Locanda di Orta, Orta San Giulio
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.
“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
Italian Lakes Hiking 8 Days
Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio, Province of Novara, Italy
Days 1+2
Stresa
Stresa, Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy
Days 3+4
Bellagio
Bellagio, Province of Como, Italy
Day 5+6+7+8
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 7 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers and necessary shuttles during the tour
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes & maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
What's Not Included
- Ferry/boat fares
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
8 days / 7 nights
Arrive/Depart
Orta San Giulio / Bellagio
Activity Level
Moderate
10-15 km daily (3-6 hrs)
Spending two nights in each location allows you to take a day off from walking or enjoy a more leisurely pace, if you wish
Terrain
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $3,070
Single Supplement: US $770
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,790
Single Supplement: US $950
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $4,590
Single Supplement: US $1,150
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.
Additional information
| Destination | Italy |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
Your trip starts in Orta San Giulio. We recommend flying into Milan, then taking a train to Orta San Giulio via Novara (approximately 2.5 hours). Your confirmation package will include additional information to help you plan your journey.
1
Day 1
Orta San Giulio
Arrive in Orta San Giulio and settle in to your hotel. Then, take a walk up to the chapel of the Sacro Monte, dedicated to the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Enjoy sweeping views over beautiful Lake Orta before returning to town for the first of many memorable dinners. For a special treat, the Michelin-starred Villa Crespi is one of our top recommendations.
Walking Distance: 4 km
2
Day 2
Orta San Giulio
Your day begins with a short transfer to the start of your walk, following ancient trails that include sections of the historic Stone Mason’s Path. Stop for lunch in Pella before taking a boat to the enchanting island of San Giulio to explore on foot. Return by boat to Orta San Giulio, where you’ll enjoy a second night in this tranquil lakeside village.
Walking Distance: 9 km
3
Day 3
Stresa
Your day begins with a 20-minute shuttle to the mountain village of Coiromonte, where outstanding views of the lakes and surrounding countryside await. From here, descend on scenic trails to the elegant lakeside town of Stresa. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can take a taxi from Mottarone (additional cost), reducing today’s hiking distance. Once in Stresa, you may wish to visit the beautiful Isola Bella before enjoying dinner at one of the town’s excellent restaurants, including several Michelin-starred options.
Walking Distance: 7.1 km, 12.5 km or 16.3 km
4
Day 4
Stresa
Today’s walk follows easy-going trails above Stresa, with varied terrain and beautiful views over Lake Maggiore. For those looking to extend the day, an optional route continues to the charming lakeside villages of Lesa and Belgirate, where you can arrange a private boat back to Stresa (additional cost of approximately €130).
Walking Distance: 10.8 km or 18.5 km
5
Day 5
Bellagio
Your day begins with a train journey to Lake Como. On arrival at Bellano-Tartavalle Terme station, your luggage will be transferred to your hotel in Bellagio, allowing you to walk with just a daypack. Climb to Castello di Vezio for spectacular views before descending to Varenna, often described as one of the most romantic villages in Italy. After time to explore its charming streets and waterfront, take a short ferry across the lake to Bellagio, the celebrated “Pearl of Lake Como.”
Walking Distance: 6.6 km or 17.3 km
6
Day 6
Bellagio
Today’s walk begins along the lakeshore, passing through the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi before climbing to the Baita Belvedere for panoramic views over Lake Como. You can return to Bellagio by shuttle, leaving time to visit Villa del Balbianello, famed as a filming location for the James Bond classic Casino Royale. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional hands-on cooking class from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm (additional cost of approximately €220 per person).
Walking Distance: 6.7 km or 19.2 km
7
Day 7
Bellagio
Today is dedicated to discovering Lake Como’s magnificent villas, including the iconic Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Enjoy easy walking, scenic boat crossings, and time to explore some of the lake’s most beautiful gardens and historic estates.
Walking Distance: 8 km or 20 km
8
Day 8
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure. The easiest way to depart is by direct boat to Como (approximately 50 minutes), where you can connect with a train to Milan (approximately 40 minutes). Frequent departures throughout the morning make for a convenient onward journey.
Classic
La Luna Nel Porto, Stresa
Located in the heart of Stresa, La Luna Nel Porto enjoys a wonderful lakeside setting, directly across from the picturesque harbour with views over Lake Maggiore. This charming hotel offers a relaxing base from which to explore the beauty of the lake, nearby islands, and surrounding landscapes.
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
Set in the heart of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, this elegant 4-star hotel combines a superb lakeside location with outstanding views. Enjoy the rooftop sky bar, sun terrace, and swimming pool while admiring panoramic vistas of the lake, Mount Mottarone, and the enchanting Borromean Islands.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Set among beautifully maintained gardens, this elegant family-run hotel is arranged across a series of charming villas, offering a tranquil and refined stay in Bellagio. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and spectacular views across Lake Como and the surrounding hills.
Premium deluxe
Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio
Just steps from the shores of Lake Orta, Villa Crespi is a spectacular Relais & Châteaux property built in 1879. The hotel’s distinctive Moorish-inspired architecture, elegant interiors, and beautiful gardens create a truly unique setting. Renowned chef Antonio Cannavacciuolo leads the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an exceptional dining experience.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, Stresa
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
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.
Tour Reviews
This was a wonderful trip – the same type of beautiful towns and great accommodations we have had in past trips and better than some of our past experiences as far as hiking directions.
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.
“The hotels we stayed at were fabulous. Our Travel Advisor was great to work with. It’s obvious she cares. Our Area Manager was super responsive and helpful with our needs during the trip. The food and wine were incredible too!”
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