Charming Lake Orta, Italy

Unwind in a lakeside paradise known for its culinary soul and tranquil beauty

Private Itinerary
5 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

Escape the crowds and discover the serene beauty of Lake Orta, surrounded by lush hills and medieval villages. Visit Isola San Giulio, to admire its ancient basilica and convent. Stroll along quiet shores, experiencing the authentic charm of this off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a peaceful retreat into true Italian tranquillity.

  • 4 nights in an exquisite lakeside 5-star hotel
  • 4 breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L)
  • Half day private guided tour of Lake Maggiore with admission to Borromeo Palace & Gardens
  • Private guided tour of Lake Orta including Isola San Guilio and the medieval village of Orta San Giulio
  • Private wine tour and Tasting at the Renowned Gattinara Wine region
  • Scenic journey aboard the Panoramic Centovalli Train
  • Private Cheese Cellar Visit and Cheese Tasting
  • Deluxe VIP Transfers as indicated
  • Note: hotel city taxes, if applicable, are not included.

Discover The Itinerary

Explore your itinerary in detail, featuring carefully selected hotels, unique experiences, and premium inclusions designed to elevate your travel experience.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5

DAY 1: Milan – Stresa – Orta San Giulio (Lake Orta)

Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Milan to the shores of Lake Maggiore. Explore the magnificent Isola Bella and its baroque palace and gardens with a private guide. Enjoy time at leisure in Stresa before continuing to the tranquil village of Pettenasco, nestled on the banks of Lake Orta

LAQUA by the Lake

Overnight Hotel / or similar

DAY 2: Pettenasco – Isola San Giulio – Orta San Giulio – Pettenasco

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Orta San Giulio and delve into the peaceful beauty of Lake Orta starting with a guided walking tour of the mystical Isola San Giulio. Discover its centuries-old basilica and embrace the meditative calm of the island’s “Path of Silence.” Continue to the charming town of Orta San Giulio to stroll its cobbled lanes and uncover its rich history as a medieval pilgrimage site and inspiration for writers and artists. Return by ferry to your beautiful lakeside accommodation.

LAQUA by the Lake

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 3: Pettenasco – Domodossola – Locarno – Pettenasco

Embark on the scenic Centovalli railway from Domodossola to Locarno, winding past dramatic gorges, alpine forests, and charming Swiss villages. After exploring lakeside Locarno at your own pace, return to your hotel by private transfer, soaking in views of the Italian and Swiss countryside.

LAQUA by the Lake

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 4: Pettenasco – Arona – Pettenasco

Enjoy a tasting at Luigi Guffanti’s famous cheese aging cellar in Arona, a beloved name in Italian gastronomy. Then visit the colossal statue of San Carlo Borromeo, offering sweeping views over Lake Maggiore. Return to Orta for a final evening of lakeside serenity.

LAQUA by the Lake

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

DAY 5: Pettenasco

Enjoy breakfast, before checking out of your hotel for your ongoing journey.

Breakfast

Meals Included

Upcoming Departures

Enjoy your private itinerary

Experience the freedom of a private, fully customisable itinerary with Ormina Tours. This itinerary can start on any date, with options to adjust activities, upgrade experiences, and tailor every detail to suit your travel style, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey designed just for you.

  • Depart on any date you choose
  • Fully customisable
  • Unique activities
  • Comfort and privacy
From $4,690 AUD PPFrom price (Private driver)

Upgrade Options

  • Upgrade to a 5-star hotel: recommended – Villa Crespi or CASA FANTINI / lake time in Pettenasco
  • Explore the Gattinara wine region, producers of the famous Nebbiolo grape, on a guided winery tour with tastings
  • Enjoy hiking along the panoramic Lake Orta path
  • Private cruise on the charming lake with aperitif and sparkling wine on board

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Ormina Tours provide?

Ormina Tours provides land services in Europe. We cover most of Europe and are continually expanding. If your destination is uncommon, please contact us to confirm availability.

We offer Small Group Journeys on set departure dates (max. 10 guests for 2025 and max. 12 guests for 2026), tailored private journeys (full F.I.T. services), and booking and coordination of accommodation. From airport transfers to fully customized European travel, we cover everything, except flights

Where is Ormina Tours based, and do you serve clients worldwide?

We are an Australian company with offices in Sydney and Perth, as well as a team in Europe to ensure seamless service delivery. While based in Australia, we cater to clients globally and partner with over 250 travel agents across Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.

When is the best time to visit Europe, and do your tours operate year-round?

Europe offers charm year-round. May and September are popular for Australians, while beach destinations are busiest in August. Most Small Group Journeys run between April and October, while private journeys are available year-round. Early planning (at least 6 months) is recommended for busy regions like the Amalfi Coast.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, we require all clients travelling to have travel insurance as this is a requirement for Tour Operators Insurances, otherwise guests must sign a release and discharge of liability waiver for us to accept the booking. If you need assistance arranging insurance, just ask.

Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?

We tailor all journeys to our client’s travel preferences and needs, including any mobility challenges whether it is special vehicles, travel scooters, hotel rooms with accessible showers and hoists. We also have expertise on most attractions and towns to know which are more accessible than others.

With our Small Group Journeys, any significant mobility challenge requires an accompanying minder/helper to attend on the tour as it is not always possible for our Tour Directors, drivers and guides to offer continuous care in a group environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

What is the group size, and what happens if only two people book the tour?

Our Small Group Journeys are designed for a maximum of 10 guests (12 guests in 2026) to ensure an intimate experience. A minimum of 2 guests is required to guarantee departure (4 guests in 2026).

Should fewer than four guests be booked, you will have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the same itinerary as a private journey at a preferential rate, giving you the confidence and certainty to book in advance. If you do not wish to undertake the small group journey itinerary as a private journey and we advised within the require deadline as disclosed, we will provide you with a full refund.

What is included and excluded in a Small Group Journey?

Our itineraries include accommodation, transportation, guided activities, and meals as marked – B (breakfast), L (lunch), or D (dinner). Exclusions typically include flights, city taxes, personal expenses, and any items not explicitly listed in the itinerary.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is optional but appreciated for exceptional service. After booking you will be provided with some tipping guidelines should you choose to do so.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each guest can bring one standard checked bag and one carry-on. Please inform us if you need to bring extra luggage.

What is a private journey?

Private journeys (named City Breaks and Regional Discoveries) are not tours with other people. They are suggested itineraries for the city/region that can be fully customised with prearranged services, allowing independent exploration.

Can I choose my hotel?

For private itineraries, we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.

Hotels are set for Small Group Journeys but you can opt to upgrade your room.

What currency are your tours priced in?

Tours (that is our Small Group Journeys) are priced in AUD for Australian residents, NZD for New Zealand residents, and USD for US residents. Other nationalities will pay in AUD unless otherwise arranged.

Prices are fixed once paid in full. In rare cases of significant currency fluctuations, unpaid bookings may be subject to price adjustments. If this occurs, we will contact you or your travel agent to advise you and you will have the option to either pay the full tour price by a certain date or accept the increase.

Do you accept credit cards?

Yes, though credit card fees may apply. Domestic wire transfers are also accepted.

What deposit is required?

Deposit amounts vary on the size of the booking and whether the booking includes tickets and admissions that maybe non-refundable or non-transferable after purchase. Full payment is due 3 months before your first service date.

Can I change or cancel my booking after making a deposit?

Changes incur a $100 fee per request unless additional services are added. Cancelling more than 50% of services is considered a cancellation, and fees will apply.
Any cancellation made by you prior to your travel (including any changes to your departure date) will result in the following cancellation fees:

Days of notice from notification to first date of service:

  • 91+ days: Loss of deposit
  • 90–75 days: Loss of Booking Deposit and 50% of the balance of the Tour Price
  • 75 days or less: Loss of Booking Deposit and 100% of the balance of the Tour Price

We always advise our clients to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen cancellations.

What are Ormina Tours’ COVID-19 guidelines?
  • Follow local laws, wear masks, and maintain social distancing as required.
  • Do not travel if you are symptomatic, recently exposed, or COVID-positive.
  • Stay updated on airline and country-specific protocols.

Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!

Reach out to our team for personalised assistance and start planning your next European adventure with Ormina Tours.