01 · The Opening
Lake Orta
Italy begins in a quieter voice.
Orta San Giulio welcomes you with intimate lanes, a short boat crossing and the kind of stillness that makes slowing down feel entirely natural.
Now Journey Signature Tour
Italian Lakes Adventure
Nine beautifully paced days across Northern Italy’s most intimate lakes.
Lake Orta → Lake Maggiore → Lake Como
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Up to 16 Guests
- Tour Captain Hosted
- Deluxe Hotel Collections
No obligation. No pressure.
9 Days / 8 NightsBalanced pace
Three Italian LakesOrta to Como
Up to 16 GuestsSmall group journey
Deluxe Collection4- to 5-star properties
Tour CaptainHosted throughout
Your Journey Ahead
Three lakes. One unhurried story.
From Orta’s quiet shores to Maggiore’s grand islands and Como’s elegant villages, the route moves east with the rhythm of the water.
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01Lake OrtaA tranquil opening in Orta San Giulio, with island stillness, cobblestone lanes and a gentle first taste of Piedmont.
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02Lake MaggioreBelle Époque Stresa and the Borromean Islands bring gardens, palace rooms and broad Alpine horizons.
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03Lake ComoBellagio, private time on the water and a farewell apericena close the Journey beside Como’s dramatic shores.
Journey Story
Northern Italy, written in water.
The Italian Lakes reveal themselves by degrees. Orta begins softly. Maggiore expands the horizon. Como turns the final days into a celebration of villages, villas and life beside the water.
02 · The Unfolding
Lake Maggiore
The landscape grows grand.
Stresa brings a change of scale: Belle Époque elegance, the Borromean Islands and days that balance guided discovery with time to follow your own curiosity.
03 · The Finale
Lake Como
The Journey settles into memory.
Bellagio, a private boat on the lake, leisurely gardens and one last apericena bring the Italian Lakes Adventure to a graceful close.
Why Now Journey
Hosted, not herded.
A Tour Captain keeps the details moving while private and local guides bring each lake into focus. Guided discovery and genuine free time share the itinerary.
Small by design
No large buses or herding mentality. The journey is designed for a small group and never more than 16 guests.
Thoughtful pacing
Relaxed starting times, morning sightseeing and afternoons at leisure let the lakes feel lived in rather than rushed through.
Personal hosting
Your Tour Captain provides orientation, dining suggestions and the reassuring continuity of a familiar host throughout the Journey.
Day by Day
The Complete Itinerary
Nine days moving from Orta to Maggiore and Como, with private touring, hosted discoveries and time to enjoy the lakes at your own pace.
Chapter One · 2 Nights
Lake Orta
A serene beginning among cobblestone lanes, island history and the intimate shores of Piedmont.
Day 1Arrival at Lake Orta: A Grand Beginning
Your journey begins at Milan Malpensa Airport with a warm meet-and-greet and included transfer. With expert Italian guides and your Now Journey Tour Captain, settle into the relaxed rhythm that will shape the days ahead.
Signature Moment · Discovery Walk
On arrival, take a brief orientation walk with your Tour Captain before experiencing Lake Orta’s gentle shores and hillside villages.
Tonight, gather at a favorite restaurant in Orta San Giulio for a welcome dinner featuring regional cuisine and wine.
Your home on Lake Orta · 2 nights with breakfast
Villa Crespi, Laqua by the Lake, Hotel La Bussola, Hotel San Rocco or a comparable property.
Day 2Exploring Orta & San Giulio
Enjoy a guided morning stroll through Orta San Giulio, passing cobblestone streets, local shops, ancient churches and lively piazzas. A short boat ride then takes you to the island of San Giulio and its historic basilica.
The balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore independently.
Chapter Two · 3 Nights
Lake Maggiore
Stresa, island palaces and broad Alpine views introduce the grandeur of the Major Lake.
Day 3Onward to Stresa
Bid farewell to Lake Orta and follow a scenic route toward Lake Maggiore. As Stresa approaches, sapphire water, green hills and distant peaks open across the horizon.
Discovery Walk
Your Tour Captain leads an orientation through Stresa, sharing its history, culture and local character.
Tonight, enjoy a hosted welcome dinner featuring the regional flavors of Piedmont.
Your home in Stresa · 3 nights with breakfast
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Hotel La Palma, Boutique Hotel Stresa, Regina Palace or a comparable property.
Day 4The Borromean Islands
Cross Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella with a local expert guide. Explore the palace and gardens while discovering the stories behind this celebrated island setting.
The afternoon is at leisure in Stresa. Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore on your own.
Day 5A Day to Enjoy Stresa
Relax, explore the lakeside promenade or choose an optional experience. Your Tour Captain can help shape the day around your interests.
- Bike or e-bike adventure · Price on request.
Arrange a rental and cycle through Stresa and along the lakefront. - Cooking class with locals · $185 per person.
A hands-on class centered on traditional Italian dishes. - Mount Mottarone · About $35 per person.
Weather and operating schedule permitting, ascend for mountain and lake views. - Villa Pallavicino.
Stroll through the gardens and enjoy a nature-focused afternoon.
Tonight, join your Tour Captain for an optional dinner or continue exploring at leisure.
Chapter Three · 3 Nights
Lake Como
Bellagio, villas, private time on the water and the Journey’s farewell beside the lake.
Day 6Onward to Bellagio
Travel to Lake Como and the village of Bellagio. After checking in, join your Tour Captain for a Discovery Walk through this lakeside town.
Tonight, gather for a hosted dinner in Bellagio featuring regional Lombardy flavors.
Your home on Lake Como · 3 nights with breakfast
Hotel Villa Belvedere, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Grand Hotel Menaggio, Hotel Villa Cipressi, Hotel Royal Victoria, Hotel du Lac Varenna or a comparable property.
Day 7Exploring Lake Como
Walk through Bellagio with your Tour Captain, then meet a local boat captain for a private tour of the lake and views of its magnificent villas. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore independently.
Day 8Leisure on the Lake
Choose your own rhythm today. Visit the gardens of Villa Melzi, take a boat to Como, browse, dine or simply enjoy the lake.
- Cooking class · $185 per person.
Prepare fresh pasta, sauces and a traditional dessert with a local chef. - Guided hike · $135 per person.
Explore trails, villages and lake views; transportation to the trailhead is included. - Extended private boat adventure · $675 for up to 6 people.
Continue along the shoreline for a longer private experience on the water.
Signature Moment · Farewell Apericena
Celebrate the Journey with Now Journey’s traditional farewell apericena beside Lake Como.
Day 9Departure from Lake Como
After breakfast, check out and say farewell to Lake Como. Whether continuing your travels or returning home, the journey ends with the lake and mountains still close in memory.
The Details Are Handled
What’s Included
Everything here is drawn from the current Italian Lakes itinerary and tour materials. Optional experiences remain clearly separate.
Tour Captain & Guides
- Now Journey Tour Captain
- Expert Italian and local guides
- Discovery Walks in arrival destinations
Accommodations
- 8 nights in Deluxe Hotel Collections
- Daily breakfast
- Select room categories above entry level where supported
Dining
- Three hosted dinners
- Farewell apericena on Lake Como
- Premium beverages with included dinners
Experiences
- Guided Orta San Giulio and island visit
- Isola Bella palace and gardens
- Private Lake Como boat tour
Transportation
- Meet-and-greet transfer from Milan Malpensa
- Private driver transfers during the Journey
- Premium rail travel where scheduled
- Boat transportation for included lake experiences
Other Services
- Included admission for scheduled sightseeing
- Dining recommendations and reservation support
- Tour fees, taxes and gratuities
Stay Where the Journey Lives
Your Homes on the Lakes
Your stay will be at one of the listed hotels or a comparable property. We generally confirm your hotel around 60 days before departure.
Your Home on Lake Orta · 2 Nights
Lake Orta Collection
Villa Crespi, Laqua by the Lake, Hotel La Bussola, Hotel San Rocco or a comparable property.
Destination image. Final hotel and room category are confirmed closer to departure.
Your Home in Stresa · 3 Nights
Lake Maggiore Collection
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Hotel La Palma, Boutique Hotel Stresa, Regina Palace or a comparable property.
Destination image. Final hotel and room category are confirmed closer to departure.
Your Home on Lake Como · 3 Nights
Lake Como Collection
Hotel Villa Belvedere, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Grand Hotel Menaggio, Hotel Villa Cipressi, Hotel Royal Victoria, Hotel du Lac Varenna or comparable.
Destination image. Final hotel and room category are confirmed closer to departure.
Choose Your Season
Dates & Prices
Future departures only, presented for easy comparison. The published price is per person in USD based on double occupancy.
Pricing is based on a minimum of four guests. Until that group size is reached, a First to Book Supplement applies. International airfare is not included. Availability is confirmed when you inquire.
2026 Departures
Early Autumn
September 14–22
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request Availability →Early Autumn
September 22–30
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request Availability →Autumn
October 2–10
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request Availability →2027 Departures
Spring
May 10–19
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →Spring
May 20–28
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →Early Summer
June 6–14
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →Early Summer
June 15–23
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →Early Autumn
September 13–21
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →Early Autumn
September 22–30
$9,879 per person, double occupancy
Request a Proposal →The proof is in the way guests talk about it.
Read company-wide reviews from travelers who have journeyed with Now Journey. We keep that distinction clear rather than presenting general feedback as specific to the Italian Lakes tour.
Read Reviews on TripAdvisorPractical Information
A few things travelers ask first.
Clear answers drawn from the current tour materials, with space for your Journey Specialist to address personal needs.
What are Deluxe Hotels?
The Deluxe Collection uses hand-picked 4- to 5-star properties with breakfast and select room categories above the entry-level category where supported. Upgrades may be requested. We normally confirm your hotel around 60 days before departure, and a comparable property may be used when necessary.
How active is the Italian Lakes Adventure?
The pace is leisurely, with approximately 45 to 90 minutes of walking on an average touring day. There are opportunities to pause, opt out and enjoy free time.
How much leisure time is included?
This journey follows a slow-travel approach. Much of the guided sightseeing occurs in the morning, leaving many afternoons open for independent exploring, optional experiences or relaxation.
How many guests travel together?
The journey is designed for a small group and never more than 16 guests. Published pricing is based on a minimum of four guests; a First to Book Supplement applies until that minimum is reached.
How far in advance should I plan?
Availability at the preferred lakeside properties is limited. Planning before the main January booking period gives you a better chance of securing your preferred departure and room options.
Your Italian Lakes Journey
Can you picture yourself beside the water?
Tell us what matters to you. A Now Journey specialist will help you choose a departure and shape the details around your travel plans.