Gardens of Lake Maggiore
8 Days Starting and ending in Milan
Visiting: Lake Maggiore, Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta, Borromean Islands, Ascona, Cannobio, Brissago Islands, Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens, Metropolitan City of Milan
Tour operator:
Tour code:
848
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Your Guided Group Holiday To Lake Maggiore Situated on the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is brimming with quaint towns, rich in Renaissance and medieval architecture, and is famous for its scenic views and beautiful gardens. On this 7-night garden tour, we will visit San Giulio on the picturesque Lake Orta, sail to the Borromean Islands to admire the azaleas and citrus trees in the botanic gardens, and fall in love with the terraced gardens of the Isola Bella Palace. In the Villa Taranto Botanic Gardens, we'll discover many different types of flowers and marvel at the water fountains and statues. We’ll also have plenty of free time to discover Lake Maggiore at our own pace, where we can enjoy the views from Stresa’s lakeside promenade and the relaxed atmosphere of this lovely resort town. Travel with us to Lake Maggiore and be inspired by these wonderful gardens in Italy.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Transfer To Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arriving in Milan, we will be met by our local representative at the airport and transferred to our hotel.
Day 2 : Lake Orta & San Giulio
Location: Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
At Leisure - Morning
Enjoy a free morning to relax, shop or alternatively take a trip by cable car to the Alpine Gardens and enjoy the superb views of the lake and the Borromean Islands.
Explore Lake Orta & San Giulio - Afternoon
In the afternoon Frances and our local guide will accompany us on a visit to Lake Orta. We will take a short boat ride to the island of San Giulio to see its pretty village with a wonderful square, town hall and frescoed houses. This lake island is not only quaint and pretty; its hilly landscape will give you wonderful views of the rest of the lake and the surrounding area.
Day 3 : Borromean Islands
Location: Borromean Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Guided Tour of the Borromean Islands - Full day
On this full day tour with Frances and our local guide, we will visit the stunning and secluded Borromean Islands. The first stop will be the villa and botanic gardens of Isola Madre, where the spectacular gardens are well known for the azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and an ancient wisteria. There are also citrus trees, hibiscus and ginkgo biloba for you to see, smell and photograph. Next we will have some free time on Isola Pescatori for lunch, before visiting Isola Bella garden and palace. The splendid gardens, which are on ten terraces, consist of geometrically designed hedging, water lilies, citrus trees and lotus flowers. At the highest point of the garden you will see a great unicorn, the symbol of the Borromeo family who made the island look the way it does today.
Day 4 : Free Time In Lake Maggiore
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You will have today free to revisit islands if you wish or attend local market. You may also choose to spend your day relaxing.
Day 5 : Isola Brissago, Ascona & Cannobio
Location: Ascona, Cannobio, Brissago Islands
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A full day guided tour starting with a visit to the beautiful gardens on the Swiss island of Brissago. Later, we will visit Ascona and the town of Cannobio at the foot of the mountains close to Lake Maggiore.
Day 6 : Explore Lake Maggiore Independently
Location: Lake Maggiore
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today will be free to spend as you wish. Enjoy some time by the lake, or visit Stresa to pick up some souvenirs or local Italian treats to take home.
Day 7 : Villa Taranto & Intra
Location: Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: 4* Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
You will have the morning to spend at your leisure or alternatively, take a short walking your around the village of Stresa with Frances. Close to the hotel, it has delightful shops and a local market with wonderful views of the lake.
Discover Villa Taranto & Intra - Afternoon
In the afternoon, travel by private boat to the Villa Taranto Gardens, a botanical garden situated on the west shores of Lakes Maggiore. Established by a Scotsman Neil McEacharn during the period 1931 to 1940, he planted the 16 hectares of land with 20,000 different plant varieties. Afterwards, continue to the small town of Intra, situated on the Borromean Gulf. Intra's historic centre is ideal to stroll around, with its many cafes and little shops.
Day 8 : Depart Italy
Location: Metropolitan City of Milan
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will be transferred from our hotel to the airport for our flight home with guide assistance.
What's Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Accommodation
4*
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International Travel
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Half Board
What's Not Included
Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4*
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Moderate itinerary likely to have some early starts, longer days and coach journeys, including walking tours of 2-4 hours possibly on uneven terrain with stops. You should have reasonable health and mobility.
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Will there be a guide to meet us when we arrive at our destination?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide.
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We have holidays suitable for varying levels of mobility. We want to ensure that you make the correct choice when booking a holiday with us. If you have any concerns about the suitability of a tour, please contact us and discuss this with one of our experienced sales staff.
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What is the activity level for my holiday?
In order to ensure you chose the right holiday for you, we rate all our holidays with an activity level. This will help you to determine how suitable a particular holiday is for your needs.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents (tickets and Itinerary) will be provided to you approximately 10 days prior to your departure.
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Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, all passengers must have travel insurance for Travel Department holidays. We would suggest you pay special attention to any exclusion clauses and excess on your insurance policy to ensure you are happy with your cover. It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance for the holiday you are booking.
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Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 21, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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