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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

Lake Maggiore by Rail

Seven-day London to Strasbourg rail loop via Lake Maggiore and Swiss Alps

Illustration of Lake Maggiore by Rail

Tailor Made Rail's Lake Maggiore by Rail is a seven-day independent journey from London through the French Alps and Switzerland to the Italian lakeside resort of Stresa. You begin with an overnight in Dijon, the historic capital of Burgundy, then travel through the Simplon Tunnel into Italy for four nights based at Hotel La Palma in Stresa. During your time there, you explore Italy's second-largest lake by ferry or ride the Mottarone cable car to view the Borromean Islands. On your return, you travel to Basel and then to Strasbourg, where you can walk the medieval Petite France district before the final journey home to London. All six nights' accommodation includes breakfast, and all rail travel in standard class is booked in advance with seat reservations included. This itinerary suits independent travellers who prefer self-directed exploration over guided tours and appreciate a relaxed pace with a four-night base to settle into one place.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels listed as 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on the tier and city you book.
  • Single supplements apply for sole occupancy; pricing shown is for two people sharing a double or twin room.
  • Standard class rail travel; first-class upgrades available from GBP 150 per person.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Oceania le Jura Hotel (or similar), Dijon

    London to Dijon

    Catch a train to Paris and connect onto a TGV service speeding through eastern France to Dijon, capital of Burgundy.

  2. Day 2overnight: Hotel La Palma (or similar), Stresa

    Dijon to Lake Maggiore

    Travel across the Swiss border to Lausanne and through the Simplon Tunnel into Italy, arriving into the lakeside resort of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

  3. Day 3overnight: Hotel La Palma (or similar), Stresa

    Lake Maggiore

    Explore Italy's second largest lake by ferry, or ride the Mottarone cable car for views over the Borromean Islands of Bella, Madre and dei Pescatori.

  4. Day 4overnight: Hotel La Palma (or similar), Stresa

    Lake Maggiore

    Further day at leisure exploring the resorts, villas and gardens around Lake Maggiore.

  5. Day 5overnight: Hotel La Palma (or similar), Stresa

    Lake Maggiore

    Final full day exploring Lake Maggiore.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Hotel Hannong (or similar), Strasbourg

    Stresa to Strasbourg

    Take a train to Basel on the Swiss-French border, then an easy connection to Strasbourg, exploring the Petite France district in the evening.

  7. Day 7

    Strasbourg to London

    Leisurely start before making the return journey to London via Lille or Paris.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board Eurostar to Paris, then connect to the TGV speeding through eastern France to Dijon, capital of Burgundy.
  • Day 2Cross the Swiss border to Lausanne and traverse the Simplon Tunnel into Italy, arriving at Stresa on Lake Maggiore.
  • Day 3Ride the Mottarone cable car for views over the Borromean Islands of Bella, Madre, and dei Pescatori, or explore the lake by ferry.
  • Day 6Travel by train to Basel on the Swiss-French border, then connect to Strasbourg to explore the Petite France district in the evening.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes, Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations where required, and best available fares. First-class upgrades are available for an additional charge.
What trains will I travel on?
You will use Eurostar from London to Paris or Lille, TGV from Paris to Dijon, and regional trains through Switzerland and France to reach Stresa and Strasbourg.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is a tailor-made independent rail holiday. Days at Lake Maggiore are at leisure; you explore on your own via ferry or cable car.
What is included in the price?
The price includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations, six nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, travel documentation, email ticket despatch, and proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions.
How long do I stay at Lake Maggiore?
You have four nights based in Stresa on Lake Maggiore (Days 2-5), with three full days to explore at your own pace.
When does this trip run?
Low season (November-March) starts at GBP 1,299; high season (April-October) starts at GBP 1,399. Departures can be customized for your preferred dates.

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