneva through picturesque lakes and mountains.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Stresa

    Stresa

    Following breakfast, board your train from Geneva to Stresa through snowy passes and mountain villages, checking in for a two-night stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

  3. Day 3overnight: Stresa

    Stresa

    Stresa is an ideal base to explore Lake Maggiore, with a ferry to Isola Bella, a cable car to Monte Mottarone for Alpine views, or a stroll to Villa Pallavicino.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Como

    Como

    Today you’ll embark on a regional train journey from Stresa to Como (via Milan) for a relaxing three-night stay, exploring the Centro Storico's picturesque streets and squares.

  5. Day 5overnight: Como

    Como

    Immerse yourself in the culture of Lake Como on a guided food tour, enjoying at least four tastings including meats, cheeses, wood-fired pizza, polenta uncia and nuvola cake.

  6. Day 6overnight: Como

    Como

    Enjoy your final day exploring Como and its surroundings, perhaps a lakeside beach, the funicular up to Brunate, or a cruise across Lake Como.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Take a train journey from Como to Desenzano (via Milan), checking in for a three-night stay in this resort town on the southern tip of Lake Garda, famed for its Roman Villa mosaics.

  8. Day 8overnight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Explore Desenzano at your own pace today, with its three expansive beaches and hilltop castle, or a ferry adventure to nearby Sirmione.

  9. Day 9overnight: Desenzano

    Desenzano

    Spend another day touring the Lake Garda area, discovering Sirmione’s thermal pools, Roman ruins, the Valpolicella/Soave/Bardolino vineyards, or a trip to Verona for the opera.

  10. Day 10rail

    Return home

    After breakfast, hop on the train to Milan and proceed to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board a high-speed train from Geneva to Stresa through snowy alpine passes and mountain villages, arriving on the shores of Lake Maggiore for a two-night stay.
  • Day 5Join a guided food tour in Como, tasting local meats, cheeses, wood-fired pizza, polenta uncia, and nuvola cake while exploring the historic Centro Storico.
  • Day 7Travel by train from Como to Desenzano via Milan, settling into a three-night stay in this Lake Garda resort town known for its Roman Villa mosaics.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Stresa with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como & Lake Garda with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, SNCF, TGV & TrenItalia for this exciting Italian lakes tour
  • Lake Como Food Tour

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Marvellous Escapes secures reservations for Eurostar, SNCF, TGV, and TrenItalia. The Italian leg runs from Stresa to Como to Desenzano using TrenItalia high-speed service.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is a tailor-made package with hotel accommodation, train reservations, and a guided food tour included in Como. Most days offer free time for self-guided exploration at each destination.
What is included in the price?
Overnight hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva, Stresa, Como, and Desenzano; train reservations on Eurostar, SNCF, TGV, and TrenItalia; flights to and from the UK or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras; and a Lake Como food tour.
How long is the trip?
The trip is 10 days and 9 nights, starting in Geneva and ending in Desenzano.
What is the physical level of walking and activity?
The trip involves city walking tours, lakeside strolls, and optional activities such as ferries and cable cars. No strenuous hiking is mentioned.
Can I book flights or the train journey from London instead?
The package includes either flights to and from the UK or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras; confirm which option applies when you book.

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