Lakes of Northern Italy

SmalL towns, alpine valleys, and historic landscapes

12 days From €8200 per person
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Introduction

The itinerary moves from the urban context of Milan to increasingly quieter landscapes, following the presence of water across lakes, valleys, and alpine settings. Each destination highlights a different relationship between nature, architecture, and history.

 

Day 1: Milan

Arrival in Milan and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Time to explore the city independently, observing how industrial growth and commerce shaped modern northern Italy.  

Overnight in Milan.

MILAN2_OVERVIEW

Day 2: Urban context of Milan

A full day to experience Milan, focusing on its role as an economic and cultural center connected to the lake region. An optional guided visit is available. 

Overnight in Milan.

MILAN3_OVERVIEW

Day 3: Lake Maggiore

Private transfer from Milan to Stresa, on Lake Maggiore. After check-in, spend the afternoon at a relaxed pace, enjoying lake views and the setting of historic villas. 

Overnight in Stresa.

STRESA_OVERVIEW

Day 4: Borromean Islands

Explore the Borromean Islands by private boat. Visit Isola Bella, with its terraced gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, where everyday life continues at a slower rhythm. Return to Stresa in the afternoon.  

Overnight in Stresa.

BORROMEAN_OVERVIEW

Day 5: Gardens and lake culture

In the morning, meet your private guide and travel along the lake to visit historic gardens, where landscape design reflects centuries of aristocratic culture. Continue by boat to Isola Madre, known for its botanical variety and quieter atmosphere.  

Overnight in Stresa.

GARDENS_OVERVIEW

Day 6: Into the Alps

A day dedicated to the Alpine region north of Lake Maggiore. Choose between Domodossola, a small mountain town with a historic center and access to the Sacred Mount (UNESCO site), or Macugnaga, at the foot of Monte Rosa, where traditional wooden architecture and high-altitude landscapes define the setting.  

Overnight in Stresa.

DOMODOSSOLA_OVERVIEW

Day 7: Lake Orta

Transfer to Lake Orta, a smaller and less visited lake set within a more intimate landscape. Check in at your lakefront property and enjoy time by the water.  

Overnight in Lake Orta.

ORTA_OVERVIEW

Day 8: Sacred Mountain and Orta San Giulio

Meet your guide and explore the Sacred Mountain of Orta, walking down toward the village of Orta San Giulio. In the afternoon, take a private boat to the island of San Giulio, where a monastery defines the space and atmosphere.  

Overnight in Lake Orta.

ORTA2_OVERVIEW

Day 9: Biella

Depart Lake Orta and travel toward Biella. Visit the town and its industrial heritage, including sites connected to the textile tradition that shaped global brands, then continue to Turin. 

Overnight in Turin.

BIELLA_OVERVIEW

Day 10: Turin

Discover Turin, a city shaped by the Savoy dynasty and later by industrial development. Explore its elegant streets and understand how wealth from trade and production influenced architecture and culture. 

Overnight in Turin.

TURIN_OVERVIEW

Day 11: Turin history and urban identity

A second day in Turin allows for deeper exploration, including museums, cultural institutions or independent discovery 

Overnight in Turin.

TURIN2_OVERVIEW

Day 12: Departure

Private transfer to the airport for departure.

This is a selected example of our journeys. Contact us to personalize it.

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Small towns, alpine valleys, and historic landscapes

Northern Italy’s lakes are often associated with iconic destinations, yet beyond the most visible routes lies a network of smaller towns, alpine valleys, and historic landscapes. This journey explores the lake region through its lesser-known corners, where industrial history and aristocratic villas coexist with a landscape shaped by water and architecture. Moving between Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Alpine valleys, the itinerary reveals how water has influenced both landscape and culture over time.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Lake Maggiore through its islands, gardens, and historic villas. 
  • Discover Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, each with a distinct character. 
  • Experience the hidden atmosphere of Lake Orta, a quieter alternative to more visited lakes. 
  • Move into the Alpine valleys, where small towns and mountain life reveal a different rhythm. 
  • Discover Biella, linking industrial history with textile culture. 
  • Conclude in Turin, understanding how wealth generated by trade and industry shaped urban identity.  

This is a selected example of our journeys. Contact us to personalize it.

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