Discover Italy's breathtaking lakes and gardens with Good Housekeeping
Italy’s northern lakes are one of the world's most glamorous holiday destinations, with their scenic views, grand villas and picturesque gardens all set against a backdrop of snow-topped peaks.
VISIT THE ITALIAN LAKES WITH GH
Visitors are impressed by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, with their sparkling blue waters and charming towns.
If you've been considering a trip to this incredible part of Italy, you'll want to know all about Good Housekeeping's exclusive nine-day tour which will show you the best of the lakes and the surrounding area.
The tour even takes you to neighbouring Switzerland to see the chic resort town of Zermatt and the country's iconic Matterhorn mountain.
You'll be based in the delightful town of Stresa on the peaceful shores of charming Lake Maggiore. From here you'll explore the local area's beautiful landscapes, glittering lakes and charming towns.
Stresa makes the ideal base for discovering the region, and you'll have boat rides to the delightful Borromean Islands and a ride on the Centovalli Railway to look forward to, ensuring you see the best of the region
You can look forward to various day trips to see some of the wider region's best attractions.
You'll visit the serene and luxurious Lake Como, which has inspired great music and poetry for centuries; the enchanting Lake Orta, with its atmospheric 14th-century village of Orta San Giulio; and travel over the Swiss border to the pretty alpine resorts of Locarno and Zermatt, nestled among dramatic snow-capped peaks.
Zermatt is nestled at the foot of the magnificent Matterhorn, and you can choose to take a cog railway 3000 metres up the slopes of the mountain for jaw-dropping views of glaciers and the lofty summit.
Why you'll love our exclusive trip to the Italian lakes
Visit the Borromean Islands
Spend a day exploring the magical Borromean islands of Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Bella on the western arm of Lake Maggiore.
These tiny islands once belonged to a Milanese Count who created the most amazing belle époque villa on Isola Bella in the 17th century. You'll see its staterooms with fine furniture, intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork and frescoes on a guided tour.
The gardens are just as beautiful, with ten interlocking terraces planted with fragrant orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a whole host of colourful shrubs surrounding marble statues.
Ride the Centovalli Railway
Marvel at the breathtaking scenery on a special ride through the Swiss and Italian Alps on the Centovalli Railway.
The railway's name translates to 'One Hundred Valleys', inspired by the many valleys that the line crosses and passes through on its route from Locarno in Italian-speaking Switzerland to Domodossola in the north of Italy.
You'll board the train in Locarno and enjoy stunning views from the specially designed panoramic windows. Pass by chestnut woods, lush vines, cascades of clear water, villages clinging to the mountain sides and wild, romantic alpine vistas as you wind your way to Domodossola.
Stay in a lakeside hotel
During this trip you'll be staying a welcoming four-star hotel on the shores of Lake Maggiore. You'll be within walking distance of Stresa's enchanting piazzas and gardens. There's a whole day free for you to explore Stresa at your own pace, or simply relax at the hotel, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or enjoying an aperitif on the terrace.
How to book
Want to visit the Italian lakes and neighbouring Switzerland's stunning peaks with Good Housekeeping? Visit our holiday website to read all the details about our fantastic nine-day holiday and how to book.
More Italian lakes tours for 2025
There are many more ways to discover the heavenly Italian lakes with Good Housekeeping in 2025.
If you're a garden lover, you'll be excited to hear about a very special eight-day trip to explore in March 2025 the best gardens and most beautiful villas on Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and the Gulf of Borromeo with gardening expert Christine Walkden.
If you love travelling by train, you might be interested in an eight-day tour in June or September where you'll stay in beautiful Colico on the shores of Lake Como, enjoy a cruise on the lake and take a ride on the iconic Bernina railway to St Moritz.
And if you want to explore more of Italy, Good Housekeeping has a range of excellent tours, from gourmet delights in Puglia and Bolonga to island adventures on Sicily and Sardinia.
Browse more extraordinary journeys from Good Housekeeping Holidays by downloading our latest brochure.
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