Great Rail Journeys
First-Class Swiss Mountains & Italian Lakes
First-Class escorted rail tour of Swiss lakes, mountains and Italy's Lake Como
10 daysfrom $5,608
80% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted Walking Tour
Walk & Tour: Lake Maggiore & Italian Valleys
Embark on a perfect blend of walks and excursions, discovering breathtaking alpine valleys and hidden Italian lakes plus a scenic rail trip to Switzerland
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Chambéry
By First Class rail to Chambéry
Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras for a Eurostar journey to Paris in Plus class with a light meal served at seat. Switch stations in Paris to catch the First Class service to Chambéry. On arrival, take a short walk to the hotel. This charming French medieval town is framed by mountains with a historic Old Town. Enjoy the first dinner together at the hotel. Note: for the 27th August departure, travel outbound via Grenoble, staying at the Novotel Grenoble.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Baveno
Arrival in Baveno on the shore of Lake Maggiore
After breakfast, return to Chambéry station and travel by train to Milan, then transfer by coach to Baveno on the northwestern reaches of Lake Maggiore for seven nights. Check in to a four-star hotel (one of three sister hotels on or near the lakefront, all featuring restaurants and outdoor pools, confirmed 4 weeks prior to departure). Enjoy a three-course dinner at the hotel. Note: on the 29th April departure, meet the Tour Manager at London Gatwick and fly to Milan, then transfer to Baveno.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Baveno
Lake Mergozzo and Montorfano walk
After breakfast, a short train journey to Verbania-Pallanzo station for the first guided walks. Option A (3.1mi/5km): scenic walk along the southwestern shore of Lake Mergozzo on paved mule routes with lake views and traditional Italian villages. Option B (7.4mi/11.8km): circular route walking round the lake anticlockwise beginning at Verbania-Pallanza station. Both routes feature great views of the lake and a visit to Mergozzo town with its colourful buildings and 400-year-old elm tree. Return to Baveno for a free evening to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Baveno
Riding the Centovalli Railway to Locarno
Travel by coach to Domodossola to join the Centovalli Railway, in operation since 1923. Wind through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland, travelling through valleys and over 83 bridges, admiring vineyards, chestnut forests, waterfalls and unspoiled landscapes. On arrival in Locarno on the northern stretch of Lake Maggiore, explore the Old Town with its exotic gardens and lakeside promenades, and enjoy lunch or shopping along Piazza Grande. Return to Baveno for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Baveno
Through pastoral villages to glistening Lake Orta
Transfer to Armeno for guided walks beginning at the ancient 11th-century Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Option A (5.9mi/9.5km): walk through charming countryside on well-trod footpaths and paved lanes to Orta San Giulio. Option B (7.1mi/11.3km): slightly longer route following Option A from Armeno to the village of Ameno, then continuing through Monte Mesma Nature Reserve. Arrive in Orta San Giulio, a gem popular with 19th-century writers including Lord Byron and Robert Browning, for independent lunch and exploration. Return to Baveno for a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6overnight: Baveno
A full day to explore Baveno or further afield
Free day to enjoy independently. Options include walking along Baveno's promenade, taking a local ferry to Pallanzo to visit Villa Taranto with its world-renowned terraced gardens, visiting Stresa to stroll the waterside or visit Villa Pallavicino, or sailing to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromeo archipelago. Dine independently this evening, perhaps savouring local specialities such as lake fish, risotto, polenta or mortadella Ossolana.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Baveno
Discovering the beautiful Borromean Islands
Stroll to Baveno's pier for a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands. Sail first to Isola Bella for a guided tour of the 17th-century Borromeo Palace and its elaborate Italianate gardens, then explore at own pace. Continue to Isola dei Pescatori for independent lunch at cafés and ristorantes. Rejoin the boat and cruise back to the hotel. Free evening in Baveno.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8overnight: Baveno
Hiking the Anzasca Valley and visiting alpine Macugnaga
Guided walk along the Anzasca Valley beginning in Piedimulera. Option A (3.2mi/5.1km): scenic views of traditional stone villages and the deep valley backed by snowcapped mountains, concluding in Castiglione. Option B (5.5mi/8.8km): follows Option A to Castiglione then continues beyond the village. Afterwards, continue by coach to Macugnaga, spectacularly located beneath the east face of Monte Rosa, the second highest peak in the Alps, settled in the Middle Ages by the Swiss Walser community. Explore this quiet ski village before returning to Baveno for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9railovernight: Dijon
Across the Alps to Dijon
Leave Baveno after breakfast and travel by coach to Stresa. Board a train to Lausanne passing along the Rhône Valley surrounded by spectacular Swiss Alps, then change trains and continue along the shore of Lake Geneva to Dijon. Check in to the hotel near the station. Enjoy the final group dinner at a local restaurant in this former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy. Note: on the 29th April departure, transfer after breakfast to Milan airport and fly back to London Gatwick.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 10rail
Homeward bound
After a final breakfast in Dijon, travel by rail to Paris and join the Eurostar to London in Plus class. Arrive back at London St Pancras where the holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 9 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel
- First Class rail travel throughout
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Expert walking guides with recognised walking, leading and first-aid qualifications
- Carefully planned walking routes with choice of two options per day
- All walks with local guides, guided tours and excursions
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 5 dinners
- Guided tour of Borromeo Palace and Italianate gardens on Isola Bella
- Boat cruise to Borromean Islands
- Centovalli Railway journey to Locarno
- Transfers, local transport (including cable cars where applicable), entrance fees and permits for guided walks
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
- Lunches (unless specifically stated)
- Independent meals on free evenings
- Personal spending money
- Optional attractions visited independently
