Tailor Made Rail
Lake Orta by Rail
8 daysfrom $1,534
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Italian Lakes: Orta, Como & Maggiore
Discover the incredible beauty of four stunning lakes: Orta, Maggiore, Como and Lugano on this escorted rail tour with Rail Discoveries.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Turin
London to Turin for an overnight stay
Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. In the French capital, we board a train to Turin. After a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, we arrive at our destination this evening. On arrival, we check in to our hotel and walk a short distance to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Note: if travelling by air, your holiday begins on Day 2 of the itinerary and ends on Day 8.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
Through the Swiss Alps to Lake Orta
After breakfast in Turin, we enjoy a guided walking tour of the city with a local expert. After the tour, you're welcome to find lunch independently. Our journey continues in the early afternoon by coach to the peaceful village of Pettenasco on the shores of Lake Orta. We check in to our friendly, family-run hotel with modern facilities and spectacular lake views. Note: if travelling by air, your holiday starts today at London Gatwick, flying to Milan Malpensa, then coach to Lake Orta.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
Cruising to Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio
Boarding a boat from the hotel's private jetty, we set sail across Lake Orta. Our first stop is Isola San Giulio, a tiny island dominated by an ancient monastery. You could walk the 'Way of Silence' or visit the 12th-century basilica. Our cruise continues to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Orta San Giulio, with free time over lunch to explore. Later, we sail back to our hotel with time to unwind or enjoy the hotel pool and spa before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
A trip to beautiful Lake Como
After breakfast, we travel by coach to Lake Como. Our first stop is Menaggio on the western shores. After free time to explore, we cross the lake by ferry to Bellagio, a stunning location on the edge of a peninsula with cobbled streets, cafés and shops. You might also visit Villa Melzi D'Eril and its gardens. Later, we drive back to Lake Orta, arriving at our hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
A day on the shores of Lake Orta
Today, you're free to explore your beautiful surroundings at your own pace. Options include taking a boat to the market in Omegna, visiting the museum in Pettenasco dedicated to the town's woodworking industry, or exploring the Romanesque church with its two bell towers. Alternatively, relax at the hotel enjoying the lakeside views from the panoramic terrace or the swimming pool. Dinner is served this evening at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
A day trip to the Swiss city of Lugano
Today's excursion is a visit to the pretty Swiss city of Lugano by coach, with free time to explore at your own pace. Nestled on the shores of glacial Lake Lugano, the city is filled with chic boutiques, pavement cafés and bars. You could walk along the palm-lined waterfront, ride the funicular to the top of Mount Brè for amazing views, or enjoy local specialities from fondue to pasta. Returning to our lakeside hotel at the end of the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: Pettenasco, Lake Orta
An excursion to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore
On the last full day of our tour, we drive to the sophisticated Belle Epoque town of Stresa, overlooking Lake Maggiore, which has welcomed visitors including Lord Byron and Robert Browning since the 19th century. Free time to explore beautiful villas, public gardens and museums. You could visit Villa Pallavicino, stroll along the promenade, or take a scenic boat trip to the Borromean Islands including Isola Bella with its Borromeo Palace and formal Italian Gardens. Tonight is the last night of our tour and our final dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound, by air or rail
After breakfast, our tour draws to a close. If returning by air, your group will be transferred to Milan Malpensa airport for your flight to London Heathrow. If returning by rail, we transfer by coach to Stresa for a rail connection to Paris via Lausanne, then join the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation (6 nights if travelling by air)
- Eurostar Standard class (if travelling by rail)
- Standard class rail travel throughout
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Milan Malpensa (if travelling by air)
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 7 dinners (three-course with a glass of wine or beer and hot drinks each evening at Lake Orta)
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Cancellation and travel insurance
- Lunches (unless specified)
- Boat trips from Pettenasco village (payable locally)
- Optional funicular to Mount Brè in Lugano
- Optional boat trip to Borromean Islands from Stresa
- Eurostar Plus Class upgrade (from £125 each way)
- Flight upgrades
- London hotel stays
- UK rail connections
- Door-to-door luggage service (from £279 per bag)
