With the Alps painting a dramatic backdrop, the Italian lakes offer a charming and romantic landscape to discover on foot. Over the years, this idyllic part of the country with such a wonderful climate has become home to many villas and magnificent botanical gardens and a holiday playground for the rich and famous since Roman times.
During this Italian walking trip you will discover the prettiest walking trails and admire the beauty of 2 special lakes in northern Italy. The first stop is Lake Como, the pearl of the Italian lakes, with the sumptuous botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi. Then comes Lake Maggiore with its fairy tale setting and Borromean Islands, the elegance of Cannero - with its picturesque narrow streets and the majestic hotels of Stresa. You will walk through olive groves and vineyards, past hamlets and charming villages. A paradise for any walker who appreciates lush nature and charming small mountain villages, wonderful history and fine food.
Holiday details
Price
- Classic
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from £1,995 – £2,225 per person
Based on two people sharing a room. Price range due to seasonal variations
Duration
7 nights
Start & Finish
Starts daily from 15 March to 30th October
Hotels
- Classic
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Three 4* Lakeside boutique hotels
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle walking (3) More info...
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Boat trips each day as specified. Private transfer between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Read About Our Trips for further details
Options
- Spend an extra night in Stresa to explore further
- Luxury hotel option available - please enquire
Itinerary day-by-day
Classic
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1. Day one
Lenno and charming Lake Como
Make your way to Lenno on the shores of Lake Como and to your lakeside hotel. Upon arrival, have a stroll through the peaceful village of Lenno and in summer, you can enjoy the small pebble beach by the lake and jump in for a swim. If you arrive in the morning, we recommend starting your walking holiday in Italy with a visit to the gardens of the Villa Balbianello (not included), an elegant and romantic XVIII century residence once home to a Milanese Industrialist and passionate adventurer and one of the settings chosen for the Star Wars and Casino Royal films!
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2. Day two
Bellagio
Take a boat to the Bellagio Peninsula, the start of today's walk, which was once described by composer Gabriel Fauré as “the pearl of Lario", "one of the most voluptuous sites of Italy". Your walk takes you to the picturesque village of Pescallo where you can amble through the park of Villa Giolia and then climb to Perlo for breathtaking views. Heading back to Bellagio you can explore the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi.. Enjoy a return boat ride back to Lenno.
7.5 miles (12 Km)
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3. Day three
Explore the Eastern Shore of Lake Como
Take a 30 minute boat ride to Bellano, on the eastern shore of the lake. Your walk takes you above the lake along a panoramic trail past the Castle of Vézio dating back to the 12th Century. Head on to the beautiful village of Varenna, with its colourful houses dotted across the hillside - a true taste of the 'dolce vita'! Here you can visit the gardens of the Villa Monastero, famous for its avenue of rhododendrons, wisteria and large magnolias, and the gardens of the Villa Cipressi. Return from Varenna by boat back to Lenno.
6 miles (10 Km)
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4. Day four
Explore the hills of The Azalea Riviera to Cannero
From Lenno, your walk will take you through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way you can witness the fantastic contrasts between olive groves and immaculate gardens of the glamorous villas, medieval villages and stunning Renaissance churches. Visit Villa Carlotta (not included) - famous for its beautiful grounds including a terraced garden with Italian lemon and carved boxwood; an English garden with voluptuous perspectives and a rich interior decorated with neoclassical works. Mid afternoon transfer to Lake Maggiore and the charming town of Cannero, by the lake shore (2h drive)
6 miles (10 Km)
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5. Day five
Panoramic Trail above Lake Maggiore
You start your walk in the small village of Cannero and walk on the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Enjoy magnificient views over Lake Maggiore and the opportunity to visit the 13th Century Church of San Gottardo - a treasure house of valuable artworks from the 15th and 16th Centuries. Continue on the panoramic path towards the village of Molineggi and then to Cannobio where you can take a boat back to Cannero.
6 miles (10 Km)
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6. Day six
The Magnificent Borromean Islands
Enjoy a morning transfer to Stresa (30-40 min), and leave your bags in your hotel before taking a boat to The Borromean Islands. The name derives from Vitaliano Borromeo who began acquiring the islands in the 17th Century and the family still owns most of the islands today - Isola Bella with its beautiful palace built as a summer retreat for Vitaliano's wife - Isola Madre with its famous palaces and botanical garden and finally - Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque little fishing village with narrow streets and lovely restaurants. Enjoy exploring before taking a boat back to Stresa.
Optional
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7. Day seven
The Chestnut Trail or Exploring Stresa
You have several options today. If you are feeling energetic set out from your hotel and enjoy panoramic views on The Chestnut Trail overlooking the lake as you walk from Stresa to Belgirate - a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens along an old Roman trail dotted with chapels, returning by boat to Stresa. Or you may prefer to take advantage of the regular boats from Stresa to visit the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery - perched above the lake and clinging to the cliff, or the Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens - a 40 acre park - home to more than 20,000 plants and spectacular displays through most of the year.
Optional 6 miles (10 Km)
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8. Day eight
Depart Stresa
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a final stroll along the lake shore to say Ciao! to this idyllic region before your onward journey.