Picture the morning light on Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands floating offshore and the mountains rising behind Baveno. That was my setting for the Barrhead Travel 2026 Conference in the Italian Lakes, and it was every bit as beautiful as it sounds.
Yet the real treasure was what I brought home for you: fresh ideas, insider knowledge and a notebook bursting with holiday inspiration. If Lake Maggiore holidays have ever been on your wish list, or you simply love hearing what is new in travel, pour yourself a coffee and let me tell you all about it.
Why trips like this matter to you
Choosing a holiday has never offered more options, from cruise lines and tour operators to hotels in every corner of the globe. Glossy brochures only tell part of the story, and it can be hard to know which choice is genuinely right for you.
That is exactly why I go. Seeing places for myself and sitting down with the people behind the holidays means I can give you honest, first-hand advice rather than guesswork.
Why Baveno Makes Lake Maggiore Holidays So Special
Baveno sits on the western shore of Lake Maggiore in Italy’s Piedmont region, looking straight out towards the Borromean Islands. Elegant villas line the lakeside promenade and cafés spill onto the waterfront. The pace slows the moment you arrive.
I have always had a soft spot for charming old streets and beautiful buildings, and Baveno delivered on both. The town is famous for its pink granite, and wandering its quiet lanes between sessions was the perfect way to soak up a little Italian lakeside life.
It also makes a wonderful base for exploring. Ferries hop between lakeside towns and out to the islands, with elegant Stresa just along the shore.
Three islands you should not miss
- Isola Bella: home to the grand Palazzo Borromeo and its terraced Baroque gardens, one of the most photographed sights on the lake.
- Isola Madre: the largest of the islands, celebrated for its peaceful botanical gardens.
- Isola dei Pescatori: a still-inhabited fishing village of narrow lanes and waterside restaurants, perfect for a long, lazy lunch.
For a memorable day out, the Lake Maggiore Express combines a boat trip up the lake into Switzerland with a scenic railway journey back through the mountain valleys. Lake Maggiore stretches across both countries, which makes this a lovely way to see two cultures in a single day.
A Race Across Baveno (in the Best Possible Way)
Conferences are not all presentations and notepads! One of my favourite moments was our Race Across Baveno, which had us exploring the town together and discovering little corners we might otherwise have missed.
There were plenty of laughs along the way, and I came back knowing Baveno far better than any guidebook could have taught me. That is precisely the kind of insight I love passing on when you ask me where to wander.
Wine Tasting at Piemontina
Piedmont is one of Italy’s great food and wine regions, so our wine tasting at Piemontina was an absolute treat. Sampling local wines in such a relaxed, welcoming setting gave me a real feel for the region’s flavours.
The hills just south of the lake, known as Alto Piemonte, produce elegant Nebbiolo-based wines such as Gattinara and Ghemme. Pair a glass with a creamy Piedmontese risotto or fresh lake fish and you have the perfect lakeside evening, one I would love to build into your own Italian Lakes holiday.
Warm Hospitality at the Grand Hotel Dino
Our home for the conference was the Grand Hotel Dino, right on the lakeside, and what a gorgeous setting it was. The food was wonderful, the welcome was genuinely warm and the lake views made every meal feel like an occasion.
Staying somewhere myself means I can tell you honestly what a hotel is like: the atmosphere, the service, the views and who it will suit best. That first-hand knowledge is invaluable when you are choosing where to stay.
Dreaming of the Italian Lakes?
Book a free Italian Lakes planning chat with me and the ETW Travel team, and we will tailor a Lake Maggiore holiday around you.
22 Suppliers, Countless Ideas for Your Next Holiday
The heart of the conference was the chance to meet the people behind the holidays. I sat down with 22 fabulous suppliers and attended presentations from cruise lines, tour companies, hotel groups and tour operators.
Each one shared what is new and exciting for the seasons ahead. I came home with pages of notes, fresh ideas and plenty of holiday inspiration to share with the team.
What this means for you
- The latest products and offers: up-to-date knowledge of what our travel partners are offering, so we can point you to the best options for your dates and budget.
- The right match: understanding each cruise line, tour style and hotel group helps us pair you with the holiday that suits how you like to travel.
- Personal connections: knowing the people behind the products helps us get answers quickly and look after you before, during and after your trip.
Book an appointment to explore more ideas
Why We Go: The Places and People Behind Your Holiday
Trips like this help us get to know the places and people behind the holidays we recommend. As an independent, family-owned business under the Barrhead Travel umbrella, with 115 years of collective experience across our team, we believe the best advice comes from people who have been there.
Every conversation in Baveno came back to one thing: making sure your next holiday is even better than your last.
Planning Lake Maggiore Holidays: My Top Tips
- When to go: spring to early autumn is ideal, with the island gardens at their best in spring and warm, sunny days through summer.
- Getting there: Milan Malpensa is the nearest major airport, around an hour from Baveno by road, and is served from a number of UK airports, including London Luton. We can arrange your transfer so you arrive relaxed.
- Island hopping: allow at least a full day for the Borromean Islands so you can enjoy them without rushing.
- Combine and explore: Baveno pairs beautifully with time in Stresa or a day on the Lake Maggiore Express for a varied Italian Lakes holiday.
- Before you travel: always check the latest UK government travel advice for Italy, including passport and entry requirements.
Let’s Plan Your Italian Lakes Adventure
I came home from Baveno with a full heart, a full notebook and so many ideas to share. Whether Lake Maggiore has caught your eye or something I learnt from our suppliers sparks a new adventure, I would love to help you plan it.
Book your free Italian Lakes planning chat today.
Ciao for now,
Nikki Findlay | Managing Director, ETW Travel
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