Scenic Lake Orta and a Matterhorn Rail Journey

Day 1 - Lake Orta

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 2 - Orta San Giulio - Isola San Giulio

We’ll make our way to the town of Orta San Giulio, nestled into the hills. After a little exploration we’ll board a boat on this jewel-like lake, to the little island of San Giulio. On the island, we’ll visit the Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 3 - Täsch - Zermatt - Täsch

Experience some superbly scenic rail journeys into and around Switzerland, as we journey from Täsch to Zermatt, at the foot of Matterhorn. From Zermatt, we'll take another train to a viewpoint for spectacular views over the mountains and glaciers, before taking a train to Täsch this afternoon.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 4 - Lake Orta

Spend the day at leisure enjoying the lake, one of the prettiest in Italy. Tour the UNESCO-listed collection of chapels in the hills above Orta San Giulio, or simply relax at the hotel.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 5 - Verbania and Villa Taranto

This morning, we’ll visit Lake Maggiore and its biggest town, Verbania, sometimes referred to as ‘the garden on the lake’. It’s home to the Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto with almost 20,000 varieties and 3,000 species of plant. We’ll have time to wander along the 7kms of paths, taking in a small valley, terraced gardens and waterfalls, water lily and lotus pools, and ornamental fountains.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 6 - Lake Orta

Today is free to relax in your beautiful surroundings by the lake.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 7 - Stresa

We’ll journey into Stresa on the banks of Lake Maggiore. This lovely town has been popular with artists and writers since the late 19th century. The lake’s wind-ruffled waters are also dotted with three tiny islands, the Borromean Islands, and today we’ll explore two of them - Isola Bella (beautiful island) dominated by its 17th-century Palazzo Borromeo, and picturesque Isola dei Pescatori.

Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)

Day 8 - Lake Orta

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.

Lake Orta