Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
- Walk lakeside trails and mountain paths amid elaborate gardens and frescoed hamlets
- Breathtaking scenery, including staggering views from Monte Mottarone
- Stunning - and oft-overlooked! - Lago d’Orta
- Boat to see Palazzo Borromeo, with splendid fountains and art
- Slumber at sumptuous lakefront villas and dine on Michelin-starred cuisine
A Stylish Sojourn in the Lake District
They were premature naming the Great Lakes. Maggiore, Como, Lugano and Orta could easily steal that title. Sitting quietly among the Swiss and Italian Alps. Tiny villages. Classic red clay roofs nestle beside the deep blue waters in the lush green shorelines. Most travelers are familiar with Amalfi and Tuscany, Florence and Venice, but people who truly know Italy know not to overlook the views, the flavors, the wines, the stunning beauty of Orta, and the luxury of places like Villa Serbelloni. And every tiny beautiful detail that makes these lakes - great.
Day 1 Stunning - and oft-overlooked! - Lago d'Orta, known for fueling the creative inspiration of Flaubert and Tchaikovsky 
In the medieval hamlet of Orta San Giulio, explore quiet lanes and an ancient monastery on the lake's picture-perfect Isola San Giulio Savor modern Mediterranean cuisine at Villa Crespi, winner of two Michelin stars.
Day 2 Breathtaking scenery, including staggering views from Monte Mottarone, 4,000 feet above Lakes Orta and Maggiore Travel by funicular to the town of Stresa and boat to Isola Bella, home to the Palazzo Borromeo and its splendid fountains and art.
Days 3-4 Slumber at sumptuous lakefront villas Passing tiny chapels and crossing small bridges, walk along Lake Maggiore from Cannobio to Cannero Riviera Sniff, swirl, salute! A beloved enoteca invites us in for a tasting of local vintages Hike past magnificent villas, colorful gardens and castle ruins to Varenna Ferry to beautiful Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake" An experienced chef teaches us how to prepare regional specialties.
Days 5-6 Walk lakeside trails and mountain paths amid elaborate gardens and frescoed hamlets Your feet carry you to Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como’s grand estates Visit a farm that produces cheeses, creams, milk and yogurt en route to Baita Belvedere, where a mountain lunch awaits Visit 18th-century Villa Balbianello and relish the vistas of the lake and surrounding hills.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We love Backroads and recommend it highly to all of our friends. Truly it has enhanced our understanding of cultures, our love of nature, and opened the world to us. We are grateful for every trip you have provided and hope to do more in the years ahead. Backroads remains our favorite - although we have taken 2 trips with other companies. I think you do a better job on helping the participants learn about the culture and your guides are incredible. We will not forget our trip to the Lake District.- Excelsior, MN
We continue to find Backroads a great way to take the risk out of traveling to somewhere new. The knowledgeable leaders add a different dimension beyond what going somewhere with a Frommer's guide will get you. Keep up the good work!- Dallas, TX
Premiere Inns
Villa Crespi
Orta San Giulio (1 night) A Moorish-influenced villa built in 1879 by a successful cotton trader, with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings and lake views. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (spa)
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees
Stresa (2 nights) A Belle Époque beauty on Lake Maggiore and the setting for part of Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. (pool, spa, tennis)
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Bellagio (2 nights) Built in 1872 as the luxurious Neo-classical retreat for an aristocratic family from Milan, this lakeside villa glimmers with marble, frescoes and Murano chandeliers. (pool, spa, tennis)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-2
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 4.6, 6.3 miles
- 700 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.6, 4.5, 6.6 miles
- 950 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 7.8 miles
- 1230 - 2280 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.9, 4.4, 5.6 miles
- 600 - 750 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 3.7, 6.7 miles
- 570 - 1380 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Guided Walk 1 hour
Terrain Description
Lakeside village pathways, alpine trails.More Recommended Trips
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For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Italian Lakes tour experts. See our award-winning Europe Italy walking tours and hiking tours, Europe Italy biking tours and Europe Italy multisport tours.
