Italy has more than its fair share of beautiful places and the lakes that nestle in the foothills of the Italian Alps are one of its finest assets. The Lakes of Lombardy and in particular Lake Maggiore are very special. The early mist rising off the lake, church bells resonating off the water, flower-filled gardens reflected in the still, deep waters and numerous craft going about their business, criss-crossing the lake. The images stay with you forever.
A little more sedate than some of the other Italian lakes, Lake Maggiore harbours a distinct belle-époque air with regal promenades and grand villas lining its shores. Its hinterland is intriguingly wild and the steep inclines of Piedmont’s lower Alps and gentle Mediterranean climate make for lush vegetation, and are the reason why so many rare and exotic plants thrive here. Our elegant and comfortable hotel, the Villa e Palazzo Aminta is scenically positioned by the shores of the lake and when you can stir yourself from this idyllic setting there is a wealth of wonderful things to see and do and we have devised an itinerary which includes a perfect combination of included tours and ample time at leisure. Highlights of our stay will include visits to wonderful gardens such as Villa Taranto in Pallanza which features over 3,000 species of plant, a tour by boat to see the Borromean Islands with their wonderful palaces and botanic gardens and a full day exploring the lakes, towns and valleys by rail and boat.
We have also allowed for opportunities to dine independently so that you may join the local restaurant-goers in the wonderful waterfront restaurants nearby. If you enjoy touring at a gentle pace, sampling local foods and wines, walking amidst beautiful surroundings and appreciating the exotic plants and flowers on display in the company of just a few fellow travellers then this tour will surely appeal.
Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Dating back to the early 20th century, the grand Villa e Palazzo Aminta is one of Lake Maggiore’s finest hotels. Initially built as the personal residence of the Admiral of the Royal Navy Francesco Capece, the hotel still bears the name of his dear, beloved wife Aminta and is now owned by the Zanetta family. The property has very much retained the atmosphere of a private house and the owners take pride in the warm hospitality and service provided to their guests from the moment you step into the opulent lobby with its Murano glittering chandeliers, Venetian flooring and marble columns. With its superior position on the lakefront, this sumptuous five-star property provides the perfect base for our exploration of this magical region of Italy.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Lake Maggiore, Italy.
Fly by scheduled flight to Milan. On arrival transfer to the Villa e Palazzo Aminta. After checking in enjoy free time before we meet for a welcome drink and dinner in the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 2 Borromean Islands.
This morning we will take a local boat from our hotel for a panoramic ride on the lake. See the fascinating shoreline dotted with picturesque villas before we sail past the Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 14th century monastery perched on the edge of the lake. Later, we sail by Isola Madre, the largest island on Lake Maggiore. The island is private, belonging to the Borromeo family and the mansion that was built at the end of the 16th century is considered the first of the villas ever built on the lake. The importance of the island comes from the botanical garden where, from the beginning of the 19th century, local and exotic plants have been cultivated. Continue to Isola Bella where we enjoy a guided visit of Palazzo Borromeo, the Baroque mansion built from the 17th century by the noble family feudatories of Lake Maggiore and surrounded by wonderful gardens. After the visit we have free time for a walk on the island before we make our way to the small, charming Isola dei Pescatori where the small boats and fishing nets denote the main activity of its inhabitants. Enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants before returning to our hotel by private boat. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to relax in the hotel or explore the local town independently. (B, L)
Day 3 Lago D’Orta.
After breakfast in the hotel we drive to Lago D’Orta. The small and picturesque lake is surrounded by mountains and we will take a boat to the island of San Giulio which lies in the centre. On our guided tour we will visit the ancient Basilica, which dates back to the 4th century and was rebuilt in the 11th century, then decorated with Renaissance and Baroque frescoes. The remains of Saint Julius, evangelizer of the region, are kept in the crypt. Walk along the only lane to see the Benedictine cloister before boarding the boat back to the enchanting village of Orta. The lack of cars together with the granite portals, the wrought iron gates, the little lanes and the inside yards gives it a timeless atmosphere. Later, transfer by boat to Bagnera and continue to a local agriturismo for a lunch of local specialities, sourced directly from the farm, accompanied by local wines. Return to the hotel this afternoon for some time at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Rocca d’Angera.
Drive this morning to the magnificent Rocca d’Angera located on a rocky spur on the southern shores of the lake. Owned by the Borromeo family since 1449 the Rocca consists of five different buildings, the Torre Castellana, Ala Scaligera, Ala Viscontea, Torre di Giovanni Visconti and the Ala dei Borromeo which were constructed at various times between the 11th and 15th century. Now merged to create one historic building, we can explore the historical halls and rooms including the beautiful ‘Hall of Justice’ with its 12th century frescoes and visit the museum of dolls and toys. Outside we see the restoration of the Medieval gardens which blends medicinal herbs with ornamental plants. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free afternoon before meeting for dinner. (B, D)
Day 5 Villa Taranto.
This morning we visit the famous Villa Taranto in Pallanza whose gardens were established between 1931 and 1940 by Scotsman Neil McEacharn. Today the gardens contain nearly 20,000 plant varieties representing more than 3,000 species, set among seven kilometres of paths. Walking along the avenues we will admire the most curious and important species, according to the season. Varieties include azalea, rhododendron, 300 types of dahlias as well as the greenhouses of Victoria amazonica, a small herbarium and the founder’s mausoleum. We will take lunch in Pallanza and have some time to explore before returning to the hotel this afternoon. (B, L)
Day 6 Ferrovia Vigezzina.
After breakfast we will embark on a full day tour exploring the lake and the valleys and towns on its shores. We drive to Domodossola which lies at the bottom of the Toce River at the mouth of seven alpine valleys. Explore the historic centre and romantic squares before we embark the Ferrovia Vigezzina train. Our journey takes us through the Ossola and Vigezzo valleys where we see wild scenery, punctuated by clear streams, vineyards, chestnut woodlands and villages perched on steep slopes. We disembark in the pretty village of Santa Maria Maggiore, the train lines highest point at 831 metres, where after exploring we will take lunch. Return to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before we meet for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Ricetto di Ghemme.
Leaving the lake behind we travel to the Rovellotti cellars in Ghemme. The town lies in a fertile plain of the Novara Province, at the foot of the hills that rise up towards the nearby Pre-Alps, between Piedmont and Lombardy. It boasts a wide variety of landscapes: rice fields, cultivated fields, castles and unspoilt natural beauty. We will explore the Ricetto, an impressive walled rectangular-shaped Medieval citadel, originally a stronghold used for the safe retreat for the local population in case of siege. Visit the cellars, situated in a centuries-old two storey structure made of bricks and river stone, grouped around lovely little courtyards. Here we will enjoy a tasting of their wines served with local delicacies. Return to the hotel this afternoon and enjoy free time before we take our farewell dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 8 Lake Maggiore to London.
Check out after breakfast and transfer to Milan for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy7 to 14 May 2025 • 14 to 21 May 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Superior Garden View | £3795 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View | £4095 | |
Deluxe Front Lake View | £4395 | |
Superior Garden View Sole Occupancy | £4995 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View Sole Occupancy | £5395 |
10 to 17 September 2025 • 24 September to 1 October 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Superior Garden View | £3995 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View | £4295 | |
Deluxe Front Lake View | £4595 | |
Superior Garden View Sole Occupancy | £5195 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View Sole Occupancy | £5595 |
8 to 15 May 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Superior Garden View | £3995 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View | £4395 | |
Deluxe Front Lake View | £4895 | |
Superior Garden View Sole Occupancy | £5295 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View Sole Occupancy | £5895 |
18 to 25 September 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Superior Garden View | £4195 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View | £4595 | |
Deluxe Front Lake View | £5095 | |
Superior Garden View Sole Occupancy | £5395 | |
Deluxe Lake Side View Sole Occupancy | £5995 |
Tour Reference Code: LAVPA070725
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights hotel accommodation at the Villa e Palazzo Aminta • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Wine, beer and soft drinks with included lunches and dinners • Tours as described • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Group Size: We are restricting the group size to no more than 25 participants.
Villa e Palazzo Aminta
Dating back to the early 20th century, the grand Villa e Palazzo Aminta is one of Lake Maggiore’s finest hotels. Initially built as the personal residence of the Admiral of the Royal Navy Francesco Capece, the hotel still bears the name of his dear, beloved wife Aminta and is now owned by the Zanetta family. The property has very much retained the atmosphere of a private house and the owners take pride in the warm hospitality and service provided to their guests from the moment you step into the opulent lobby with its Murano glittering chandeliers, Venetian flooring and marble columns. With its superior position on the lakefront, this sumptuous five-star property provides the perfect base for our exploration of this magical region of Italy.
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