ExpeJourney Through Italy’s Most Beautiful Lakes
Embark on a spectacular 13-day rail journey through Italy’s beautiful Lakes Region. Travel from Zurich to the shores of Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, combining elegant lakeside towns, breathtaking scenery and scenic rail journeys, before crossing the Alps to Geneva.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Begin your Italian lakes rail tour from London via Paris, and on towards Switzerland, with your first stay in Zurich. Cross the Alps to Lake Como, before continuing to Lake Garda and the beautiful shores of Lake Maggiore. Your journey then takes you to tranquil Lake Orta, one of Italy’s smaller and most charming lakes, before travelling north through the Alps to Geneva, where your adventure concludes.
Trip Highlights
- Relax on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, absorbing the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings.
- Marvel at Lake Maggiore and the delightful lakeside retreat of Stresa on this delightful Italian lakes train tour.
- Discover the tranquil beauty of Lake Orta, with its charming waterfront town of Orta San Giulio and enchanting island setting.
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich & Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation on Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation on Lake Como & Lake Garda with breakfast included
Transport
- Roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras (or flights flights from UK)
Excursions & Activities
- Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV Lyria & TrenItalia for this exciting Italian lakes tour
- Lake Como Food Tour
- Lake Maggiore Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Pass
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesZurich
Embark on your Italian lakes by rail journey from London St Pancras, travelling by Eurostar to Paris. Cross the city and board a high-speed train to Zurich, enjoying the changing landscapes of France and Switzerland along the way. Arrive in Zurich in the evening and make your way to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a relaxing evening in Switzerland’s largest city, ready to begin your journey through the Alps and Italian Lakes. (Overnight in Zurich)
Lake Como
Depart Zurich and travel south by high-speed train to Como, crossing the spectacular Swiss Alps and into northern Italy. Sit back and enjoy the changing mountain scenery as you make your way towards the shores of beautiful Lake Como. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring Como and its picturesque lakefront. (Overnight in Lake Como)
Stresa
Today, immerse yourself in the culture of Lake Como on a guided food tour, led by a passionate local expert. Step away from the tourist trails and discover hidden gems known only to locals as you stroll through Como’s charming streets. Along the way, enjoy at least four delicious tastings paired with drinks, from fresh meats and cheeses with wine, to traditional pizza from a historic bakery, the regional specialty polenta uncia, crispy “sciat” pancakes, fluffy “nuvola” cake, and finally, a coffee just as the Italians enjoy it. As you sample these delights, your guide will share stories and anecdotes that bring the region’s culinary traditions to life. With your appetite satisfied, the afternoon is yours to explore independently. Wander Como’s elegant piazzas, browse boutiques, or take the funicular up to Brunate for sweeping lake views. If you’d like, you might also take a short boat ride to visit the nearby lakeside towns of Bellagio or Varenna, each brimming with charm and character. (Overnight in Como).
Como
Today, enjoy your final day exploring Como and its surroundings. Unwind at one of the numerous lakeside beaches, with many restaurants and pizzerias nearby. Or why not embark on a leisurely cruise across the serene waters of Lake Como? (Overnight in Como)
Lake Garda
Depart Lake Como and travel by train via Milan to Lake Garda. Journey across northern Italy to Desenzano del Garda, on the lake’s southern shore. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the charming town and beautiful lakefront. (Overnight in Lake Garda)
Lake Garda
Explore Desenzano at your own pace today. In addition to its three expansive beaches, Desenzano also features a hilltop castle accessible through narrow winding streets that lead from the lakefront. Whether you opt for a leisurely dip in the lake or embark on a ferry adventure to discover the quaint towns in the vicinity, such as the nearby Sirmione, the day is yours to enjoy. (Overnight in Lake Garda).
Desenzano
Spend another day touring the Lake Garda area. Discover nearby Sirmione’s thermal pools, explore Roman ruins or ferry-hop between the charming villages that line the shore. Wine lovers should consider touring vineyards that feature in many sommeliers' top 10s: Valpolicella, Soave and Bardolino. Perhaps journey further south, to romantic Verona and enjoy a world-class opera. (Overnight in Lake Garda).
Lake Maggiore
Depart Desenzano del Garda and travel by train via Milan to Stresa, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, exploring Stresa’s elegant lakeside promenade and spectacular mountain scenery. (Overnight in Lake Maggiore)
Lake Maggiore
Today, enjoy a hop-on hop-off boat tour of Lake Maggiore, giving you the freedom to explore the lake and its beautiful islands at your own pace. Spend the day discovering picturesque villages, elegant gardens and the famous Borromean Islands, all surrounded by spectacular lake and mountain scenery. (Overnight in Lake Maggiore)
Lake Orta
Depart Stresa and travel by train via Domodossola to Orta-Miasino, the gateway to beautiful Lake Orta. On arrival, make your way to Orta San Giulio and your hotel. Spend the rest of the day exploring its cobbled streets, picturesque piazzas and beautiful views across to Isola San Giulio. (Overnight in Lake Orta)
Lake Orta
Enjoy a free day on Lake Orta, one of Italy’s most peaceful and picturesque lakes. Explore the charming streets and waterfront of Orta San Giulio, relax in Piazza Motta, or take a short boat trip across the lake to enchanting Isola San Giulio. Spend the rest of the day at your own pace, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery. (Overnight in Lake Orta)
Geneva
Depart Lake Orta and travel by rail via Domodossola into Switzerland. Continue through spectacular Alpine scenery, passing Brig and the Rhône Valley before travelling along the shores of Lake Geneva. Arrive in Geneva in the evening and make your way to your hotel for your final overnight stay. (Overnight in Geneva)
Return Home
Depart Geneva and travel by high-speed train to Paris, before connecting with the Eurostar back to London St Pancras, bringing your Ultimate Italian Lakes by Rail adventure to an end. Alternatively, speak to our team about extending your holiday in Switzerland or Italy and creating a longer tailor-made journey.
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Similar Packages
Italian Lakes Discovery
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-night’s hotel accommodation in Stresa with breakfast included
- 3-night’s hotel accommodation in Como & Desenzano with breakfast included
- Lake Como Food Tour
Lake Garda & the Swiss Alps
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
- 3-night’s hotel accommodation in Desenzano with breakfast included
- Bernina Express journey from Chur to Tirano
Lake Como Alpine Discovery
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
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Enchanting Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Venice, Florence & Rome with breakfast included
- Venice Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
- Priority access to Uffizi Gallery & Roman Forum, Palatine Hill And Colosseum Tour
Sicilian Treasures
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Taormina with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Catania with breakfast included
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Italian Wonders
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Geneva with breakfast included
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Scenic Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Venice with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Lake Como with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Sestri Levante with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Florence & Rome with breakfast included
Ultimate Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
- 3-nights hotel accommodation in Florence & Rome with breakfast included
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A Flavour of Italy
Best Time: January - December
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Rome, La Spezia, Florence, Bologna, Verona & Milan with breakfast included
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Testimonials & Reviews
Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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