Italian Lake District With Optional Venice Extension
Lakefront beauty with breathtaking views
Discover the beauty of Lake Maggiore with a stay at a luxurious 4-star lakefront hotel, where breathtaking views meet Italian elegance. Wake up to shimmering waters, explore charming lakeside towns, and take scenic drives through the stunning landscapes of northern Italy with your included rental car. Choose the 7- or 8-night version to spend nights in the Venetian countryside.
What's Included
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Milan (MXP)
- Manual rental car for the duration - upgrade to automatic upon booking
- pickup & drop off Milan Airport
- 5 nights in Lake Maggiore at the Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo, or similar (with breakfast)
Please note: city tax of 2 Euro per person per day must be paid directly to the hotels. City tax amount is subject to change.
Great Ways to Explore
Experience stunning scenery and fun adventures.
Explore Italy's other lakes such as Lake Como.Â
A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace.
Enjoy every morning with a lakeside view.
Drive to Switzerland and experience Lake Maggiore from the other side.
Experience the beauty of Italy with the freedom of a rental car, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Begin your journey by the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore, where your lakefront hotel provides breathtaking views of shimmering waters and the majestic Alps. Spend your days exploring elegant lakeside towns like Como or even nearby Lugano in Switzerland, cruising to the enchanting Borromean Islands, or simply unwinding in this postcard-perfect setting.
With the open road ahead and handpicked stays in prime locations, this Italian getaway blends scenic drives, cultural discoveries, and waterfront relaxation for an unforgettable experience.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Casa Paladin Wine Tasting Experience
- 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
- (available for 7 and 8 night versions only)
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Milan (MXP)
- Manual rental car for the duration - upgrade to automatic upon booking
- pickup & drop off Milan Airport
- 5 nights in Lake Maggiore at the Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo, or similar (with breakfast)
Please note: city tax of 2 Euro per person per day must be paid directly to the hotels. City tax amount is subject to change.
Experience stunning scenery and fun adventures.
Explore Italy's other lakes such as Lake Como.Â
A rental car allows you to explore at your own pace.
Enjoy every morning with a lakeside view.
Drive to Switzerland and experience Lake Maggiore from the other side.
Experience the beauty of Italy with the freedom of a rental car, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Begin your journey by the stunning shores of Lake Maggiore, where your lakefront hotel provides breathtaking views of shimmering waters and the majestic Alps. Spend your days exploring elegant lakeside towns like Como or even nearby Lugano in Switzerland, cruising to the enchanting Borromean Islands, or simply unwinding in this postcard-perfect setting.
With the open road ahead and handpicked stays in prime locations, this Italian getaway blends scenic drives, cultural discoveries, and waterfront relaxation for an unforgettable experience.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Casa Paladin Wine Tasting Experience
- 3 Borromean Islands Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
- (available for 7 and 8 night versions only)
Day 1. Welcome to Italy!
Step off your plane and grab your luggage. Then, pick up your rental car and drive to your accommodation. This evening, take some time to familiarize yourself with your surroundings, and have some dinner at the hotel's restaurant.Â
Hotel Belvedere San Gottardo is a 4-star hotel located on the lakefront. The hotel features a bar and restaurant that serves authentic Italian delicacies. Guests have access to the hotel's breakfast buffet and the terrace which features panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Maggiore.Â
Guest rooms have a private bathroom with a bidet, hair dryer, and complimentary toiletries. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a TV, minibar, desk, phone, safe, and patio. Additionally, limited room service is available.Â
The hotel is just a short 10-minute walk from the city center of Pallanza. Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto is a 5-minute drive from the hotel and Villa Pallavicino Park is a 36-minute drive from the hotel.
Hotel Pallanza is a 4-star upscale hotel in the charming Pallanza region. The hotel prioritizes guest convenience with a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Guests are offered a variety of dining choices, including a daily breakfast buffet, a cafe, a bar, and a lakeside restaurant.Â
Guest rooms are air-conditioned and have a private bathroom. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, a minibar, desk, TV, safe, and room service.Â
The Botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto and Borromean Islands are both within a 20-minute drive from the hotel.
Hotel Milan Speranza Au Lac in Stresa offers guests a comfortable and convenient stay. The hotel has a number of diverse dining options that include a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine, a cocktail bar, and coffee shop. Guests can also enjoy complimentary breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool.
Guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi. Other amenities include a private bathroom, hairdryer, minibar, desk, TV, and safe.
The Borromean Islands are just a 5-minute drive from the hotel. The stunning lakeside garden Giardini Botanici Villa Taranto is a 27-minute drive from the hotel.
Perched on the shores of Lake Maggiore, Hotel La Palma offers a luxurious retreat with breathtaking lake and mountain views. Ideally located in Stresa, the hotel is just a short stroll from charming piazzas, boutique shops, and the ferry terminal for exploring the Borromean Islands.
This elegant hotel features a rooftop infinity pool and Sky Bar, where you can sip cocktails while soaking in panoramic scenery. Guests can unwind at the wellness center with a sauna, steam bath, and a state-of-the-art fitness room. The private lakeside beach and jetty are perfect for a refreshing swim or a boat ride.
Enjoy exquisite Italian and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant with a terrace, where every meal is served with a stunning view.
Rooms are located in the main building or the hotel's new wing, built in 2007. Each room has an individual design, and air conditioning, satellite TV, and a minibar come as standard. The Terminus Hotel includes a grand lobby with Wi-Fi point, as well as a gym and sauna. The restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes, with meals served out in the garden overlooking the lake.
Day 2. Lake Maggiore
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, set off in your rental car on a day of adventure! Just a short 25-minute drive from your hotel lies Parco Pallavicino, where you can easily spend the day spotting animals, such as Tibetan goats, and strolling through the botanical gardens where you'll find ancient chestnut trees, magnolias, and more.
Parco Pallavicino
Day 3. Lake Maggiore
Treat yourself to some fun lake activities today. Take a boat tour or try your hand at kayaking, sailing, or water skiing on the lake. You can also ride the cable car up to Sasso del Ferro for stunning panoramic views.Â
Take the afternoon to explore the lakeside town of Stresa. Explore the Garden Alpinia and learn about alpine plant species, or visit Villa Ducale for a tour of the villa, its library, and beautiful surrounding gardens. Later on, stop by a local restaurant for dinner before returning to your hotel.Â
Lake Maggiore
Day 4. Lake Maggiore
Enjoy a relaxing morning, then take a drive to Lake Como and discover a treasure trove of picturesque towns, stunning villas, and breathtaking natural scenery.
Lake Como
Day 5. Lake Maggiore
Make your last day in Lake Maggiore a memorable one! Start with a relaxing lakeside stroll, savoring a final cappuccino and the stunning views. Or, if you haven't yet, explore more of the Borromean Islands (Isola Madre, Isola Pescatori). Later, use your rental car to wander through charming towns like Stresa, Verbania, or Arona.
This evening, head back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's flight home.Â
Isola Madre, Botanical Gardens
Day 6. Depart Italy
Your incredible trip to Italy has unfortunately come to an end. Have one last breakfast at the hotel before driving to the airport to return your rental car and board your flight home.
Fly home!
We have selected the most economical flight schedule for you. Please note that shorter and more convenient flight options may be available at an additional cost.
Advertised vacation package prices are per person based on two people traveling together, unless otherwise noted. Advertised package rates are based on select departures as noted on the booking calendar above, were available via the Great Value Vacations website and may not represent current prices.
Vacation packages include round-trip economy class airfare on valid international carriers as noted in specific package inclusions and as indicated on booking engine calendar, which may also include code share flight agreements between carriers as indicated during the booking process. Carriers may vary based on city of origin.
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