Italian Lakes Walking
This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See Amalfi Coast Walking (Premiere Inns), Amalfi Coast Walking (Casual Inns), and Cinque Terre/Tuscany Walking. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.
Lake Como, a prestigious retreat since the days of Julius Caesar, is the setting for this luxurious Backroads excursion in the Italian Lakes region. In the shadow of the Italian and Swiss Alps, visit lavish villas and their magnificent gardens, a testament to Lake Como's opulent past. Adorning the banks of this glacially sculpted lake, these dazzling estates welcome you. Here in Italy's playground for the elite, steep forested slopes and quiet villages promise spectacular exploring - from alpine hikes to garden strolls - while our eminent hotels, including the legendary lakeside Villa d'Este, guarantee gourmet cuisine and unparalleled luxury.
Day 1 Orta San Giulio
Meet in Milan and shuttle to Agrano for a hike on the eastern edge of stunning Lake Orta, renowned for fueling the creative inspiration of Flaubert and Tchaikovsky 
Visit the medieval hamlet of Orta San Giulio and explore its quiet lanes and 1,000-year-old monastery.
Days 2-3 Cernobbio
Hike to Monte Mottarone for spectacular vistas 4,900 feet above Lakes Orta and Maggiore Travel by funicular to the town of Stresa and boat to Isola Bella Arrive at Lake Como in time to luxuriate on our hotel's terrace or at the spa Savor superb views of the lake and its colorful villas as you follow a wooded footpath into the hills along the western shore Explore Como and shop for souvenirs.
Days 4-6 Bellagio
Take a private boat to Bellano and hike to Varenna, admiring magnificent villas, colorful gardens and castle ruins along the way Walk along the waterfront to Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como's grand estates En route to Baita Belvedere, stop at a farm to taste locally made cheeses, creams, milk and yogurt Visit the 18th-century Villa Balbinello and savor the views of the lake and surrounding hills.
MAGNIFICENT VILLAS: Premiere Inns
Villa Crespi (1 night): A Moorish-influenced villa built in the 19th century by a successful cotton trader, with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings and guest rooms featuring four-poster beds and 19th-century paintings.
Villa d'Este (2 nights): Rated by Travel+Leisure as one of Europe's top 50 hotels, "where ease and formality are happily married," this 16th-century villa, once the playground of aristocracy, is Lake Como's crown jewel.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (2 nights): Palatial splendor awaits at this five-star gem - magnificent gardens, ornate frescoes, a spa and a private beach are among the luxuries.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 4.5, 6.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour 1 hour
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 5 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 2.9, 5.4, 9.1 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 4.3, 5, 5.3 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2.4, 3.7, 6.6 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Conclusion of trip
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
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