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Lake Maggiore Holidays

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Explore the spectacular Lake Maggiore

With a backdrop of alpine mountains, Lake Maggiore is nestled between Switzerland and Italy in the Southern Alps, giving a fresh Mediterranean climate. Take a trip to the world-famous resort of Zermatt and see the Matterhorn in real life, or splash some cash in a trip to one of the worlds fashion capitals, Milan.

Holidays to Lake Maggiore take you to the southern side of the Italian alps, the second largest in Italy and is one of the country’s most spectacular destinations, spanning more than forty miles. It’s also home to more than 42 towns and five islands.

With all this land covered there is plenty to see and do in the area, from a visit to the fashion capital of Milan to a trip across the border into Switzerland and everything in between. Let Citalia help you to enjoy the trip of a lifetime with our fantastic itineraries and tours.

Lake Maggiore holidays are ideal for the active explorer. Take a boat trip to one of the islands and stroll in the beautiful gardens of the lakeside Villas. With such a romantic setting, holidays in Lake Maggiore are perfect for couples. Spend the days wandering hand in hand along stunning promenades and explore the exquisite architecture the area has to offer.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30, Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.
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Take a trip to Lake Maggiore

At Citalia we’re the leading Italian holiday specialist, with 95 years of expertise in creating holidays. Let us help you to enjoy your Lake Maggiore holiday like no other and show you the hidden gems, including Isola Madre, the botanical garden on water. Part of the Borromean archipelago, this island is home to a mixture of exotic plants, flowers and birds such as peacocks. It’s easy to spend an afternoon strolling around the restaurants and little shops, and taking in the stunning views from the island.

Take a trip away from your hotel and visit Omegna, which is on Lake Orta. Here you can wander along the riverside passageways and over beautiful bridges, exploring the historic centre. Omegna is a quiet local town so you won’t find hordes of tourists here, just a real taste of Italian culture.

Visit the small and picturesque town of Cannero, which is located further up the lake towards Switzerland, and offers a unique attraction away from the usual tourist circuits. This is the perfect place to experience authentic Italy.

Destinations: Lake Maggiore

Cannero, Italy: village on the edge of Lake Maggiore.
Cannero
At the foot of Mount Carza lies Cannero, thought to be one of the first towns that visitors discovered when arriving at Lake Maggiore from Northern Europe. 
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Isola dei Pescatori, fisherman island in Maggiore lake, Borromean Islands, Stresa Piedmont Italy, Europe.
Stresa
Holidays in Stresa take you to one of the prettiest locations in the Italian Lakes, with the elegant town perched on the western shore of Lake Maggiore where soaring mountains form a photogenic backdrop.
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Excursions and experiences in and around Lake Maggiore

Experience more of Italy by adding an excursion to your holiday. Below is a selection of our most popular group excursions in this area.

In addition we can also arrange private tours and experiences tailored to your individual requirements.

To pre-book please call our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 765055*.

 

Handpicked Hotels in Lake Maggiore

Discover the real Lake Maggiore while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Boutique Hotel Stresa
  • Stunning views across Lake Maggiore to the Borromean Islands
  • Fantastic Rooftop Perlage terrace to enjoy an aperitif or signature cocktail
  • Small boutique hotel furnished in contemporary style
     
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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees
  • Located a short walk from the centre of Stresa facing the Borromean Islands
  • Spa with indoor pool and health & beauty club
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Recommended

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Hotel Astoria
  • Located 275 metres from the centre of Stresa
  • Restaurant with views across Lake Maggiore
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Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Hotel Cannero Lakeside
  • Set in a quiet location in Cannero town, overlooking Lake Maggiore
  • Superb terrace restaurant by the side of Lake Maggiore
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Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Hotel Flora Stresa
  • Refined design with stunning views of Lake Maggiore
  • Peaceful outdoor terrace and swimming pool 
  • Short stroll to Stresa’s town centre and ferry terminal
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Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Hotel La Palma
  • Panoramic Sky Bar with pool and sun terrace
  • Swimming pool and terrace next to the lake
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Things to do in Lake Maggiore

The stunning Lake Maggiore has plenty to interest and entertain its visitors, including the Botanic Gardens at Villa Taranto. Here you can spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around, admiring the thousands of plant varieties, the impressive water features and expansive gardens. Then take the ferry service to the Borromean Island of Isola Bella, where you can explore the stunning Palace filled with beautiful paintings, ornate furniture and exquisite marble.

Why not build your holiday beyond one location and visit Lake Como during your stay? This mesmerising lake attracts visitors from far and wide to see its romantic towns and unrivalled natural beauty. Stroll along the promenades, explore the artisan shops and enjoy the delicious foods at the local restaurants.

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Maggiore is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 2 hours.

Direct flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) depart from London Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast and take approximately 2 hours.

When to go

Lake Maggiore is a summer destination, with the season generally running from April to October. The best time to visit is in the springtime, when the temperature is warm but not too hot and all the wild flowers are out in bloom. May, June and September are ideal months to visit. Temperatures are at their hottest in July and August and this is when the lake is at its busiest.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.
 
On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.
 
On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

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What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 95 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist.

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