Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

See two of Europe’s most spectacular lakes in this breathtaking lake escape.

At a glance

Combine two of Italy's greatest lakes in one trip
Sample the delights of Italian cuisine on the shores of Lake Como
Set foot on the islands of Lake Maggiore

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK - Lake Maggiore

Arrive at Milan airport and travel to the spectacular shores of Lake Maggiore. Check in to your lakeside hotel before heading to the nearest resort for a promenade stroll as the sun begins to set. Finish your first evening with a delicious lakeside meal at your hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Points of interest:

Villa Pallavicino

Where you could stay

Hotel Astoria

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Located 275 metres from the centre of Stresa
Restaurant with views across Lake Maggiore

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Hotel Cannero Lakeside

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Set in a quiet location in Cannero town, overlooking Lake Maggiore
Superb terrace restaurant by the side of Lake Maggiore

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Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

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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Days 2-3 : Lake Maggiore

Once the preferred retreat of 19th century aristocrats, Lake Maggiore's noble legacy is reflected in its grand villas, landscaped terraces and lavish gardens. There are more than 40 towns around the lake’s shore, and five islands set in the azure waters, so we recommend planning carefully to maximise your time by the lake.

Ferry services make it easy to get across the water to some of the best resorts and attractions, such as Pallanza’s Villa Taranto and the Isola Bella’s jaw dropping palace. Top towns to look out for include Cannero, in the lake’s upper reaches, which benefits from a temperate climate that makes it a haven for walkers, and Stresa – arguably the lake’s most stunning town, packed with historic streets and charming cafes.

Points of interest:

Botanic Gardens at Villa Taranto

Where you could stay

Hotel Cannero Lakeside

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Set in a quiet location in Cannero town, overlooking Lake Maggiore
Superb terrace restaurant by the side of Lake Maggiore

Find out more

Hotel Astoria

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Located 275 metres from the centre of Stresa
Restaurant with views across Lake Maggiore

Find out more

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Italian Lakes, Lake Maggiore

Located a short walk from the centre of Stresa facing the Borromean Islands
Spa with indoor pool and health & beauty club

Find out more

Day 4 : Lake Maggiore - Lake Como

Today you will leave Italy for Switzerland, as you briefly cross the border on your journey to Lake Como (approx. 2 hours). Once back in Italy and by the lake’s shore, check in to your hotel before taking a first look at the spectacular beauty of Europe’s deepest lake.

Where you could stay

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

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Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

Find out more

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Situated on the corner of Bellagio, just a short walk to the centre
Large swimming pool on the waterfront with beautiful views

Find out more

Days 5-7 : Lake Como

Set close to the fashion-conscious Milan, Lake Como is often considered to be Italy’s most mesmerising lake, and beguiles visitors with romantic towns and unaltered natural beauty. It’s easy to get out and about, thanks to numerous ferry and water taxi shuttles crossing the lake, which is fortunate as there’s a lot to see. In the next few days, we recommend exploring as many of the lake’s towns as possible – stroll down the gorgeous promenades, wander around the endearing artisan shops of grey-stoned Varenna, and visit Tremezzo with its neoclassical Villa Carlotta and floral gardens.

Film fans will love the pre-bookable Villa Balbianello excursion, setting sail by private boat for one of the loveliest villas and gardens on Lake Como – an 18th-century Villa once featured in the James bond film 'Casino Royale'. For the more sporting, the north of Lake Como is a watersports hub due to the afternoon 'breva' – an idiosyncratic breeze that ruffles the trees of this part of the lake daily.

Where you could stay

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

Find out more

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

Find out more

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

Situated on the corner of Bellagio, just a short walk to the centre
Large swimming pool on the waterfront with beautiful views

Find out more

Day 8 : Lake Como - Milan - UK

Finish your Italian escape with a drive to Milan (approx. 1.5 hours), where you can include a quick stop at the spectacular duomo – one of Italy’s largest – before dropping off your car at Milan Malpensa Airport and boarding your flight home.

Points of interest:

Milan Cathedral

8 days from £1,279 per person

Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

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.

Visa Information

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

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Details

Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling October 2023.

Quote reference number: 53079850

Lake Maggiore and Lake Como

At a glance

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Hotel Astoria

Hotel Cannero Lakeside

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Hotel Cannero Lakeside

Hotel Astoria

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Albergo Lenno

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Albergo Lenno

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

8 days from £1,279 per person

Practical Information

Flight Information

Visa Information

Tipping

Details

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