Lake Maggiore Experiences

Located to the north west of Milan and sitting across the Italian-Swiss border, Lake Maggiore is characterised by its island-pocked waters, colourful houses on the lakeside and the snow-capped Alps visible in the distance. Home to vibrant gardens, picturesque communities and cultural charms, Lake Maggiore has attracted many artists to its shores over the centuries, as well as holidaymakers looking for a little rest and relaxation. Its location astride Italy and Switzerland and within a short journey time of Milan makes it the ideal spot for exploring both countries, as well as the bright lights of the city.

Select an experience below to find out more.

Zermatt and Matterhorn

This experience takes you on a journey into the Italian and Swiss Alps, offering glorious views and a visit to a traditional Swiss Alpine village.

We’ll depart on this day long tour from Stresa at 7:30 or from Baveno at 7:40. From there we’ll wend our way through the lush Ossola Valley and begin our climb into the Alps taking the Simplon Pass. This has been a route used for centuries and became increasingly important during the Napoleonic occupation from 1801, when the Simplon Road was constructed for the transportation of artillery. We’ll stop at the Belvedere panoramic viewing point – the highest point of the pass that offers incredible views of both the Italian and Swiss Alps. Descending the pass, we’ll make our way through the verdant Matter Valley.

We’ll disembark the coach in the village of Taesch and complete our journey to the resort of Zermatt via the rack and pinion railway. This traditional Alpine village is unlike anywhere else in the world, surrounded by no less the 12 mountains that are more than 4,000 metres above sea level, including Matterhorn – which has one of the highest summits in Europe. Zermatt itself is located at an elevation of 1,620 metres. The village is a wonderful place to stroll around to enjoy the chalets, artisan shops and cosy cafés – and you’ll have plenty of free time to do just that. Zermatt also offers the opportunity to visit the Zermatlantis Matterhorn Museum and continue your journey up to the Sunnegga plateau using the Mountain Metro.

Operates on a Monday. Prices from £96 per person. Entrance fees not included and Passport is required.

Three Lakes

An opportunity to explore three magnificent lakes in Italy and Switzerland – as well as enjoy postcard-perfect lakeside cities – this tour takes you to the very best of water-side life in the region.

We’ll set off from Baveno at 8:00 or Stresa at 8:10 and wend our way up the western shore of Lake Maggiore. We’ll pass through the Cannero Riviera and its castle remains, before continuing north and crossing the border into Switzerland. We’ll continue alongside the Swiss stretch of Lake Maggiore to the lake’s northern tip, before heading towards Lake Lugano.

We’ll stop in the Swiss city of Lugano, which sits surrounded by mountains on the shore of the glacial Lake Lugano. As well as enjoying the immense lake views, you’ll have some free time in Lugano to explore the city. You’ll be able to stroll along the lakeside promenade, stopping at the park for incredible views of Mount San Salvatore. You can also pay a visit to the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli. The church dates all the way back to 1499 and is home to the early Renaissance masterpiece Passion and Crucifixion by Bernadino Luini – one of Leonardo da Vinci’s protégés. Shopping along the exclusive Via Nassa and coffee on Piazza Riforma are other popular Lugano pastimes.

We’ll then travel on to the final lake of the tour – Lake Como. We’ll stop at the gardens of Villa Carlotta before continuing to the lakeside city of Como, where you can visit the cathedral, eat ice cream in the piazza and buy locally made silk products.

Operates on a Tuesday. Prices from £70 per person. Entrance fees not included and passport  is required.

Macugnaga and Mount Rosa

Explore a traditional Italian mountain village and scenery peppered with peaks on this half day tour.

We’ll depart by coach from Stresa at 12:00 or Baveno at 12:10, driving along the Anzasca Valley towards the towering Mount Rosa. We’ll pass pretty villages clinging onto the mountainsides along the way, as well as rivers, ravines and traditional stone houses. On reaching the charming village of Macugnaga after around an hour – located at the foot of Mount Rosa – you’ll have some free time to enjoy totally different surroundings from the Italian Lakes. Wander past the bewitching wooden Walser houses – traditional structures built by the Walser communities living in these parts, visit the 12^th century church and spot the old lime tree that is thought to be 500 years old. This is where the local Walser community held important meetings in past times.

During the summer months, you can continue your journey higher still by taking a chairlift to the Belvedere Glacier, found on the east side of Mount Rosa, and reaching a height of 2,200 metres. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the journey above the tree tops before you walk from the chairlift to the edge of the glacier. It’s also possible to embark on a cable car ride up Mount Moro from Macugnaga, which offers tremendous views of both the glacier and Mount Rosa. Visitors to Macugnaga during the first weekend of July are also in for an extra special surprise, when the traditional San Bernardo Fair takes place.

Operates on a Saturday from June only. Prices from £52 per person. Entrance fees not included.

Milan city tour

Just over an hour’s drive away from Lake Maggiore, make the most of everything Milan has to offer on a day trip to the city.

We’ll collect you from Baveno at 8:20 or Stresa at 8:30 and drive to the outskirts of Milan. An expert tour guide will take you to the Monumental Cemetery first – which has been open since the 1860s and is well-known for its particularly artistic tombs and monuments. You’ll discover more about the classical Italian sculptures, Greek temples and obelisks found here, and learn about some of the famous people laid to rest at the cemetery, ranging from Grand Prix drivers to Nobel Prize winners.

Next we’ll visit Sforza Castle – the former seat of one of Europe’s most notable Renaissance courts – built in the 15^th century by the Duke of Milan. After visiting the extensive castle complex, the tour will take you straight to the heart of the city. Here you’ll wander past La Scala – Milan’s famous opera house – learning about the world’s famous opera stars who have performed there. Fashion fans will also enjoy walking through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the world famous belle époque shopping mall with a glass roof.

The end of your guided tour will be at Milan’s most famous landmark – the Duomo. This is Italy’s largest Gothic building, known for its particularly detailed spires and turrets. You’ll have the opportunity to explore inside the building too, home to the Holy Nail and 14^th century stained glass.

Operates on a Friday. Prices from £70 per person. Entrance fees not included

Lake Orta

An opportunity to discover one of the lesser known Italian Lakes, this tour takes you from Lake Maggiore to the neighbouring Lake Orta within just half an hour.

We’ll pick you up by coach from Stresa at 13:15 or from Baveno at 13:25 for this afternoon tour. Travelling straight to Omegna, which sits on the Lake Orta shore, you’ll have the opportunity to either continue your journey to Orta town by coach or boat. If you choose to go by boat, we’ll stop at San Giulio Island along the way. The tiny island is just 275 metres long and 140 metres wide, which had a chapel built on it as early as the 5^th century. Nowadays it is home to Basilica di San Giulio, which was built in the 1840s, and is now a Benedictine monastery. You’ll be able to explore the basilica before we continue on to Orta town.

In Orta, you’ll have some free time to stroll through the picturesque cobblestoned streets, discover the secret park behind the town hall and climb to the top of the 16th century Palazzo della Communità for glorious views over the town. The square is an excellent spot to stop for a drink, while Santa Maria Assunta church dates back to the 1400s, and is worth a visit.

We’ll then make our way back to Lake Maggiore, enjoying the views along the lake’s southern edge,  including the San Carlo Borromeo statue and Rocca Borromeo castle.

Operates on a Thursday. Prices from £50 per person. Entrance fees not included and passport is required.