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Rail Tours (rail-tours.co.uk) · Train Tour

The Best of the Italian Lakes

Eight-day escorted rail tour of Italy's lakes from Turin to Lake Maggiore

Illustration of The Best of the Italian Lakes

Rail Tours operates this eight-day escorted tour through Italy's lake district in spring, when the region is lush and flowering. You travel by rail from London through Paris to Turin for an overnight stay, then transfer to Pettenasco on Lake Orta, your base for the next six nights. From there, daily excursions take you by boat and coach to four stunning lakes: Orta, Lugano, Como, and Maggiore. Day 3 features a cruise across Lake Orta to the island of Isola San Giulio. Day 5 includes a ferry crossing of Lake Como between the towns of Menaggio and Bellagio. You also spend time in the Swiss town of Lugano and the elegant resort of Stresa. A free day in Pettenasco lets you explore the town market or simply rest by the water. The tour suits first-time rail travellers, couples seeking a slower pace, and repeat rail journeys who enjoy a mix of guided experiences and independent time.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour bases six of seven nights in Pettenasco; daily excursions from there involve transfers to other lakes by coach and boat
  • Departures confirmed for spring; verify current availability before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Turin

    Travel to Turin

    Travel by rail to Paris and on to the Italian city of Turin for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Turin and Lake Orta

    Enjoy a walking tour of the grand city of Turin, then transfer to your hotel in Pettenasco, on tranquil Lake Orta.

  3. Day 3overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Lake Orta cruise

    Cruise across scenic Lake Orta to the tiny island of Isola San Giulio, then sail to the lakeside town of Orta San Giulio.

  4. Day 4overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Lugano

    Visit the pretty Swiss town of Lugano on Lake Lugano, with time to explore chic boutiques and indulge in local cuisine.

  5. Day 5overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Lake Como

    Travel to picturesque Lake Como, explore the Old Town of lakeside Menaggio, then cross the lake by ferry to beautiful Bellagio.

  6. Day 6overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Free day in Pettenasco

    Spend a free day in Pettenasco, admire the views of Lake Orta and visit the town's market of fresh produce and local crafts.

  7. Day 7overnight: Pettenasco (Lake Orta)

    Stresa and Lake Maggiore

    Head to elegant Stresa on Lake Maggiore, explore its medieval buildings and museums or stroll along the promenade.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return home

    Return to London via Paris, by rail.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Overnight rail journey to Turin through Paris
  • Day 2Walking tour of Turin's grand architecture
  • Day 3Cruise across Lake Orta to the island of Isola San Giulio
  • Day 5Ferry crossing of Lake Como between Menaggio and Bellagio
  • Day 7Visit Stresa on Lake Maggiore to explore medieval buildings and museums

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Rail Tours includes rail from London to Turin via Paris and return, plus boat cruises on the lakes and coach transfers between destinations.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Rail Tours operates this as an escorted journey with guided walking tours in Turin and Stresa, and included boat cruises.
Where do I stay each night?
One night in Turin, then six nights in Pettenasco on Lake Orta. The itinerary includes daily excursions to Lugano, Lake Como, and Stresa, returning to Pettenasco each evening.
What is the best time to visit?
Rail Tours runs this tour in spring, when new growth and wildflowers are in bloom across the lakes region.
How much walking is involved?
Expect moderate walking: a guided tour of Turin, strolls through Menaggio and Orta San Giulio, and a promenade walk in Stresa. There is also a free day in Pettenasco to explore at your own pace.
What is the cost?
From 1,010 GBP per person (approximately 1,349 USD). This works to roughly 169 USD per day.

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