The smallest of the Italian Lakes, Orta remains refreshingly uncrowded and almost untouched by tourism. The rambling cobbled streets are lined with traditional trattorias and authentic, family-run hotels. In the lake’s centre, Isola San Giulio floats dreamily, adorned with handsome 18th-century buildings overlooked by the mountainous backdrop. Zip across the border into Switzerland by rail for yet more breathtaking scenery: glittering glaciers, classic mountain villages, and snow-capped chalets await.
2 excursions and visits
Full-day excursion to Gornergrat Switzerland by rail
Guided tour of Aosta
Including...
7 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways or easyJet from London Heathrow or Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Milan. We arrive in Lake Orta and enjoy a welcome drink, dinner and musical entertainment.
Hotel L'Approdo, Lake Orta (4-star)
Lake Orta
Today is free for you to explore your scenic surroundings. You may choose to join a boat trip on this jewel-like lake, leaving directly from the hotel’s landing stage and stopping in Orta San Giulio and the island of San Giulio.
Visp - Zermatt - Gornergrat - Täsch
Experience some superbly scenic rail journeys into and around Switzerland, as we journey from Visp to Zermatt, at the foot of Matterhorn. After walking the short distance to Gornergrat Bahn, we’ll join a further train to Gornergrat - a rocky ridge overlooking the Gorner Glacier. We arrive at the spectacular viewing platform at lunchtime, before taking a train to Täsch this afternoon.
Lake Orta
Spend the day at leisure enjoying the lake. Relax at the hotel or perhaps walk up to the UNESCO-listed collection of chapels in the hills above Orta San Giulio.
Aosta
Today we’ll visit the attractive mountain town of Aosta, surrounded by some of the highest peaks in the Alps - Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc), Monte Cervino (the Matterhorn) and Monte Rosa.
Enjoy a guided walking tour to discover the delights of this ancient town, founded by the Gauls before being taken by the Romans in 25 BC. After taking in the Roman remains and medieval history here, we’ll tuck in to a lunch of local specialities.
Lake Orta
Relax by the lake or join an optional full-day excursion to Milan - Italy’s centre for art, fashion and business. You’ll discover the Cimitero Monumentale (Monumental Cemetery), Castello Sforzesco, and La Scala opera house and theatrical museum as part of a guided tour. You’ll also visit the city’s wedding-cake cathedral, the Duomo di Milano.
Lake Orta
Spend your final day at leisure. Your coach is available for a return transfer to Stresa, on the banks of Lake Maggiore. This small and pleasant town is well-known for its weekly market and boasts an attractive old town centre. Local boats make the short journey back and forth between the Borromean Islands just offshore - a visit to one (or more) of them is well worth it.
Day 8 Lake Orta - Milan - UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your Titan vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.
Please note: A room tax of between €1-5 per person per night (subject to change), is payable directly to the hotel on check-out.
Climate
Hotel Details
Hotel L’Approdo, Pettenasco
The four-star Hotel Ristorante L’Approdo is in a stunning position set in an oasis of peace and tranquillity overlooking the waters of Lake Orta and the hill where the UNESCO world heritage site, Sacro Monte, is located. It has 72 spacious and comfortably appointed rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Many feature a large balcony with stunning views over the lake ideal for gazing at the dawns, sunsets and lush landscapes. The hotel is just a few minutes from the picturesque medieval village of Orta and the Island of San Giulio, providing an opportunity for enchanting sightseeing.
Fly From Your Local Airport
International flights from regional airports are available* or choose a free connecting flight to London, with home transfers all included.