We love —
- Driving through the refined landscapes of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, where every turn reveals villas, gardens and shimmering waters.
- Enjoying a boat cruise on Lake Maggiore and discovering the beauty of Isola Madre’s botanical gardens.
- Tasting regional wines during a winery experience with views over the Alps, a true immersion into local traditions.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected for our members by our experts
Your itinerary in brief —
DURATION: 5 or 7 nights
BEST FOR: Cultural immersion
PACE: Relaxed
Explore Lake Maggiore & Lake Como
Lose yourself in the timeless elegance of Northern Italy’s most iconic lakes, where shimmering waters, grand villas and alpine backdrops create a setting of pure refinement. From the stately shores of Lake Maggiore to the romantic charm of Lake Como, this self-drive journey invites you to explore at your own pace. Cruise between the Borromean Islands, wander through picturesque villages like Bellagio and Varenna, and savour the region through its landscapes and flavours.
Choose the length of your stay:
Your 5-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival at Lake Maggiore
Day 2: Stresa & Borromean Islands
Day 3: Lake Orta & Villa Taranto
Day 4: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
Day 5: Bellagio
Day 6: Departure from Lake Como
Your 7-night road trip:
Day 1: Arrival at Lake Maggiore
Day 2: Stresa & Borromean Islands
Day 3: Lake Orta & Villa Taranto
Day 4: Val d’Ossola
Day 5: Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
Day 6: Bellagio
Day 7: Varenna
Day 8 : Departure from Lake Como
Please note: your itinerary may have minor adjustments, but your overall trip experience will remain the same.
The freedom to explore:
Discover our expertly curated self-guided tours, designed to offer the perfect balance of structure and flexibility. While our travel experts suggest itineraries to help you explore each destination in depth, you have the freedom to tailor activities and pace to suit your personal preferences. Rest assured, the carefully selected hotels will remain as listed, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience throughout your journey.
Please note that your hotels may be located inside or outside cities and towns. You may park your car inside or outside the hotels (subject to availability). Additional charges may apply on-site.
Your itinerary in detail —
5-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT LAKE MAGGIORE
Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive towards Lake Maggiore, where your journey begins in an elegant lakeside setting. Surrounded by villas, gardens and mountain backdrops, the atmosphere is both refined and peaceful. Take time to settle in and enjoy your first impressions of the lake, as soft light reflects on the water and sets the tone for the days ahead.
Included:
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
- Car hire included (for offers with flights only)
Suggestions:
- Walk along the lake
- Discover lakeside villas
- Enjoy sunset views
DAY 2: STRESA & BORROMEAN ISLANDS
Head to Stresa, one of the most elegant towns on the lake, known for its refined promenade and grand architecture. From here, set off to discover the Borromean Islands, famed for their palaces and botanical gardens. The day unfolds between serene navigation, architectural beauty and the gentle rhythm of lake life.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
Suggestions:
- Walk along the lake
- Discover lakeside villas
- Enjoy sunset views
DAY 3: LAKE ORTA & VILLA TARANTO
Drive to Lake Orta, a smaller and more intimate lake, where a quieter, almost timeless atmosphere prevails. Surrounded by gentle hills and charming villages, it offers a more secluded side of Northern Italy. In the afternoon, return towards Lake Maggiore and visit Villa Taranto, where beautifully arranged botanical gardens stretch over several hectares overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
Suggestions:
- Explore Orta village
- Walk through Villa Taranto gardens
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings
DAY 4: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO
Continue your journey towards Lake Como, where the landscape becomes even more refined and cinematic. The transition between the two lakes reveals changing scenery, from wide shores to more dramatic reliefs. Upon arrival in Como, take time to explore its historic centre, where elegant streets and monuments reflect the region’s rich heritage.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Como area
Suggestions:
- Visit Como Cathedral
- Walk along the lake
- Take in views from Brunate
DAY 5: BELLAGIO
Today, discover Bellagio, one of the most iconic villages on Lake Como, known for its charm and elegant setting. The village unfolds through narrow streets, stone stairways and terraces overlooking the water. The atmosphere here is both lively and refined, offering a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation by the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Como area
Suggestions:
- Explore Bellagio village
- Visit Villa Melzi gardens
- Enjoy time by the lake
DAY 6: DEPARTURE FROM LAKE COMO
Enjoy your final moments by Lake Como, taking in the peaceful atmosphere one last time before returning your vehicle and departing.
Included:
- Breakfast included
7-NIGHT ROAD TRIP
DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT LAKE MAGGIORE
Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive towards Lake Maggiore, where your journey begins in an elegant lakeside setting. Surrounded by villas, gardens and mountain backdrops, the atmosphere is both refined and peaceful. Take time to settle in and enjoy your first impressions of the lake, as soft light reflects on the water and sets the tone for the days ahead.
Included:
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
- Car hire included (for offers with flights only)
Suggestions:
- Walk along the lake
- Discover lakeside villas
- Enjoy sunset views
DAY 2: STRESA & BORROMEAN ISLANDS
Head to Stresa, one of the most elegant towns on the lake, known for its refined promenade and grand architecture. From here, set off to discover the Borromean Islands, famed for their palaces and botanical gardens. The day unfolds between serene navigation, architectural beauty and the gentle rhythm of lake life.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
Suggestions:
- Walk along the lake
- Discover lakeside villas
- Enjoy sunset views
DAY 3: LAKE ORTA & VILLA TARANTO
Drive to Lake Orta, a smaller and more intimate lake, where a quieter, almost timeless atmosphere prevails. Surrounded by gentle hills and charming villages, it offers a more secluded side of Northern Italy. In the afternoon, return towards Lake Maggiore and visit Villa Taranto, where beautifully arranged botanical gardens stretch over several hectares overlooking the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
Suggestions:
- Explore Orta village
- Walk through Villa Taranto gardens
- Enjoy the peaceful surroundings
DAY 4: VAL D’OSSOLA
Travel north to the Val d’Ossola, where the scenery shifts towards alpine landscapes. This region offers a more rugged and natural environment, with mountains and valleys shaping the horizon. It’s a day to experience a different side of the region, where nature takes centre stage.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Maggiore area
Suggestions:
- Discover alpine landscapes
- Explore local villages
- Enjoy the mountain setting
DAY 5: LAKE MAGGIORE → LAKE COMO
Continue your journey towards Lake Como, where the landscape becomes even more refined and cinematic. The transition between the two lakes reveals changing scenery, from wide shores to more dramatic reliefs. Upon arrival in Como, take time to explore its historic centre, where elegant streets and monuments reflect the region’s rich heritage.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Como area
Suggestions:
- Visit Como Cathedral
- Walk along the lake
- Take in views from Brunate
DAY 6: BELLAGIO
Today, discover Bellagio, one of the most iconic villages on Lake Como, known for its charm and elegant setting. The village unfolds through narrow streets, stone stairways and terraces overlooking the water. The atmosphere here is both lively and refined, offering a perfect balance between exploration and relaxation by the lake.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Como area
Suggestions:
- Explore Bellagio village
- Visit Villa Melzi gardens
- Enjoy time by the lake
DAY 7: VARENNA
Visit Varenna, one of the most authentic and peaceful villages on the lake. The setting is intimate, with colourful houses and a close connection to the water. Walk along the lakeside and enjoy the calm atmosphere that defines this part of Lake Como.
Included:
- Breakfast included
- Night in Lake Como area
Suggestions:
- Walk along the lake
- Explore the village
- Enjoy the views
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM LAKE COMO
Enjoy your final moments by Lake Como, taking in the peaceful atmosphere one last time before returning your vehicle and departing.
Included:
- Breakfast included
Important information about your tour and visits: The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category. The itinerary is subject to changes due to compelling reasons such as delayed flights, weather conditions or other cases of force majeure. The order of visits is also subject to change without affecting the overall experience of the itinerary.
Your hotels —
Just for you:
Hand-picked just for you
During your self-drive journey, you will stay in Standard Rooms in carefully selected hotels, combining comfort and ideal locations to explore the Italian lakes at your own pace. You can choose between 4* or 4* Superior hotels, depending on your preference for added refinement and comfort.
Your 4* hotels (or similar):
- Lake Maggiore: Hotel Pallanza 4*
- Lake Como: Hotel Due Corti 4*
Your 4* Superior hotels (or similar):
- Lake Maggiore: Hotel Astoria 4*
- Lake Como: Hotel Como 4*
If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply.
The maximum capacity of the rooms is 2 adults. Single rooms are available at an extra cost.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Your optional excursions —
Excursion to Lake Garda
Discover the most beautiful villages on Lake Garda and cross it by ferry after an unforgettable scenic drive along the Gardesana road.
Excursion to Verona
Explore Verona on a guided tour combining a panoramic bus tour, a walking tour of the historic centre, and free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Panoramic excursion in the Dolomites and local specialities
Discover the Dolomites by bus, enjoy lunch at high altitude at the Pordoi Pass and treat yourself to a gourmet break in a traditional village with apple strudel tasting.
A day in Venice
Discover Venice at your own pace, exploring picturesque alleyways and iconic canals, with the option of a gondola ride or an excursion on the lagoon.
Lake Como cruise with aperitivo
Enjoy a scenic cruise on the stunning waters of Lake Como, enhanced by a relaxing aperitivo on board, the perfect way to soak in the views in true Italian style.
Your included services —
Assistance at destination
Enjoy an included destination assistance service provided by our local partners trained to Voyage Privé standards. A dedicated contact person, available 24 hours a day (by phone or WhatsApp), will assist you throughout your stay with advice, reservations, or help in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travel with peace of mind.
Your journey to Italy —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Lake Maggiore
Discover the enchanting allure of northern Italy’s lake region, a haven of natural beauty and cultural richness. This destination has inspired literary greats such as Dickens, Stendhal, and Hemingway, drawn by the serene landscapes and timeless elegance of Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, and Lake Garda. Ideal for a tranquil retreat, the area blends poetic scenery with a wealth of hidden treasures waiting to be explored.
Must-sees:
- Explore the Borromean Islands, where Baroque architecture meets terraced gardens on Isola Bella, and the quaint Isola dei Pescatori offers a step back in time.
- Visit Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio, a botanical paradise with panoramic views of Lake Como’s three branches.
- Take a boat ride to the Sirmione Peninsula, home to the medieval Castello Scaligero and ancient Roman ruins at the Grotte di Catullo.
Culinary culture:
The lake region is a gourmet’s delight, celebrated for its fresh water fish dishes, including lavarello and perch risotto. Pair these with a crisp glass of Lugana wine, produced along the shores of Lake Garda. Don’t miss trying formaggi di montagna, mountain cheeses, particularly during a visit to a local dairy such as 'Da Carozzi'. The rich culinary heritage is as much about the tradition as the flavour, offering a true taste of the region.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the iconic landmarks, wander into the lesser-known villages like Cannobio on Lake Maggiore or Varenna on Lake Como, where narrow cobbled streets reveal artisans’ workshops and historic chapels. Nature enthusiasts will relish a hike on Monte Baldo, offering dramatic views and diverse flora.
Good to know:
The ideal time to visit is between April and October, with mild weather and fewer crowds in spring and autumn. The local currency is the euro, and travelling by car or ferry is the most convenient way to explore the lakes and their surroundings. Always carry comfortable walking shoes to navigate the cobblestone streets and hillside paths.
Lake Como
Lombardy, a district of world-famous lakes, is a diverse region blending cosmopolitan sophistication with serene natural beauty. Nestled in northern Italy along the Swiss border, this area captivates with its stylish cities, majestic mountains, and pristine lakes. While Milan, the region's bustling capital, entices with its glamour and culture, the treasures of Lombardy extend far beyond its city limits to the tranquil landscapes of its northern reaches.
Must-sees:
- Lake Como: Admire the sumptuous lakeside villas and their verdant cascading gardens set against the backdrop of the Rhaetian Alps, which extend along the Italian-Swiss border.
- Lake Maggiore: Visit the tranquil Borromean Islands, offering postcard-perfect scenery and rich history.
- Lake Garda: Explore the laid-back charm of Gardone Riviera, with its scenic promenade and leisurely pleasure cruises across the lake.
Culinary culture:
Lombardy's culinary heritage is a reflection of its varied landscape. Relish local classics such as risotto alla milanese, flavoured with saffron, or hearty pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta typical of the mountain regions. Around the lakes, fresh fish like lavarello is a highlight, while the region’s famed Taleggio and Gorgonzola cheeses add a decadent touch to any meal. Pair these dishes with Franciacorta, a sparkling wine from the region.
Dive deeper:
Step beyond the main attractions to uncover hidden gems like Varenna, a picturesque village on Lake Como, with its botanical gardens at Villa Monastero. For art lovers, the shores of Lake Garda host Il Vittoriale degli Italiani, the eccentric home of poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Nature enthusiasts will find adventure in the Orobie Alps, which reach northwards towards Bergamo, offering hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Good to know:
Lombardy’s idea; travel seasons are spring and autumn, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Milan is a central hub with excellent transport links, but exploring the lakes is easiest by car or ferry. The local currency is the euro, and English is widely understood in tourist areas. Comfortable shoes are essential for cobblestone streets and hillside villages.
