Italian Lakes Hiking 8 Days

“Is there a land of such supreme and perfect beauty anywhere?” 19th century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wondered after a visit to Lake Como. The Italian Lakes, including Lake Orta, Como and Maggiore are unique in Italy for their beauty and pedigree. Beginning in medieval times, nobility have always prized this region as a place to escape and today celebrities such as George Clooney and Richard Branson own villas here for much the same reason; walk along the many footpaths and trails that meander past picture-perfect villages enjoying superb hotels in lake-side locales, dining in fine restaurants and you will understand the allure…

“Little has changed in the past 50 years, though several grand hotel openings have added to the lakes’ cachet. The main attractions, however, remain the simple, authentic pleasures that travelers have appreciated since the days of the grand tour…Despite a high celeb quotient, Como, Italy’s most sophisticated lake, embodies low-key glamour, history, and tradition. Its 30-mile-long western shoreline runs from the miniature sailing port of Cernobbio through sleepy Laglio to Menaggio. On the eastern shore is the chic hillside village of Bellagio, with its rainbow-colored villas; the old stone fishing villages of Bellano and Varenna are popular with culture and nature buffs, thanks to their medieval castles and elaborate Renaissance gardens. Set along the southern banks of the Alps, Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake, is the busiest and most untamed. The eastern, Lombard shore is characterized by wild woodlands, but most travelers go to the western side, where the village of Stresa is chock-full of artisanal shops. Close to the Swiss border you’ll find the town of Cannobio, a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets, medieval palazzi, and waterfront restaurants.” Travel & Leisure

Location

Orta San Giulio

Orta San Giulio, Province of Novara, Italy

Day 1+2

Stresa

Stresa, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy

Day 3+4

Bellagio

Todi

Day 5+6+7+8

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

7 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers and necessary shuttles during the tour
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour

Not Included

Ferry/boat fares

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Can start any date between April and October
Custom trips also available and can start any date. Call or email for details.

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights with 6 days of walking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Orta San Giulio / Bellagio

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate: 3 to 6 hours of hiking each day. You spend two nights in three locations, so you can take time off from walking if you wish.

TERRAIN

COST

Classic Accommodation: US $2850
Single Supplement: US $725

Luxe Accommodation: US $3450
Single Supplement: US $850

Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $4250
Single Supplement: US $1,050

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting There This trip starts in Orta San Giulio. We recommend flying into Milan; trains from Milan take 2h30 and go through Navara. We will arrange for you to be met at the train station on arrival. Your confirmation package will provide additional planning information.

Day 1

Orta San Giulio
Arrive in Orta San Giulio. Meet with our Area Manager and then take a walk up to the chapel of the Sacro Monte, dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Enjoy views over splendid Lake Orta and then settle in to your hotel and enjoy the first of many amazing dinners – the Michelin starred Villa Crespi is one of our recommendations for a splurge!
Walking Distance: 4 km.*

Day 2

Orta San Giulio
Your day begins with a short transfer to walk an ancient trail including sections of the Stone Mason’s Path. Have lunch in Pella and then cruise to the island of San Giulio to explore on foot and then back to Orta San Giulio by boat. Back in Orta, enjoy a 2nd night at your hotel here and the tranquility of this charming village.
Walking Distance: 9 km.*

Day 3

Stresa
Your day starts with a 20 minute shuttle to the mountain village of Coiromonte where outstanding views of the lakes and surrounding countryside awaits. You will descend on trail to Stresa – you have the option to take a cable car for part of the trip down, reducing the distance of today’s walk. Once in town, you may decide to visit Isola Bella (beautiful island). Stresa boasts several excellent restaurants including Michelin starred options.
Walking Distance: 7.1 km, 12.5 km or 16.3 km.*

Day 4

Stresa
Walk above Stresa today that offers varied terrain and lake views on an easy-going trail. There is an add-on option to the pretty lakeside villages of Lesa and Belgirate from where you can take a private boat back to Stresa (additional cost of approx 130 € if you decide on this option).
Walking distance: 10.8 km or 18.5 km.*

Day 5

Bellagio
The day starts with a transfer by train to Lake Como. Our Area Manager will arrange to have you met at the Bellano-Tartavalle Station, so your luggage can be transferred to your hotel in Bellagio. Climbing to the castel Vezio will reward you with super views before descending to Varenna, often described as one of the most romantic villages in Italy. After exploring this village, you will take a short ferry to the pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio.
Walking Distance: 6.6 km or 17.3 km.*

Day 6

Bellagio
Today’s walk starts off along the lake through the lovely gardens of Villa Melzi and then up to the Baita belvedere. You can shuttle back to town to allow time to see Villa Balbianello (setting for the James Bond classic Casino Royale). Alternatively, should you wish to take an optional cooking course from 10-2:30 pm, this is possible (additional cost 130 euros pp).
Walking Distance: 6.7 km or 19.2 km.*

Day 7

Bellagio
This is the day you get to explore the lake’s most exquisite villas including Villa Balbianello (setting for the James Bond classic Casino Royale) and Villa Carlotta should you wish. The walking is easy-going and you will have the chance to see the coastline by boat.
Walking Distance: 8 km or 20 km.*

Day 8

The easiest way to depart is by direct boat to Como (50 min; departures from 7:12 am), where you can take a train to Milan (40 min; departures at 8:13, 9:13, 10:58 etc.)

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Randonnee Tours offers cycling and hiking tours in Italy, in the region of Italian Lakes

Hotel Locanda di Orto, Orto

This property is located less than 200 ft from Lake Orta shores in a pedestrian only street and offers a terrace, restaurant and wine bar. Chef Fabrizio Tesse oversees the renowned gourmet restaurant.

Hotel La Luna Nel Porto, Stresa

Opened in 2006, this hotel is situated in the center of Stresa, overlooking (and across the street from) the lake and picturesque harbour.

Hotel Centrale, Bellagio

Set on a quaint cobbled lane just steps to Lake Como, this 3-star hotel dates back to 1922 and is owned by the Borelli family. Enjoy breakfast in the veranda overlooking the gardens.

Luxe

Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio

Set overlooking Lake Orta, within the walls of an ancient monastery, this upscale 4-star hotel with its own pier boasts elegant rooms, most with lake views. There's a swanky restaurant and a bar, plus a patio, a rooftop terrace with a hot tub, and an indoor pool.

Hotel La Palma,Stresa

This elegant 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Stressa on the Lake Maggiore promenade, within easy reach of the beach. From the rooftop sky bar, sun terrace, and swimming pool, you’ll enjoy open panoramic views of the lake, Mt. Mottarone, and the Borromean Islands.

Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

A comfortable, family-run hotel comprised of separate villas. Extensive grounds include an outdoor swimming pool that offers stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding hills.

Premium deluxe

Villa Crespi, Orta San Giuli (Premier Deluxe)

Just a few steps from Lake Orta, Villa Crespi is a spectacular property built in 1879 by cotton merchant Cristoforo Benigno Crespi, with arabesque architecture and stunning gardens. Renowned chef Antonio Cannavacchiulo runs the hotel’s two Michelin starred restaurant.

Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Stresa (Premier Deluxe)

Inaugurated in 1863, this historic hotel was immortalised in Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms. The sumptuous interiors feature Art Nouveau décor, while the hotel corridors display reproductions of works of art dating back to the 15th century. Facilities include three swimming pools, a wellness centre and spa.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio (Premier Deluxe)

This opulent villa is one of the lake’s grandest hotels, nestled among lush gardens with camellias and magnolias, in an enviable location on Bellagio’s waterfront. Interiors feature stucco work and intricate frescoed ceilings, while rooms have classic-style furnishings. Travel + Leisure World’s Best.

Lago di Como (Lake Como) Menaggio at dusk

Trip Reviews

Theresa R.

February 25, 2019

Honestly, it was far more than I could have imagined. The entire trip was magical. The hikes were spectacular and sufficiently challenging, with great views or cafes for rewards. The hotels were wonderful and service was great.

Jill S.