Search

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps

Eight-day escorted journey through Italian lakes and Alps from London

Illustration of Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta & the Alps

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day escorted tour departing London and concluding in Mulhouse, France. The journey carries you via Eurostar and TGV through France and Switzerland into northern Italy, where you base yourself for five nights in Stresa, an elegant resort town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Days unfold at a relaxed pace: a lake cruise carries you to Isola San Giulio with its island monastery; the Centovalli Railway winds through alpine gorges and waterfalls into Switzerland; free days allow leisurely exploration of Stresa's promenade or island hopping among the Borromean Islands to visit palaces and gardens. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, arranging all transfers, meals, and guided tours. This trip suits couples seeking unhurried lakeside leisure, repeat rail travellers drawn to named trains and mountain scenery, and photographers eager to capture alpine vistas and historic villages from the water and rail.

What to know before you look closer

  • Two of the eight nights involve hotels listed as 'near station' or 'or similar' for Strasbourg/Basel and Mulhouse, giving less detail than the five-night Stresa stay.
  • Two free days (Day 4 and Day 6) include independent dinners not provided by Great Rail Journeys.
  • The group size can reach 40 people, which is a larger escorted party.
  • No spa or leisure facilities details are given for the Stresa hotel beyond reference to a sister hotel with pool access.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg (or Basel for selected departures)

    From London to Strasbourg

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras before boarding the Eurostar service to Paris. In the French capital, board the train to Strasbourg, arriving in this historic Alsace city in the afternoon. The hotel is a short walk from the station, and Strasbourg's impressive main square, Place Kléber, or the half-timbered, riverside houses of La Petite France are only a short stroll away. The group gathers to enjoy a three-course dinner in a local restaurant. Note: For departures 16th May and 3rd October, travel is via Basel, staying at the Schweizerhof Basel hotel.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Stresa

    From the Alsace to the Italian lakes

    Walk to the station after breakfast and board the train to Basel, continuing by rail to Stresa. Pass Swiss lakes and climb the Alps, then get the first glimpse of northern Italy, emerging into a verdant valley with sharp, tree-covered cliffs. The base for the next five nights is Stresa, a highly popular Italian resort with picturesque alleys and elegant promenade. The historic hotel has wonderful views across Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Italian Alps. Regroup for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Stresa

    Lake Orta cruise to an island monastery

    Transfer by coach to San Filiberto, then take a scenic cruise on Lake Orta to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island village dominated by a monastery. Explore the basilica with artwork across the walls and domes, or walk the 'Way of Silence' viewing the Bishop's Palace and Benedictine abbey. Catch a boat to Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta, a peaceful village that inspired poets and artists including Lord Byron. Explore Piazza Motta with its colourful buildings and 16th-century frescoed town hall. A coach returns to Stresa in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Stresa

    A free day to explore Stresa and its surroundings

    A day at leisure in Stresa. Options include exploring the town, following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret along the promenade, visiting Villa Pallavicini's gardens (free entry) with giant tulip trees, Lebanese cedar and colourful flowerbeds, or relaxing at the hotel enjoying alpine views from the sun terrace or taking a dip in the pool of the sister hotel. Dine independently this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Stresa

    To Switzerland on the scenic 'Railway of 100 Valleys'

    Transfer by coach to Domodossola for a trip aboard the Centovalli Railway through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland. Pass the ruined tower of Creggio, wind up to Trontano and into alpine scenery of mountains, gorges and waterfalls. After entering Switzerland, look out for emerald Lake Palagnedra far below. On arrival in Locarno, free time to explore, optionally take the funicular railway up to the Sacred Mount Madonna del Sasso. Return journey is a cruise on Lake Maggiore, spotting the 16th-century castle island of Cannero before arriving in Stresa in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Stresa

    A free day for island hopping or relaxing

    A day at leisure. Board a hop-on/hop-off boat from the jetty outside the hotel to explore the idyllic Borromean Islands: Isola Bella (Borromeo Palace and opulent gardens with white peacocks), Isola dei Pescatori (quaint fishing settlement with traditional restaurants serving perch from the lake and San Vittore church), and Isola Madre (gardens of rare plants and a grand palazzo). Dine independently this evening; try a regional Nebbiolo wine such as Barolo.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Mulhouse

    Leaving Lake Maggiore by rail to Mulhouse

    Depart Stresa after breakfast and travel by train through Switzerland to Basel, continuing to Mulhouse in France. Soak up spectacular views of the majestic mountains lining the Rhône Valley, passing Lake Thun and the fairytale castle at Spiez. In Mulhouse, explore Place de la Réunion with the Gothic Revival Temple St-Étienne and the pink and gold decorated Renaissance town hall (constructed 1553). The hotel is near the station; gather with the group for dinner this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, take the short walk to Mulhouse station for the train to Paris. Return to London St Pancras on the Eurostar; holiday concludes.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The train climbs from Basel through Swiss lakes into the Alps, emerging into a verdant Italian valley before arriving in Stresa on Lake Maggiore.
  • Day 3A lake cruise takes you to Isola San Giulio, a tiny island dominated by a monastery with artwork across its basilica walls and domes, followed by a visit to the village of Orta San Giulio.
  • Day 5The Centovalli Railway winds from Domodossola through alpine scenery, passing ruined towers, gorges, waterfalls, and emerald Lake Palagnedra before reaching Locarno, Switzerland.
  • Day 6A hop-on/hop-off boat from your hotel allows free exploration of the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella with its palace and white peacocks, Isola dei Pescatori with traditional lakeside restaurants, and Isola Madre with rare plant gardens.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast each day
  • 5 dinners
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes Eurostar Standard Class from London to Paris, TGV Standard Class from Paris to Strasbourg, rail travel to Stresa, the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and return rail to Mulhouse and London.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is escorted. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from start to finish, and all guided tours, excursions, and transfers are arranged.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights' three- and four-star hotel accommodation, breakfast each day, five dinners, all rail and coach travel, lake cruises, and all guided tours and excursions. Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
How many nights are spent in each location?
One night in Strasbourg or Basel, five nights in Stresa, and one night in Mulhouse.
What hotels are used?
Hotel Milan Speranza au Lac, a four-star property in Stresa overlooking Lake Maggiore, for five nights. Strasbourg or Basel and Mulhouse accommodations are near their respective stations.
How much free time is there?
Day 4 in Stresa is a full free day with options including Villa Pallavicini's gardens or the hotel pool and sun terrace. Day 6 is at leisure for island hopping or relaxation; independent dinner is required.

Similar journeys