Italy’s Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Deluxe Walk 8D7N, Self-Guided

Arrive in Milan where you’ll be transferred to the shore of Lake Como in the charming small village of Lenno, your base for the next three nights.

You’ll stay at a delightful handpicked boutique hotel overlooking Lake Como dating back to the early 1900s. Savour serene views directly overlooking the bay of the Gulf of Venus in Lenno and surrounded by an almost fairy-like landscape. Unwind on the sun terrace and sauna boasting spectacular lake views or laze by the pool complete with sunbeds. Take a lovely stroll to the nearby pebbled beach just metres away from the hotel.

For those in pursuit of some adventure, visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Balbianello at your own leisure (entrance ticket at own expense). Admire this elegant and romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden which have hosted writers, scholars and have been used in several films. Marvel at beautiful terraced gardens, balconies and picturesque structure with lovely views across Lake Como.

Loop Walk Bellagio, Approx. 12 km (7.5 miles), 4 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 250m (820 ft)

Savour a delicious breakfast before taking another serene boat transfer to the picturesque, ‘pearl of Lake Como,’ the Bellagio Peninsula. Journey by foot through narrow alleys and a stairway that crosses the promontory to the quaint peaceful village of Pescallo. You will be enchanted by this ancient little hamlet with few houses, a cobblestone road and a small port filled with colourful boats. Traverse the park of Villa Giolia before climbing to Perlo.

Your walk ends at the delightful botanical gardens of Villa Melzi (entrance fee at own expense), designed by architect Luigi Canonica and agronomist Luigi Villoresi. Immerse in an enchanting walk in its gardens and enjoy the perfect balance between architecture and natural beauty. Along the way, admire elegant terraces and statues paced in flower-beds and a long avenue of exotic plants. Close your walking adventure with a serene half an hour boat ride back to Lenno.

Loop Bellano / Varenna, Approx. 10 km (6.2 miles), 3.5 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 250m (820ft)

Today, you’ll explore the eastern shores of Lake Como by beginning with a 30 minutes’ boat transfer. A lovely trail takes you above the lake and all the way into the most romantic village of Italy, Varenna, ‘the pure dolce vita!’.

Walk on a panoramic trail from the picturesque fishing village of Bellano before traversing a steep cobblestone path to the military fortress, Castello di Vezio, offering sweeping views over Lake Como (entrance fee at own expense). The 13th century building was once part of a chain of early-warning medieval watchtowers. Your walk ends in the lovely village and colourful houses on the hillside of Varenna. Marvel at the gardens of Villa Monastero (entrance ticket at own expense) boasting a splendid botanical garden of rhododendrons, wisteria and large magnolias that surround it and extend for almost 2km along the lakeshore. Delve deeper into its natural beauty with an exploration of the gardens of Villa Cipressi, a Moorish-style historic residence that has been a symbol of excellence in hospitality and catering for poets, nobles, and rulers for centuries (entrance at own expense). Return to Lenno on a 40 minutes’ serene boat transfer.

Walk Lenno / Villa Carlotta, Approx. 9 km (5.6 miles), 3 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation Gain: 200m (656 ft)

Enjoy a lake view breakfast before setting foot through the serene hills of the Azalea Riviera. Be swept away by the breathing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along your journey, marvel at the constantly changing scenery from olive groves, immaculate gardens of exquisite villas, charming medieval villages and impressive Renaissance churches.

Cap off your walking adventure in the charming town of Tremezzo, on the west side of Como. Here, you’ll explore the most famous of the villas of northern Italy, Villa Carlotta (entrance fee at own expense). Admire a unique sanctuary of art and beauty matched with its magnificent botanical specimens, interior decorated with neoclassical works and art masterpieces in over 70,000 square metres of gardens and museum. Embark on a boat transfer back to Lenno and spend the rest of the evening unwinding at your own leisure.

Come 3pm, be transferred to one lakeside paradise to another as you journey on a 2-3 hours’ drive to the pristine Lake Maggiore to the charming town of Cannero. You’ll stay at a lakeside oasis opposite the breathtaking shores of Lake Maggiore. Unwind in your spacious ensuite lake view rooms or bask in the serenity amongst its quaint lake facing terrace. Alternatively, take a soothing dip in its outdoor picturesque pool or relax in the hot tub overlooking the promenade and lake views.

Walk - Cannero > Carmine > Canobbio, Approx. 9 km (5.6 miles), 3 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation gain: 400m (1312 ft)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast before beginning your walk in the small village of Cannero. Set foot on the old mule path leading to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Marvel at this unique village being cut out of the rocks and be captivated by the sweeping views over Lake Maggiore. Spend time exploring the wonderful frescoes surrounding the impressive San Gottardo church.

Your journey continued on the panoramic path towards the Cannero Riviera with glances of the legendary castles emerging from the lake. Along the way, pass quaint picturesque villages of Molineggi, Solivo and finally Cannobio, where you’ll embark on a 30 minutes’ serene boat transfer returning to Cannero (boat transfer at own expense).

Today, immerse into lakeside tranquility as you embark on a boat cruise on Lake Maggiore from Cannero to Stresa (1h to 1h30) - not included (the public boat is not bookable and guests pay on spot. We can arrange private boat cruise from Cannero to Stresa at an additional cost).

Upon arrival in Stresa, a car will transfer your luggage to your hotel. Continue your boat cruise to the wonderful Borromean Islands of picturesque villages, villas and gardens (entrances at own expense). Located in the middle of Lake Maggiore and loved by Ernest Hemingway and in more recent times by the English Royals, spend time exploring this archipelago composed of three of its islands: Isola Bella, Isola Pescatori and Isola Madre.

Marvel at the 17th century palace showcasing wonderful antique artworks and treasures surrounded by elegant gardens of Isola Bella. Delve deeper into Isola Pescatori and its picturesque fishing village filled with quaint narrow streets and restaurants overlooking the water. A perfect spot to delight in lunch, shop for souvenirs and local crafts and simply soak up the small island atmosphere. Unearth Isola Madre for its stunning botanical garden rich in rare plants and birdlife. You’ll cap off today’s adventure with a boat transfer back to Stresa.

You’ll stay at a quaint boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque shores of Lake Maggiore, in the centre of Stresa and directly facing the Borromean Islands. Unwind in the outdoor pool or sweat it out at the tennis court and five-a-side football pitch. Alternatively, indulge at the onsite wellness centre complete with an indoor swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath.

OPTIONAL WALK:
Approx. 8 km (4.9 miles), 3 hours walking, Easy grade, Elevation gain: 200m (656 ft)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting out to create your own adventures as you explore the lovely resort town of Stresa. With more walking trails to uncover embark on the Chestnut Route from Stresa to Belgriate 3 hours walk giving panoramic views over the lake. Traverse a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens along an old roman trail filled with old chapels. You can return by boat or train to Stresa.

Alternatively, venture on a boat adventure to one of Italy’s most impressive monasteries, Santa Caterina del Sasso, picturesquely located on a sheer cliff overhanging Lake Maggiore. Explore one of the most intriguing historical sites of the lake where the buildings span the 13th and 14th centuries. Admire the porticoes and chapels embraced with quaint frescoes where their courtyards give sweeping views of the lake. Journey to the monastery by wither climbing a flight of 80 steps from the Santa Caterina ferry quay or by descending the 240 step staircase from the carpark above.

For those in pursue of a more relaxed pace, can simply retreat to the luxuries of your hotel oasis or encounter lovely leisurely strolls by the lake traversing markets and cafes.

Note: Any boat, bus or train transfers today are at your own expense.

Enjoy a leisurely lakeside breakfast or a final dip in the picturesque pool before a final stroll along the lake shore, a great opportunity to reflect on your breathtaking adventure. You’ll be transferred to Milan Airport for your onward journey.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.