Italian Lakes & Swiss Mountains
A scenic, nature-inspired journey delivering the best of Italy and Switzerland’s stunning lakes, intimate lakeside villages and beautiful mountains.
Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions
Experience the crystal-clear waters of glacial lakes framed by green mountains and snow-capped peaks that have lured the elite over the last millennia. This unique tour covers 6 panoramic lakes and their villages, from Italy’s Lake Como, Lake Orta and Lake Iseo; Switzerland’s Lake St Moritz and Lake Lugano; and beautiful Lake Maggiore from the shores of both Italy and Switzerland. With deluxe transport including by train on the iconic Bernina Express and boasting the finest 5-star lakeside hotels, a comfortable, special and relaxing experience is assured.
- Visit Italy and Switzerland’s ‘must see’ lakes, lakeside villages and Alpine peaks.
- 9 nights in exquisite 4-star premium & 5-star hotels.
- 9 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L).
- Guided sightseeing in Lake Como, St Moritz, Lugano, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
- Lunch and wine tasting in Franciacorta.
- Lake Como private cruise with access to Villa del Balbianello.
- Train journey on the iconic Bernina Express.
- Iconic cogwheel train to Lugano’s Monte Generoso for lunch, served with spectacular views.
- Visit 6 panoramic lakes of Iseo, Como, St Moritz, Lugano, Maggiore and Orta.
- Visit beautiful lakeside towns including Bellagio, Menaggio, Ascona, Stresa and Orta San Giulio.
- Entrance to Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello and Palais Borromée.
- Deluxe VIP transport and boat excursions on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Arrival and departure transfers on first and last day.
- Arrival and departure transfers on first and last day.
- 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: Milan
Welcome to Milan for the start of an unforgettable adventure covering Italy and Switzerland’s beautiful lakes and mountains. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel to freshen up, before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure.
SINA De La Ville
Overnight Hotel / or similarDay 2: Milan – Franciacorta – Lake Iseo – Lake Como
Visit the Franciacorta region, characterised by rolling hills and perfect soil for the cultivation of grapes. Enjoy a tasting of the area’s most famous export, Franciacorta sparkling wine, followed by a light lunch. Afterward, enjoy leisure time in Lake Iseo to perhaps cruise the crystal-clear waters of Lake Iseo, surrounded by lush green mountains with time to stroll the Lake’s stunning Island. Monte Isola is the largest lake island in Italy and with a peak of 600 metres above sea level, is one of the highest in Europe. Afterward, continue to Lake Como for an evening at leisure in your amazing hotel.
Grand Hotel Victoria
Overnight Hotel / or similar
Breakfast, Lunch
Meals Included
Day 3: Lake Como
Explore magnificent Lake Como, a popular retreat for aristocrats and the wealthy since Roman times. The Lake is of glacial origin and has been voted one of the 20 most beautiful lakes in the world. Your full day guided excursion commences with a visit to Villa Carlotta. The Villa boasts luxurious interiors and an exquisite 17-acre garden decorated with sculptures, stairs, fountains and over 500 species of plants. Afterward, private cruise to Villa Balbianello Gardens for a visit and to Bellagio for panoramic lunch.
Grand Hotel Victoria
Overnight Hotel / or similar
Breakfast, Lunch
Meals IncludedDay 4: Lake Como
Enjoy the entire day at your leisure. Options may include a visit to Como, lunch at the exclusive Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, a visit to the village of Varenna or relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities at your 5-star lakeside hotel.
Grand Hotel Victoria
Overnight Hotel / or similar
Breakfast
Meals IncludedDay 5: Lake Como – Tirano – St Moritz – Lugano
Depart for a train ride aboard the iconic Bernina Express. The stunning journey twists, turns and loops through incredible landscapes and across amazing bridges, following the historic Rhaetian Railway which is UNESCO World Heritage Listed. On arrival in St Moritz, enjoy a guided tour of this Alpine resort that stands at a crisp 5,910 feet above sea level. Afterward, have time for lunch and to browse St Moritz’s cute shops, before departing to your Lugano hotel with a stunning view.
Hotel Splendide Royal
Overnight Hotel / or similarBreakfast
Meals IncludedDay 6: Lugano
The entire day is yours to explore this beautiful Italian speaking Swiss town. Stroll the pedestrian streets and piazzas littered with designer stores; people watch in Piazza della Riforma ringed with pastel coloured, neo classical palazzi; or stroll Lake Lugano’s scenic promenade.
Hotel Splendide Royal
Overnight Hotel / or similarBreakfast
Meals IncludedDay 7: Lugano
Enjoy an escorted excursion by train including its 1890 cogwheel railway up the 1,701-metre-high Monte Generoso for breathtaking panoramic views of the Lakes, the city of Lugano, the Matterhorn and Jungfrau. After absorbing the mountain and lake scenery, enjoy a wonderful lunch in the clouds at the Monte Generoso restaurant before returning to Lugano.
Hotel Splendide Royal
Overnight Hotel / or similarBreakfast, Lunch
Meals IncludedDay 8: Lugano – Bellinzona – Ascona – Stresa
Our Swiss discovery continues with a quick stop in Bellinzona to view the outside of its UNESCO World Heritage Listed Castles. The Castles of Bellinzona are a set of three medieval fortifications and the only remaining examples of heavy military architecture dating from the late Middle Ages. The castles guarded the town and the nearby strategic alpine passes. Continue to the quaint neighbouring villages of Locarno and Ascona on the Swiss shores of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy time for an independent lunch at one of its many lake-side café’s before crossing back to Italy along a panoramic route. On arrival, experience Lake Maggiore from a different perspective with a relaxing evening at leisure.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA
Overnight Hotel / or similarBreakfast
Meals IncludedDay 9: Stresa – Isola Bella – Stresa
Enjoy a morning guided tour to learn about Lake Maggiore, Stresa and its nearby villages. The tour includes the ferry to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands for a visit to the fishing village and the beautiful Palazzo Palais Borromée with its Italianate Gardens. Afterward, return to Stresa for an afternoon at leisure.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA
Overnight Hotel / or similarBreakfast
Meals Included
Day 10: Stresa – Lake Orta – Milan
Visit Lake Orta which features the beautiful Island, Isola San Giulio and many lakeside villages. Enjoy an escorted visit the villages of Omegna and Orta San Giulio and Isola San Giulio before celebrating with a memorable closing lunch. Afterward, if not extending your stay with us on our back-to-back small group journey through Piedmont or a post-tour extension, transfer to a Milan airport or Milan centre.
Breakfast, Lunch
Meals IncludedUpcoming Departures
| Commences | Concludes | Price | Spots Left | Updates | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 July 2025 | 15 July 2025 | $10,490 AUDTwin share per person | +$5,200 AUDSingle Supplement | Tour Closed | ||
| 31 August 2025 | 9 September 2025 | $10,490 AUDTwin share per person | +$5,200 AUDSingle Supplement | 0 | Sold out | |
| 28 September 2025 | 7 October 2025 | $10,490 AUDTwin share per person | +$5,200 AUDSingle Supplement | Limited Spots |
Feel free to contact us with any questions or to learn more about crafting your perfect journey with Ormina Tours.
Enjoy your private itinerary
Experience the ultimate in personalised travel with Ormina Tours’ private itineraries. Tailored to your preferences, these journeys offer complete flexibility, from your choice of destinations and activities to your pace of travel.
- Depart on any date you choose
- Fully Customisable
- Unique Activities
- Comfort and Privacy
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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, all clients travelling with Ormina Tours must have travel insurance and provide these details to Ormina Tours. Please contact us if you would like to get a quote on travel insurance or have any questions regarding your current policy coverage.
Do you cater to travellers with mobility challenges?
Yes, we customise journeys to meet mobility needs. However, on Small Group Journeys, significant mobility challenges may require an accompanying helper. You are required to disclose any mobility issues to Us so that we can cater for your needs. Failure to do so may mean cancellation of services if they cannot be provided due to service availability.
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). If fewer than 2 guests book, the tour will operate as a private journey, and cancellation options may be available.
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 (names 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?
Yes, while we recommend hotels in our itineraries, we can certainly work to accommodate your preferences.
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: 50% of the tour price
- 75 days or less: 100% 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.