How much does it cost?

From £2,699 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,646 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is rail travel included?

Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus class from London St Pancras to Paris, First Class rail from Paris to Dijon, the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and a local train from Baveno to Verbania-Pallanzo. All transfers and local transport are included.

Is this trip escorted or independent?

Fully escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. Expert walking guides lead all daily walks, and group dinners are included most evenings. Day 6 in Baveno is free to explore independently.

Where does the group stay?

One night in Chambéry (hotel specified by the departure date), seven nights in a four-star hotel in Baveno (Grand Hotel Dino, Hotel Simplon, or Hotel Splendid on the lakefront, all with restaurants and outdoor pools), and one night in Dijon near the station.

What meals are included?

Breakfast each day, five dinners at hotels or local restaurants, and Eurostar light meals served at seat. Lunches and dinners on free evenings are not included.

When does the tour run?

One departure is confirmed for October 2026. Great Rail Journeys publishes departures subject to minimum group size; confirm availability when booking.

Great Rail Journeys · Walking tour

Walk & Tour: Lake Maggiore & Italian Valleys

Walking tour of Italian lakes and Alps from London with rail and boat excursions.

Great Rail Journeys operates this ten-day escorted walking tour from London to Dijon, combining scenic rail travel with guided walks around alpine Italian lakes. You depart London on Eurostar Plus, travel First Class across France to Chambéry, then coach to Baveno on the northwestern shore of Lake Maggiore, where you stay seven nights in a four-star lakefront hotel. 4 miles) through chestnut forests, past traditional villages, and along the shores of Lake Mergozzo and Lake Orta. You also ride the Centovalli Railway, a 1923-built mountain line crossing 83 bridges to Locarno in Switzerland, and take a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands for a guided tour of the 17th-century Borromeo Palace. Day 6 is free to explore Baveno independently or visit nearby villas. A UK Tour Manager leads the group throughout, and expert local walking guides accompany all excursions. The tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking a mix of structure and freedom, and history enthusiasts drawn to medieval towns and period estates.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has fallen £500 since 4 Jul, to £2,699.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

Single supplement price (GBP 3,299) is GBP 100 above half the double-room rate, a modest premium.
Lunches are not included; the itinerary specifies breakfast, five dinners, and Eurostar light meals only.
The free day (Day 6) is unguided; independent exploration is required if you choose optional attractions such as Villa Taranto or Villa Pallavicino.
Only one departure confirmed for October 2026; availability is limited.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Chambéry
By First Class rail to Chambéry
Your walk and tour holiday begins by meeting the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras ready for a Eurostar journey to Paris. Travelling in spacious Plus class, we are served a light meal at our seats as we travel to the French capital, where we switch stations to catch the First Class service to Chambéry. On arrival in this attractive medieval town of Chambéry, we take a short walk to our hotel for the night. Later, we gather to enjoy our first dinner together at our hotel.
Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Baveno
Arrival in Baveno on the shore of Lake Maggiore
Our journey continues after breakfast as we return to Chambéry station and travel by train to Milan. From here, we are transferred by coach to our destination for the next seven nights, Baveno. On arrival, we check in to our four-star hotel which will be one of three sister hotels. After time to unwind, we enjoy a three-course dinner at our hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Baveno
Lake Mergozzo and Montorfano walk
After breakfast in Baveno, a short train journey takes us to Verbania-Pallanzo station, where we begin our first walks. With a choice of two guided routes, both feature great views of the lake and a visit to Mergozzo town. Afterwards, we return to Baveno for a free evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4railovernight: Baveno
Riding the Centovalli Railway to Locarno
A journey on one of Europe's most scenic rail routes, the Centovalli Railway. After travelling by coach to Domodossola, we join this picturesque railway through the Alps to Locarno in Switzerland, winding through valleys and over 83 bridges. On arrival you're free to explore the Old Town before we return to Baveno for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5overnight: Baveno
Through pastoral villages to glistening Lake Orta
A scenic walk taking in charming villages after breakfast as we are transferred to Armeno, destination Orta San Giulio, a beautiful town on the banks of Lake Orta. Both guided walks begin at the 11th century Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Armeno. Returning to Baveno, the evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6overnight: Baveno
A full day to explore Baveno or further afield
A free day to discover Baveno independently, or travel by local ferry around the gulf to Pallanzo, Stresa, or sail to Isola Madre. Evening free to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7overnight: Baveno
Discovering the beautiful Borromean Islands
After breakfast, we stroll to Baveno's pier to join a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands. We sail first to Isola Bella for a guided tour of the Borromeo Palace and its gardens, continuing to Isola dei Pescatori. We then cruise back to our hotel; the evening is free.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8overnight: Baveno
Hiking the Anzasca Valley and visiting alpine Macugnaga
A stunning walk along the Anzasca Valley, routes beginning in Piedimulera and concluding in either Castiglione or Molini, before continuing by coach to Macugnaga, spectacularly located beneath the east face of Monte Rosa. Later, we return to Baveno for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9railovernight: Dijon
Across the Alps to Dijon
Leaving Baveno after breakfast, we travel by coach to Stresa then board a train to Lausanne, continuing along the shore of Lake Geneva to Dijon. On arrival, we check in to our hotel near the station for an overnight stay, before our final dinner with the group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10rail
Homeward bound
After a night in Dijon and our final breakfast, we travel by rail to Paris, where we join the Eurostar to London, travelling in Plus class. As we arrive back at St Pancras, your holiday comes to an end.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1Board Eurostar Plus from London St Pancras to Paris with light meal served at seat, then travel First Class rail to Chambéry.
Day 4Ride the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola, crossing 83 bridges through alpine valleys, chestnut forests and vineyards to Locarno in Switzerland.
Day 7Boat cruise to the Borromean Islands with a guided tour of the 17th-century Borromeo Palace and its Italianate gardens on Isola Bella.
Day 8Hike the Anzasca Valley from Piedimulera with views of traditional stone villages backed by snowcapped Monte Rosa.

Included

Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
9 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
Eurostar Plus First Class rail travel
All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
Expert walking guides
Carefully planned routes
3.1-7.4 miles (5.0-11.8km) walking per day
Eurostar Light Meals
Breakfast each day, 5 dinners
Average group size of 22, small groups of 6-18 on each walk option
All walks with local guides, guided tours and excursions (walks may vary according to weather and local conditions)

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £2,699 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $3,646 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is rail travel included?: Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus class from London St Pancras to Paris, First Class rail from Paris to Dijon, the Centovalli Railway from Domodossola to Locarno, and a local train from Baveno to Verbania-Pallanzo. All transfers and local transport are included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?: Fully escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. Expert walking guides lead all daily walks, and group dinners are included most evenings. Day 6 in Baveno is free to explore independently.
Where does the group stay?: One night in Chambéry (hotel specified by the departure date), seven nights in a four-star hotel in Baveno (Grand Hotel Dino, Hotel Simplon, or Hotel Splendid on the lakefront, all with restaurants and outdoor pools), and one night in Dijon near the station.
What meals are included?: Breakfast each day, five dinners at hotels or local restaurants, and Eurostar light meals served at seat. Lunches and dinners on free evenings are not included.
When does the tour run?: One departure is confirmed for October 2026. Great Rail Journeys publishes departures subject to minimum group size; confirm availability when booking.