01904 521 936
Open 7 Days a Week
Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Baveno provides the ideal base from which to explore alpine northern Italy on this walking tour.
Discover the astounding Anzasca Valley on a fascinating guided walk through timeless villages, admire the Alps' second-highest peak from Mucugnaga, stroll amid the chestnut forests of Lake Mergozzo and hike to beautiful Lake Orta.
On scenic excursions, enjoy a boat trip to the floral Borromean Islands, including a guided tour of a 17th-century palace, and ride the fantastic Centovalli Railway across verdant valleys to Locarno in Switzerland.
What’s included
Your walk and tour holiday begins by meeting the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras ready for a Eurostar journey to Paris.
Travelling in spacious Plus class, we are served a light meal at our seats as we travel to the French capital, where we switch stations to catch the First Class service to Chambéry.
On arrival in this attractive medieval town of Chambéry, we take a short walk to our hotel for the night. This charming French town is framed by mountains, and its historic Old Town has a characterful square, surrounded by colourful houses. Later, we gather to enjoy our first dinner together at our hotel.
Please note that for departure 27th August we will travel outbound via Grenoble, staying at the Novotel Grenoble.
Our journey continues after breakfast as we return to Chambéry station and travel by train to Milan. From here, we are transferred by coach to our destination for the next seven nights, Baveno.
Nestled on the northwestern reaches of Lake Maggiore, Baveno became a popular stop during the era of the grand tours and has hosted luminaries including Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill. Quieter than other lakefront towns in the region, it blends traditional elegance with serene charm with a waterside promenade, cobbled piazzas and shaded alleys.
On arrival, we check in to our four-star hotel which will be one of three sister hotels. Located on or near the lakefront, all feature restaurants and outdoor pools. After time to unwind, we enjoy a three-course dinner at our hotel this evening.
Please Note - Your hotel will be confirmed 4 weeks prior to departure.
Please note: on the 29th April departure, you will meet the Tour Manager at London Gatwick and fly to Milan, then transfer to our hotel in Baveno
After breakfast in Baveno, a short train journey takes us to Verbania-Pallanzo station, where we begin our first walks. With a choice of two guided routes to select from, you can opt for a shorter one along the southwestern shore of Lake Mergozzo or the second, circular option.
Both routes feature great views of the lake and a visit to Mergozzo town nestled beside the water. Here, we can view the colourful buildings and the 400-year-old elm tree that dominates its historic centre.
Afterwards, we return to Baveno for a free evening. You can get to know this charming town and dine independently in one of the many traditional restaurants.
View this tour's walking maps and elevation profiles here.
Today is a highlight of a visit to this beautiful region - a journey on one of Europe's most scenic rail routes, the Centovalli Railway. After travelling by coach to Domodossola, we join this picturesque railway on a route through the Alps. The Centovalli has been in operation since 1923, and the name 'Railway of 100 Valleys' is an apt description.
Winding our way to Locarno in Switzerland, we travel through valleys and over 83 bridges, admiring stunning views of vineyards, chestnut forests and unspoiled landscapes. With scenery changing throughout the year, enjoy rushing waterfalls in spring as the alpine ice melts or bask in forests blanketed in russet hues in autumn.
On arrival in Locarno, on the northern stretch of Lake Maggiore, you're free to explore the Old Town - with its exotic gardens and lakeside promenades - and maybe enjoy some lunch or shopping along its Piazza Grande. At the end of the afternoon, we return to Baveno before dinner at our hotel.
A scenic walk taking in charming villages awaits after breakfast as we are transferred to Armeno. Our destination is Orta San Giulio, a beautiful town on the banks of Lake Orta, backdropped by the Alps.
Both guided walks begin at the ancient 11th century Church of Santa Maria Assunta in Armeno and follow similar routes, with Option B being slightly longer and taking in Monte Mesma Nature Reserve. Arriving in Orta San Giulio, there is time to find lunch independently or explore its cobbled streets, well-preserved villas and lakeside piazza. Although lesser-known than some of the region's other towns, it's a gem that was popular with 19th-century writers including Lord Byron and Robert Browning.
Returning to Baveno, this evening is spent at leisure.
View this tour's walking maps and elevation profiles here.
Today is free to enjoy as you wish and you might like to discover more of Baveno independently. With its origins in the Roman period, Baveno is renowned for its mineral springs and pale pink granite buildings.
You might like to walk along the promenade or travel by local ferry around the gulf to Pallanzo, where palaces include the Villa Taranto with world-renowned terraced gardens. South of Baveno is Stresa, a popular town with a sophisticated heritage. Here, you could stroll along the waterside, following in the footsteps of historic guests such as Ernest Hemingway and Princess Margaret, or visit Villa Pallavicino to uncover its English garden and zoo. Another option is to sail to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromeo archipelago which rises from the lake like a dazzling green gem - a haven of exotic plants and birdlife.
This evening you are free to dine independently, maybe savouring local specialities such as lake fish, risotto, polenta or the celebrated mortadella Ossolana.
After breakfast, we stroll to Baveno's pier to join a boat cruise to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore. We sail first to Isola Bella, a tiny island dominated by the Borromeo Palace, built for Italian nobility. A local guide introduces us to the 17th-century palace and its Italianate gardens, which we can then discover at our own pace.
Our cruise continues to Isola dei Pescatori, named after the fishermen who lived here. The island's beauty has transformed it into a popular tourist spot, and the fishing industry now supplies local restaurants. With time to explore independently, you will find cafés and ristorantes in which you can enjoy lunch. After a relaxing afternoon we rejoin our boat and cruise back to our hotel.
Your evening in Baveno is free and you can unwind at the hotel or head into the town as you dine independently.
We have admired Italy's lakes on the previous walks, and today we get to view the dramatic mountains during a stunning walk along the Anzasca Valley. The routes begin in Piedimulera and concludes in either Castiglione or Molini.
Afterwards, we continue by coach to Macugnaga. Spectacularly located beneath the east face of Monte Rosa - the second highest peak in the Alps - the village was settled in the Middle Ages by the Swiss Walser community, and their Germanic dialect is still spoken in this tradition-rich hamlet. Exploring this quiet ski village takes the visitor back in time to an age before tourism really took hold, and you can discover monuments to mountain guides or bask in breathtaking alpine views.
Later, we return to Baveno for dinner this evening.
View this tour's walking maps and elevation profiles here.
Leaving beautiful Baveno and the gleaming shores of Lake Maggiore after breakfast, we travel by coach to Stresa. From here, we board a train to Lausanne, passing along the Rhône Valley surrounded by spectacular Swiss Alps. Here, we change trains and continue along the shore of Lake Geneva to the French city of Dijon.
As the former capital of the wealthy Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon is an attractive and historic city. In the grand Place de la Libération, a crescent of honey-hued restaurants and bars look out to the medieval Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy.
On arrival, we check in to our hotel near the station for an overnight stay, before our final dinner with our group at a local restaurant.
Please note: on the 29th April departure, you will transfer after breakfast to Milan airport and fly back to London Gatwick, where your holiday will come to an end.
Enjoying spectacular views during picturesque walks and scenic excursions, we have explored this beautiful corner of northern Italy from the elegant lakeside town of Baveno. Travelling aboard the Centovalli Railway to Switzerland and cruising to the Borromean Islands allowed us to soak up the splendour of Lake Maggiore and its surroundings, while the hikes revealed another side to Italy's alpine lakes, discovering off-the-beaten-track destinations, traditional villages and jaw-dropping scenery.
After a night in Dijon and our final breakfast, we travel by rail to Paris, where we join the Eurostar to London, travelling in Plus class. As we arrive back at St Pancras, your holiday comes to an end, and you can make your way home.
Walking with Great Rail Journeys is about blending scenic walks and enjoyable excursions into one memorable holiday.
Choosing the right holiday and grade for your ability is essential for your enjoyment and safety. All our walking holidays are designed for our Level 4 Active Adventurers. You will be an active person more than capable of walking the distances and ascents, descents and types of terrain described for the walk options.
The walks will cover distances of between 3mi/5km and 8mi/13km, and each walking day has a choice of two walks that cater for different levels of ability and fitness.
You should consider your fitness levels and be confident that you'll be able to manage the distances, ascents, descents and types of terrain described for the walk options that you're likely to choose. Remember - each walking holiday will include walks of varying grades.
Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.
If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of 16-25 travellers, with an average of 22.
| 27 August 2026 | From £2,799 |
| 8 October 2026 | From £2,999 |
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
The Centovalli Railway was originally planned to connect Locarno in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland with Domodossola in the very north of Italy. The line's opening was delayed considerably owing to the First World War, but construction was resumed almost immediately afterwards and the first services began in 1923.
Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!
The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.
For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.
Located right on the shore of Lake Maggiore, this 4-Star hotel is set in parkland near the centre of Baveno and provides exceptional views of the lake and mountains. This modern and elegant hotel boasts indoor and outdoor pools, and a wellness centre. Three on-site restaurants - including the Panorama Restaurant & Terrace - serve regional and international cuisine, while guests can also unwind in the Lounge Bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are classically decorated and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Located between its sister properties, Dino and Splendid, this 4-Star hotel is set back from the lake and offers beautiful views of the mountains. With its standout pink façade, Simplon reflects the elegance of this region and is set in landscaped parklands containing a large outdoor pool. Other amenities include a heated indoor pool, solarium, Turkish bath and gym. One unique feature is an indoor art gallery that connects the hotel with Grand Hotel Dino. The on-site restaurants serve regional and international cuisine that can be enjoyed indoors, on the terrace or - between May and September - in the Winter Garden. Air-conditioned guest rooms are stylishly decorated and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
A short distance from Baveno's centre, this 4-Star hotel enjoys a waterfront location on the shores of Lake Maggiore. With a history dating back to 1873, it has been in the Zacchera family ever since and is the only hotel on Maggiore to have its own private beach. Boasting views of the lake and mountains, it features a terrace, outdoor pool and spa facilities (payable locally). Guests can savour regional and international cuisine in the restaurant or terrace or unwind with drinks in the bar. Air-conditioned rooms are elegantly furnished and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!
Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.
We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.
Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.
We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.
For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.