Italian Lakes Walking
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 make these lakes - great.
- 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
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
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 a 1,000-year-old monastery on the lake's picture-perfect Isola San Giulio.
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 Sniff, swirl, salute! A tasting of local vintages preps the palate for a fabulous dinner.
Days 3-4 Slumber at sumptuous lakefront villas Passing tiny chapels and crossing small bridges, walk along Lake Maggiore from Cannobio to Cannero Riviera Hike past magnificent villas, colorful gardens and castle ruins to Varenna A ferry brings us to beautiful Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake."
Days 5-6 Walk lakeside trails and mountain paths amid elaborate gardens and frescoed hamlets Your feet whisk you to Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como's grand estates Snack on locally made cheeses, creams, milk and yogurt at a farm en route to Baita Belvedere, where a lunch of regional specialties awaits Visit 18th-century Villa Balbianello and savor the vistas of the lake and surrounding hills.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Tuscany Walking Provence Walking Dolomites WalkingOther Italy Trips
Look at what other guests are saying 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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Italian Lakes Walking
Premiere Inns
Villa Crespi
Orta San Giulio (1 night) A Moorish-influenced villa built in the 1800s by a successful cotton trader, with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings and lake views. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Stresa (2 nights) A Belle Epoque 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)
Italian Lakes Walking
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 | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2
2 Route Options Available
- 4.2, 5 miles
- 1100 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.6, 4.5, 6.6 miles
- 1000 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 7.8 miles
- 1200 - 2300 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.9, 4.4, 5.6 miles
- 600 - 800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.2, 3.7, 6.4 miles
- 600 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Walking Tour 1 hour
Terrain Description
Lakeside village pathways, alpine trails.