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 often 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 on a guided tour After an aperitivo, 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 Explore 18th-century Villa Balbianello and relish the vistas of the lake and surrounding hills.
Trip Highlights
- Walk lakeside trails and mountain paths amid elaborate gardens and frescoed hamlets
- Breathtaking scenery, including staggering views from Monte Mottarone
- Stunning - and often 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
Premiere Inns
Villa Crespi (1 night): A Moorish-influenced villa built in 1879 by a successful cotton trader, with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings and lake views. A Relais & Châteaux member. (spa)
Grand Hôtel des Iles Borromées (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 (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. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa, tennis)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 2.8* | 100 | 5.5 | 200 | ||||||
| Guided city walk | ||||||||||
| Optional afternoon San Giulio island visit | ||||||||||
| 2 | 2.2* | 800 | 4.4 | 1800 | 7.7 | 1800 | ||||
| 3 | 3.4* | 900 | 4.9 | 1100 | 9.2 | 2200 | ||||
| 4 | 2.9* | 700 | 4.2 | 1000 | 6.3 | 1000 | ||||
| 5 | 2.1* | 600 | 4.2 | 1400 | 7.9 | 1500 | ||||
| 6 | Guided villa walk (1 hour) | |||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 6/2-7 Price: $5998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $6098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/11-16 Price: $5898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $5898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $5998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $5898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/6-11 Price: $5998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1350 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. 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 thoroughly enjoyed our trip! Hiking in the countryside around the lakes allowed us to see forest, countryside and views that otherwise wouldn't have been possible. The luxury of the accommodations and wonderful meals seemed just what we would have wished for after a rigorous hike.- Wilmette, IL
The trip really did exceed our expectations on every level, especially the level of expertise and professionalism of the guides. We especially loved being introduced to local people like the berry farmer and going to the cooking lesson and making pasta and eating at their restaurants because both afforded us such an intimate inside glimpse of the country that we would never have gotten on our own.
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
Excellent! We would highly recommend Backroads. We appreciate the flexibility offered. The accommodations are always wonderful and the choice of activities interesting and fun.- Elverson, PA
I had decided more than two years ago that I wanted to take this trip and it exceeded all of the dreams I had in anticipation of the trip. Backroads understands what is important to its customers and the standard of excellence is seen in every aspect of the trip planning, leaders selected, and nuances at every turn of the trip. If I was looking for a job, I would want to work for Backroads.- Dallas, TX