At a Glance
Be spell bounded by the romance and charming alpine vistas of Italy’s Lake Como, Lake Orta and Bellagio on this enchanting 6 day walking adventure. From dreamy to lavish towns, capture its elegance as you traverse serene lakes, endearing medieval villages, and palatial villas; enjoying some of Europe’s most magical alpine scenery and serpentine lakeside tranquility.
Your journey begins in the charming city of Milan, with tranquil and peaceful views of Lake Como, nestled among rocky hills and dark green forest. Start your hike to the clifftop of the Sacred Mountain of Madonna del Sasso, where pilgrims have walked for centuries. Continue on foot or train to reach the medieval hamlet of Orta and hop into a van to explore Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants from Monte Mottarone, 4,000 feet above ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 5 nights accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio.
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary.
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information.
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: Begin your adventure with fascinating views of Lake Como, nestled among rocky hills and dark green forest. Dwell in shimmering water, colorful villas, and lakeside villages of Lake Como alongside a guide who brings his homeland alive with stories of Lake Como history, traditions, and cuisine. After enjoying a delicious picnic lunch, set off on foot downhill to reach the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary. A place of meditation and pilgrimage for centuries perched precariously on a granite cliff with splendid lake views. We reach the town of Pella, where we take a serene boat cruise to Orta San Giulio lake. Spend time soaking in the charm and elegance exploring its picturesque villages, a lovely walk along the lake or hike to spectacular hilltop views to Sacro Monte. Be captivated as you reach a holy hill with 21 chapels between 1590 and 1785 and dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi. |
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Complete your day with a visit to Villa Crespi, a Moorish-style historic residence that has been a symbol of excellence in hospitality and catering for poets, nobles, and rulers for centuries. At night, savor an exquisite dining affair for an engaging Mediterranean cuisine at the hotel’s renowned 2 star Michelin restaurant. You will stay at the opulent Relais & Chateaux, Villa Crespi, nestled inside Orta San Giulio. Immerse into the charm of Lake Orta and be captivated by a Moorish-influenced villa with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings, lake views and it tranquil private gardens. |
Villa Crespi (5*)
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Savor a delicious breakfast and shuttle to the mountain village of Coiromonte to begin our hike among orchards, vineyards, and forested areas. Ascend gradually at first, then steeply, through stands of beech, birch, and chestnut trees while enjoying superb vistas of the lakes below. Hop into the van or continue on foot to our picnic spot to explore dramatic views from Monte Mottarone, 4,000 feet above Lakes Orta and Maggiore, where the climate is filled with Mediterranean vegetation and exotic plants. After lunch, savour breathtaking views with a cable car from the summit to the town of Stresa on Lago Maggiore. Alternatively, those who are in pursue for more walking, continue at higher elevation and discover the side of the mountain renowned for its winter ski slopes. Embark on a boat journey to nearby Isola Bella for a visit to Palazzo Borromeo, a 17th-century baroque palace. White peacocks roam the beautiful garden of Isola Bella, which features an Italian-style baroque garden, splendid fountains, and artificial terraces like an elegant ship of stone and flowers sailing through the intense blue of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy a tempting dinner at the hotel's restaurant terrace in the evening. |
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You will stay at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées Hotel nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore in Stresa. Unwind in your stylish rooms with luxurious fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, Murano chandeliers, and whirlpool baths. Take a lovely stroll by the nearby beach or relax at the wellness center with an indoor swimming pool, hot tubs, and saunas.
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Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Start you morning early today with a serene private boat ride on Lago Maggiore to the town of Cannero Riviera. Promenade along the lake for a tropical feel with palm trees and a delightful beach. Hike through forests, vegetable gardens, and vineyards as you make your way to the tiny hamlet of Carmine. Gaze out over the lake and the surrounding mountains as you stand in front of the 14th-century church. Relish a snack with panoramic views of Lago Maggiore and the Swiss Alps. In the afternoon, walk the quaint medieval streets or stroll along the lakeside promenade. Delight in the shopping, swim at the beach, and stop at a café for lunch (at own expense). Hop on a boat back to Stresa or continue hiking along the Cannobino river, passing the impressive Orrido (Canyon) di Sant'Anna. Loop back to Cannobio to catch a ride back to Stresa and to your hotel. |
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Indulge the rest of the afternoon as you please. Unwind to a soothing drink by the private garden terrace, take a refreshing dip by the pool or laze in its elegant lounges overlooking surrounding mountain vistas. Tonight, board a small boat for a short trip to Isola Pescatori for an elegant dinner at a favourite ristorante. |
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées (5*) Breakfast, Dinner  |
FOUR HIKING OPTIONS: Voyage through the region of Lombardy to the town of Bellano on the Lago di Como, one of Europe's most spectacular lakes and a picturesque fishing village. Take a short yet heart pumping ascent to lunch before traversing past quaint villas, gardens and 14th century castle ruins. Hike to Castello di Vezio, a military fortress, and be captivated by its sweeping views of the lake. The castle was associated in the past with the village of Varenna and was connected to it by two long arms of walls. Walk the trail to the most romantic spot in Italy—Varenna. Hike to Italy's shortest river, Fiumelatte (River of Milk), an 800-foot long that flows only six months of the year. Enjoy a serene ferry ride to Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, famous worldwide for its beauty. Marvel at a backdrop of distant mountains, a bustling waterfront, a maze of cobblestone streets, and brightly painted houses. In the evening, uncover the charm, glam and romance exploring Bellagio’s town and lakeside promenade before tantalizing your taste buds with wine tasting at a local enoteca. Enjoy dinner (at own expense) at one of the many wonderful restaurants bursting of local authentic fresh flavours of the Mediterranean. |
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You will stay at the grand hotel, Villa Serbelloni, nestled inside Bellagio, boasting wonderful views of the lake or gardens. Marvel at the luxurious neoclassical retreat from 1872 showcasing lustrous and sumptuously elegant furnishings and spacious interiors. Feel the true oasis of tranquility at its wellness center, resfresh in the picturesque pool or unwind in its well manicured terrace gardens. |
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (5*)Breakfast, Lunch  |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: This morning, hike to Villa Melzi, built in 1808 in the neoclassical style for the vice president of the Italian Republic. This palatial home and grounds offer lovely English-style gardens that reflect his social status. Enjoy the perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty with a fascinating walk along the botanical gardens of Villa. Follow quaint stone roads and hiking paths to the old mill, Mulini del Perlo, and enjoy terrific views of Lake Como along the way. Shuttle or continue walking on foot to Chevrio villages and halt at a farm for mouth-watering berries, cheeses, creams, jams, milk, and yogurt. |
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After a delicious lunch at Trattoria Baita Belvedere, hop back into a van or walk along a forested hillside trail back to the hotel. Meandering across stone pathways on the outskirts of Bellagio. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner celebrating Lake Como and lavish on fine regional specialties in Villa Serbelloni's restaurant. Luxuriate through the night with a drink that tastes like Italy's Lakes region.
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Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (5*) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
After breakfast, savour one final boat ride across the serene Lake Como for a journey of discovery into the impressive Villa Balbianello. Built in the 16th century, marvel at the most beautiful and most famous villa on Lake Como. It is currently maintained by the Italian Environmental Foundation to preserve its beauty. Enjoy your last picnic lunch on the boat before a walk to Como San Giovanni train station. Your shuttle awaits to take you to Milan's Centrale train station and Malpensa airport for your onward journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Milan
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Milan. The nearest major international airport is Linate Airport. This airport has international and domestic flights and is 10 km from the center of Milan, Italy. Another major airport is Milano Malpensa Airport which has international and domestic flights and is 51 km from Milan, Italy.
In Como, located at 200 meters (650 feet) above sea level in northern Italy, there is a humid temperate climate. Summer in the Italian Lakes region is typically mild and warm. At lake level, temperatures are pleasant on most days; in the pre-Alps it can be significantly cooler. Be sure to bring a lightweight jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. We recommend that you dress in layers for our hikes since weather conditions and temperatures can change as we ascend and descend. Rain showers are possible year-round, so don’t forget to come prepared with quality rain gear.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
