Elegant Lake Maggiore, Italy

Explore the hidden beauty of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta over 7 days, where Italian elegance meets Swiss charm, away from typical tourist trails.

Private Itinerary
7 Days

Journey Highlights & Signature Inclusions

Based in Stresa at Lake Maggiore, this journey offers a glimpse into Italy’s authentic charm. Explore the colorful towns of Stresa and Verbania, with their cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy serene lakeside promenades, lush gardens, and a day trip to Lake Orta, showcasing Northern Italy’s hidden gems.

  • Stay 6 nights at the 5-star Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromee or similar
  • 5 breakfasts (B), 2 lunches (L)
  • Private wine tour and tasting at the renowned Gattinara Wine region
  • Private boat tour to the island of Isola Bella, with access to Borromeo Palace & Gardens
  • Scenic journey aboard the Panoramic Centovalli Train
  • Half-day guided tour to Lake Orta, with access to UNESCO-listed Sacro Monte di Orta
  • Enjoy a private cooking class
  • Private cheese cellar visit and cheese tasting with a stopover at Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo
  • 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 6
Day 7

DAY 1: Milan – Gattinara Wine Region – Stresa (Lake Maggiore)

Once you arrive in Milan, start your journey with a private transfer to the renowned Gattinara Wine Region, where you’ll be immersed in the scenic beauty of rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Begin with a guided visit to a local winery. Enjoy a curated wine tasting session, followed by a gourmet lunch featuring local delicacies perfectly paired with Gattinara’s finest wines. Afterwards, continue to your spectacular hotel by the shores of Lake Maggiore where you can spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Lunch

Meals Included

DAY 2: Stresa

Embark on a guided tour of the enchanting Lake Maggiore, where you’ll be captivated by the serene beauty of its crystal-clear waters and surrounding landscapes. Following this, enjoy a private boat tour to the stunning Isola Bella and take in the breathtaking views and amazing gardens. Upon arrival, delve into the opulence of the Borromeo Palace. Wander through the richly decorated rooms, then step outside to the terraced gardens, a horticultural masterpiece featuring exotic plants, statues, and breathtaking views across the lake.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 3: Stresa – Otra San Giuilo – Omegna – Stresa

Depart on a sightseeing excursion to nearby Lake Orta, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Piedmont region. Your journey begins with a scenic drive along winding roads, revealing charming villages and lush forests along the way. Upon arriving at the lake, you’ll be greeted by shimmering waters framed by towering mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama. Make a stopover at the Sacro Monte Devotional complex, then explore the old town of Orta San Giulio and Omegna, characterised by narrow cobbled streets and pastel-coloured buildings, steeped in history and charm.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 4: Stresa – Arona – Stresa

Immerse yourself in the art of cheese-making with a visit to a cheese cellar in Arona. Discover the traditional methods and ageing processes that give each cheese its unique flavour. Indulge in a cheese tasting session, indulging in a variety of cheeses for a truly unforgettable local culinary experience. Afterward, make a stop at the iconic Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo. Marvel at the grandeur of this monumental statue, a testament to the region’s rich history and culture. Return to the hotel to unwind or further explore the town at your own pace.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 5: Stresa – Domodossola – Locarno – Stresa

Take a scenic journey aboard the Panoramic Centovalli Train, departing from Domodossola and winding its way to Locarno. As the train weaves through the breathtaking Centovalli (“Hundred Valleys”), marvel at the ever-changing landscape of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages nestled in the valleys. Arriving in Locarno, soak up the charm of this Swiss town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day exploring before returning to your hotel.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast

Meals Included

DAY 6: Stresa

Immerse yourself in the local culinary delights of the region with a private cooking class in Stresa. Discover the secrets of traditional Italian cuisine as you prepare a delicious meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Learn the art of pasta making, the nuances of seasoning, and the importance of presentation, culminating in a delightful dining experience that celebrates the flavours of this beautiful undiscovered region.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

Breakfast, Lunch

Meals Included

DAY 7: Stresa

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and continue on your journey.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées & SPA

Overnight Hotel / or similar

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 $3,350 AUD PPFrom price (Private driver)

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.