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Air Canada Vacations

Jewels of Lake Maggiore

Overview

Lake Maggiore, one of Italy's largest and most scenic lakes, lies on the border between Italy and Switzerland. It’s known for its mild climate and stunning landscapes and is a popular destination for travellers longing to experience its natural beauty and unique cultural experiences. You’ll have access to a professional English-speaking tour guide for the entire duration.

 

This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.

Format

Guided tour

Locations

  • Milan
  • Baveno

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight to Milan (if Flight & Hotel package option is chosen)
  • Private round-trip airport transfers to Lake Maggiore  
  • 7 nights of accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts
  • Dinners at the hotel
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide for the entire duration of the tour
  • More Moments activities included:
    • Full-day excursion with boat trip visiting the Borromean Islands
    • Half-day guided excursion to Lake Orta
    • Full-day railway excursion to Locarno in Switzerland
  • Earn Aeroplan® points

 

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Canada

Fly to Milan.

 

Day 2

Welcome to Milan - Baveno

Upon your arrival in Milan, you’ll take a private transfer to your hotel in Baveno and check in. You can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

 

Day 3

Baveno: At Leisure

Spend some time discovering the charms of Baveno. You can check out the local cafés and enjoy enchanting views across the lake to the Borromean Islands.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 4

Baveno - Borromean Islands

Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Borromean Islands by boat.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Borromean Islands

    You’ll start with Isola Bella, known for its stunning Baroque palace and Italian terraced gardens, where you’re likely to spot some striking white peacocks. After enjoying some free time, you’ll visit Fisherman's Island (Isola dei Pescatori), the only inhabited island of the bunch, with its charming narrow lanes and Church of San Vittore. Following lunch at your leisure, you’ll continue to Isola Madre, the largest of the islands, where you’ll be captivated by its 20-acre park, English-style botanical gardens, and the 16th-century Borromeo family home.

Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner

Day 5

Baveno: At Leisure

Enjoy your day at leisure, relaxing, or take an optional excursion of your choice.

($) Optional Activities

  • Bevano River Nature Reserve

    • A visit to the Bevano River Nature Reserve, a pristine wetland area where you can enjoy peaceful walks, birdwatching and the beauty of the Italian countryside. The area is rich in wildlife, making it a haven for nature photographers.

     

    • Head to one of the local agriturismi (farmhouses) for a taste of authentic Emilia-Romagna cuisine, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Sample handmade pasta, regional cheeses and world-class wines.

     

    • If you're interested in history, visit nearby Ravenna, home to stunning Byzantine mosaics, to round out your day with some cultural exploration.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 6

Baveno - Lake Orta

After breakfast, you’ll board a coach to Omegna, located at the northern tip of Lake Orta for your half-day excursion.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Lake Orta

    Journey through charming villages to the southern end of the lake, where you’ll board a boat to the medieval village of Orta. Often called the "Venice without water," Orta is a labyrinth of picturesque streets and cobbled lanes, with numerous chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. You’ll return to our hotel in the afternoon. 

Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner

Day 7

Baveno: At Leisure

Take the day at your own pace—relax, or squeeze in some last-minute shopping to pick up a few souvenirs to bring home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 8

Baveno - Visit

After breakfast, we’ll travel by coach along the Ossola Valley to Domodossola for your full-day excursion by railway.

More Moments Activities Included

  • Centovalli Railway

    Board a narrow-gauge train for a scenic ride across 83 bridges and through 31 tunnels, arriving in the Swiss town of Locarno at the northern tip of Lake Maggiore. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch ($), shop and explore Locarno before returning to the hotel by coach in the afternoon.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9

Baveno - Milan - Return to Canada

After breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer to the airport and board your flight home.

 

Meal(s): Breakfast

Accomodations

Where you'll stay

The hotels listed below are presented as examples for your reference only. Hotel accommodation details will be communicated to you or your travel agent prior to departure.

Location

Hotel

Baveno
Beau Rivage (or similar)
3

Room details

Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds

Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)

Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.

Important Information

  • 2025 guaranteed departures

    • May 4, 11
    • June 1
    • July 20
    • August 24
    • September 7
    • October 12
  • Not included

    • Meals and drinks, unless noted
    • Additional activities and excursions
    • Personal expenses and insurance
    • Tips

    Seven dinners at the hotel are included for all departures, except for May 11 and September 7, when only two dinners are provided.

  • The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.

    • Full-day excursion with boat trip visiting the Borromean islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre with guide assistance. Entrance fees and guided tours included
    • Half-day guided excursion to Lake Orta, including the medieval village of Orta and a boat trip on the lake (weather permitting)
    • Full-day excursion to include a journey on the Centovalli Railway to Locarno in Switzerland

     

  • The order visited may change due to operational restrictions. The itinerary above is for reference only.

  • City taxes are applicable for hotel stays in Italy and are payable in local currency upon checkout.