Highlights of Lake Maggiore & The Matterhorn

This Riviera Travel escorted tour draws a neat line between Italy's calmer waters and Switzerland's soaring peaks. Starting at Lake Maggiore, the gentle shores of Stresa and Baveno serve as the base for exploring the Borromean Islands. Here, a private boat ride and guided tours reveal Isola Bella's 17th-century splendour and the fishing village atmosphere of Isola dei Pescatori, culminating in drinks with a lakeside panorama at the Skybar.

The journey continues via a boat trip to Cannobio followed by the scenic Centovalli Railway from Locarno, offering glimpses of ancient forests and waterfall-spotted gorges. Lake Como's artistic and aristocratic heritage awaits next, with time to wander Como town and visit Villa Carlotta's gardens rich in azaleas and camellias. A reprieve at Isola Madre unfolds with its English-style botanical gardens before crossing into Switzerland for a day in Zermatt. Beneath the legendary Matterhorn, the village's car-free charms and alpine trails present a quieter yet dramatic mountain experience.

Lake Orta’s medieval village of Orta San Giulio rounds off the itinerary, with a boat ride to San Giulio Island’s ancient basilica and a tasting at a nearby cellar offering local wines. Throughout, the tour balances well-known sights with moments that invite a closer look, free of unnecessary fanfare.