Lake Maggiore by Rail
- 7 Days
- From £1,099
- Italy
- Enjoy a night in Dijon, the historic capital of Burgundy
- Travel through Switzerland and the Alps to beautiful Stresa
- Spend three full days exploring Lake Maggiore
- Return via South-Eastern France and Alsatian capital Strasbourg
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 6 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a train to Paris and then connect onto a TGV service that will take you speeding through eastern France to Dijon. On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at the Oceania le Jura Hotel (or similar), conveniently located within walking distance of the station.
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy, so it’s not surprising that you can expect a delicious evening meal here, washed down with a glass of wine from a local vineyard.
Return to the station this morning and travel across the Swiss border to Lausanne and then through the Simplon Tunnel into Italy. Before too long, you will arrive into the lakeside resort of Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Make your way to the Regina Palace Hotel (or similar), where you will check in for a 4-night stay.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Break your journey down to Stresa with a night in Switzerland. Lausanne and Montreux are both located on Lake Geneva and lovely locations for an overnight stop.
Lake Maggiore is the second largest of Italy’s famous lakes and offers stunning resorts, villas and gardens in a mountain-fringed setting. There are regular ferry services that will take you around, or you can simply relax and take in the scenery from a lake front gelateria.
During your stay, don’t miss a ride on the Mottarone cable car (which you can take from the Lido) for beautiful views over the lake. At the midway stop you can stroll around the Alpine gardens and look out over the three beautiful Borromean Islands of Bella, Madre and dei Pescatori below.
Leave Lake Maggiore today and take a train to Basel on the border between Switzerland and France. An easy connection here takes you to Strasbourg, where you will stop for the night at the Hotel Hannong (or similar).
Spend an evening exploring the cobbled streets of the Petite France district and enjoying some Alsatian food and wine in this stunning city.
Enjoy a leisurely start today before making your way back to the station for your return journey to London via Lille or Paris.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Dijon
Hotel Le Jura occupies a convenient location, close to the main train station and within easy reach of Dijon’s main attractions. Rooms are soundproofed with free Wi-FI and a view over the gardens. You can also relax with a drink in the welcoming bar, take a dip in the indoor heated swimming pool or work out in the hotel’s fitness room.
Stresa
Hotel Regina Palace is a majestic Art Nouveau building offering refined classic-style interiors and a large garden with pool. It is right on the shore of Lake Maggiore, in Stresa. Rooms and common lounges are all decorated with antique furniture giving a sense of history and nobility.
Strasbourg
The Hannong Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Strasbourg, within walking distance of the train station. The contemporary-style bedrooms come with air-conditioning, sound-proofing, hardwood floors and satellite TV. There is also a popular wine bar in the hotel as well as a large terrace where you can enjoy a drink on a summer evening. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Upgrade your accommodation
Dijon
The Grand Hotel la Cloche Dijon MGallery is conveniently located in the centre of the city, offering easy access to all the sights and attractions of Burgundy. All bedrooms are decorated in a modern but classic style with Wi-Fi internet access. Enjoy Burgundian specialities in the hotel’s restaurant or a relaxing sauna.
Stresa
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees occupies an elegant Art Nouveau building and offers elegant bedrooms with marble bathrooms complete with spa bath. The wellness centre features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as hot tubs and saunas. The restaurant has a terrace where guests can dine in summer. There is also a stylish piano bar. The hotel is on Stresa’s main street.
Strasbourg
The Sofitel Strasbourg Grand Ile is a modern, comfortable hotel located on a quiet square just a short walk from the city’s historic Cathedral and medieval centre. All bedrooms come with Sofitel MyBeds, flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Tuck in to French and Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant or enjoy a nightcap in the 1940s style bar.
