Baveno, Lake Maggiore, Italy 7-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrival at Milan Malpensa (MXP)

Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport.

Your private transfer will be waiting to take your group directly to your villa in Baveno.

Ensure all luggage is accounted for and your group meets at a pre-designated spot in the arrivals hall.

Private Transfer to Villa

Enjoy a comfortable private van transfer from Milan Malpensa to your exquisite villa in Baveno, Lake Maggiore.

The scenic drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Villa Check-in & Settle In

Check into your spacious villa.

Take time to unpack, explore the amenities, and settle into your home away from home by Lake Maggiore.

Grocery Run & Essentials

Head to a local supermarket in Baveno or Stresa to stock up on groceries, snacks, and drinks for your villa stay.

Relax by the Pool

Unwind with your group by the villa's private pool, enjoying the tranquility and beautiful surroundings of Lake Maggiore.

Welcome Dinner at Villa

Enjoy a relaxed welcome dinner at your villa.

You can cook together, arrange for a local caterer, or order takeout from a nearby restaurant.

Breakfast at the Villa

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your villa, preparing for a day of exploring the stunning Borromean Islands.

Boat Trip to Isola Bella

Take a private boat or public ferry from Baveno or Stresa to Isola Bella, the most famous of the Borromean Islands, known for its Baroque palace and elaborate gardens.

Lunch on Isola dei Pescatori

Travel to Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen's Island), the only inhabited island, for a delightful fresh fish lunch at a charming lakeside trattoria.

Explore Isola Madre

Visit Isola Madre, known for its botanical gardens, free-roaming peacocks, and English-style landscaping.

It's a serene and beautiful contrast to Isola Bella.

Return to Villa

Take the ferry or private boat back to Baveno.

Enjoy some downtime at the villa.

Dinner in Baveno

Dine at a local restaurant in Baveno, enjoying traditional Italian cuisine with views of the lake.

Early Breakfast at Villa

Enjoy an early breakfast before your day trip to Milan.

Private Transfer to Milan

Embark on a private transfer from your villa to Milan for a day of exploring the city's iconic cultural landmarks.

Duomo & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Begin your Milan exploration at the magnificent Duomo di Milano.

After visiting the cathedral (consider rooftop access for views!), stroll through the opulent Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Book Duomo tickets online in advance, especially for rooftop access. Dress code for the Duomo: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Milan Private Tour - Duomo, Sforza Castle & Gelato Tasting

A private 3-hour guided tour to introduce you to the most significant sights of Milan with a local expert private guide, including Duomo, Sforza Castle & Gelato Tasting.

Lunch in Brera District

Enjoy lunch in the charming Brera district, known for its artistic atmosphere and excellent trattorias.

Pinacoteca di Brera

Explore the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most important art galleries, housed in a beautiful 19th-century former monastery.

See works by Caravaggio, Raphael, and more.

Return to Villa

Private transfer back to your villa in Baveno after a full day in Milan.

Casual Dinner at Villa

A relaxed dinner at the villa, perhaps with some local delicacies picked up in Milan.

Breakfast at the Villa

Start your day with breakfast at the villa, preparing for a hands-on culinary experience.

Market Tour and Cooking Class

Your chef will guide you through a typical Italian street market to learn about fresh produce, cheeses, and meats, followed by a hands-on cooking class to prepare a traditional Italian meal.

This specific Viator activity is listed for Milan, but a similar experience can be arranged closer to Lake Maggiore or even a private chef at your villa. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Milan/Cooking-Class-and-Market-Tour-Meet-with-a-Baker-Farmer-and-Cheese-Producer/d512-7816P2?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Enjoy Your Cooked Meal

Savor the delicious Italian dishes you prepared during your cooking class for a late lunch.

Afternoon Villa Leisure

Spend the afternoon relaxing at the villa, perhaps by the pool, reading, or enjoying the lake views.

Aperitivo by the Lake

Head to a charming bar in Baveno or Stresa for a traditional Italian aperitivo, enjoying drinks and complimentary snacks with beautiful lake views.

Dinner in Stresa

Enjoy dinner at one of the elegant restaurants in Stresa, a popular town known for its grand hotels and vibrant atmosphere.

Breakfast at the Villa

Enjoy breakfast at your villa with views of Lake Maggiore.

Panoramic Hiking Tour (Lake Como Area)

Discover a different side of the Italian lakes on a panoramic hiking tour.

Although listed for Lake Como, similar tours can be found closer to Lake Maggiore or in the nearby pre-Alps, offering stunning views and fresh air.

This Viator activity is near Lake Como, which is about an hour's drive from Lake Maggiore. Local guides for hikes in the Lake Maggiore or Lake Orta regions could also be arranged. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Lake-Como/Magnificent-Hiking-Tours-in-Italy/d26113-482291P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Lunch with a View

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a restaurant with panoramic views after your hike, perhaps overlooking Lake Orta or Lake Maggiore.

Explore Orta San Giulio

Visit the enchanting medieval village of Orta San Giulio on Lake Orta, often called the 'most romantic village in Italy.

' Wander its cobbled streets, browse artisan shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

Lake Orta is a smaller, quieter lake very close to Lake Maggiore (about a 20-30 minute drive from Baveno).

Return to Villa & Free Time

Head back to your villa for some free time.

Relax by the pool, enjoy a drink on the terrace, or simply unwind before dinner.

Villa Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special 'farewell for this chunk' dinner at your villa.

You might consider hiring a private chef for an authentic Italian culinary experience.

Transfer to Franciacorta

Enjoy a scenic drive from the Lake Maggiore region to the Franciacorta wine region.

Your driver will ensure a comfortable journey.

Check-in at Franciacorta Villa

Settle into your beautiful villa in the heart of Franciacorta, complete with a pool, and enjoy the tranquil vineyard surroundings.

Take some time to relax by the pool or explore the villa grounds.

Lunch at Local Trattoria

Savor authentic Lombardian cuisine at a charming local trattoria, experiencing the fresh flavors of the region.

Franciacorta Winery Tour & Tasting

Embark on a guided tour of a prestigious Franciacorta winery, learning about the traditional method of producing sparkling wine, followed by a tasting of their exquisite Franciacorta DOCG labels.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for a large group.

Villa Aperitivo

Enjoy a relaxed aperitivo at your villa, sampling local cheeses, cured meats, and, of course, more Franciacorta sparkling wine.

Prepare a selection of local delicacies to enjoy together.

Gourmet Dinner at Villa

Indulge in a private gourmet dinner prepared by a local chef at your villa, featuring a menu crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the region.

Arrange with your villa host or a local service for a private chef experience.

Market Tour & Cooking Class

Engage in a hands-on culinary experience starting with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients, followed by a cooking class where you'll learn to prepare traditional Italian dishes.

This experience is inspired by local market tours and cooking classes.

This activity blends the 'Market Tour and Cooking Class' (Viator Product Code: 7816P2) concept, typically found in Milan, with a local Franciacorta setting. Confirm local availability or arrange a private class.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy a final group lunch at a highly-rated restaurant in the Franciacorta region, reflecting on your wonderful Italian adventure.

Villa Check-out

Complete your check-out procedures from the villa, ensuring all belongings are packed.

Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport

Begin your journey back to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for your onward travel, concluding your memorable trip to Italy.