Lakes of Italy & Switzerland by Rail | Self Guided Tour | 8 Days

DAY 1:                                   MILAN 

Arrival transfer from Milan airport or train station to your hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore the highlights of Milan. Overnight in Milan.   

DAY 2:                                   MILAN – LAKE MAGGIORE 

After breakfast at the hotel, head to Milan Central station to catch a train to Stresa, Lake Maggiore. After checking in, enjoy the rest of the day exploring the charming streets and taking in the stunning lake views. Overnight in Stresa. (B) 

DAY 3:                                   LAKE MAGGIORE 

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring the renowned Borromean Islands, a small archipelago that owes its fame to its three main islands: Isola Madre, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella. Begin with Isola Madre, the largest of the three, known for its 16th-century palace and beautiful English-style botanical gardens. Continue to Isola dei Pescatori, the only island permanently inhabited and open to the public. Finally, visit Isola Bella, famous for its stunning Italian garden and grand palace, a masterpiece centuries in the making. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Stresa. (B) 

DAY 4:                                   LAKE MAGGIORE – LOCARNO – LUGANO 

After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer from Stresa to Domodossola. This comfortable drive allows you to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain landscapes as you make your way toward the Swiss border. From there, board the scenic Centovalli Train to Locarno. Once you arrive in Locarno, continue by train to Lugano. Upon arrival, the afternoon is free to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Lugano. (B) 

DAY 5:                                   LUGANO 

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy free time to explore Lake Lugano at your own pace-consider a scenic boat ride or visit lakeside villages (boat tickets not included). Later, explore more of Lugano or relax in one of the city’s cafés. Overnight in Lugano. (B) 

DAY 6:                                   LUGANO – COMO 

After breakfast, take the early morning train from Lugano to Como San Giovanni station (approx. 30 minutes), enjoying scenic views along the way. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the town. Overnight in Lugano. (B) 

DAY 7:                                   LAKE COMO 

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the day exploring the stunning stretch of Lake Como between Como and Bellagio. With your boat ticket, you can hop on and off to visit charming villages along the western shore. Don’t forget to check ferry schedules for your return to Como. Admire the lake’s changing colours as you head back in the late afternoon. Overnight in Como. (B) 

DAY 8:                                   COMO – MILAN 

Breakfast at the hotel. Take your regional train from Como San Giovanni station to Milano Centrale Station. End of services. (B) 

ACCOMMODATION (OR SIMILAR): 

STANDARD CLASS:  

MILAN: Hotel Flora  

STRESA: Hotel Boston  

LUGANO: Hotel Zurigo 

COMO: Hotel Posta Design 

SUPERIOR CLASS:  

MILAN: Hotel Nyx  

STRESA: Hotel La Palma 

LUGANO: Hotel City Lugano 

COMO: Hotel Barchetta Excelsior 

INCLUDES:  

• 7 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast in 4* hotels (accommodation in standard rooms)
• Arrival transfer by private car/minivan in Milan (from Malpensa Airport, Linate Airport or Milano Centrale Rail Station)
• One-way regional train ticket from Milano Centrale to Stresa – 2nd class without seat reservation
• One return ticket for public boat to the Borromean Islands + entrance ticket to Isola Bella and Isola Madre
• One-way private transfer by car/minivan from hotel in Stresa to the rail station in Domodossola
• One-way Scenic Centovalli Train ticket from Domodossola to Locarno / 2nd class ticket / seat reservation included / panoramic seat not guaranteed
• One way train ticket from Locarno to Lugano / 2nd class ticket
• One way train ticket from Lugano to Como San Giovanni station / 2nd class without seat reservation
• One day free circulation ticket on the public boat on Lake Como – departure/arrival in Como
• One way train ticket from Como San Giovanni station to Milano Centrale station / 2nd class ticket without seat reservation

EXCLUDES: 

• Transfers from/to the rail stations are not included except where specifically reported
• Tourist city tax not included, to be paid on the spot
• Extras, tips, porterage and everything not expressly listed as inclusion is not included and to be paid on the spot
• Lunches and dinners
• Optional tours and experiences

THINGS TO NOTE:  

• Accommodation is subject to change without notice.
• Hotel rooms may not be available for check-in before 2:00 p.m.
• City taxes are not included and are to be paid directly to the hotel.
• Class of rail ticket is based on 2^nd class unless the optional upgrade to 1^st class has been selected at the time of booking.
• The itinerary of the tour and the days of excursions may be modified for technical reasons. In any case, all visits and excursions mentioned on the itinerary will be guaranteed or replaced by similar ones.
• One piece of luggage per person allowed.