Italian Lakes Hiking
Experience the pleasures and surprises of the famous Italian Lakes region - from the Old-World charm and stunning scenery to hearty cuisine and hidden villages. Take heart-pumping hikes on cliffside footpaths and the mountain trails of Monte Generoso, delight in strolls on peaceful passerelle and savor spectacular views from high above the lakes in gondolas and chairlifts that bring you to alpine villages. After full days on your feet, relish in relaxing evenings spent dining on regional cuisine and slumbering in scenic, intimate hotels.
Day 1 Cernobbio
Meet in Como 
Take the funicular to Brunate and hike the wooded shoreline of Lake Como Enjoy amazing views of the lake, mountains and colorful villas that dot the shoreline Make your way to Cernobbio.
Days 2-3 Varenna
Journey by boat to the exquisite Villa Carlotta then hike to Varenna, considered by some to be Italy's most romantic town 
Watch as an inspiring panorama of Lake Como unfolds before you Check out the Fiumelatte, the curious "river of milk," which flows only six months a year and is Italy's shortest river at 800 feet Ferry to Bellagio, the "pearl of the lake" Hike to Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como's grand estates Enjoy lunch at a mountain hut and learn how local cheese is made.
Days 4-6 Pellio
Ferry to Menaggio, shuttle to Argegno and then board a funicular to Pigra, 2,600 feet above Lake Como Revel in dramatic vistas of the lake Walk along wooded trails and through open alpine meadows, passing tiny mountain hamlets en route to Pellio Tackle the challenging hike to 5,590-foot Monte Generoso, a former island that rose up from an extensive frozen sea during the last ice age, and behold a 360-degree panorama of the entire Italian Lakes region.
IDYLLIC PANORAMAS: Casual Inns
Hotel Asnigo (1 night): Set atop a hillside overlooking Lake Como, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with wonderful views, a swimming pool and La Terrazza restaurant.
Hotel du Lac (2 nights): Step back in time at this lakeside hotel featuring wrought-iron balustrades, a flower-filled terrace and a welcoming atmosphere.
La Locanda del Notaio (2 nights): An intimate family-run hotel reminiscent of an old country estate, nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountain peaks.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 3, 4 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2.9, 4.4, 5.3 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 1.9, 3.4, 6.8 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 3.8, 7.5, 8.9 miles
- 500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 7.3, 8.7, 12.1 miles
- 2500 - 3000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 2 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
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 |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/5-10Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $770 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/2-7Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $770 for sgl. occ.)
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
This was so well organized. The trip leaders were fantastic. The itinerary was perfect, the option to do or not to do was great. The quality of the activities were amazing and the landscape was unforgettable. Truly, however, the team leaders were amazing, and so inspirational.- Newport Coast, CA
Definitely a must-do with Backroads! This invigorating walking trip offers stunning views of the Swiss and Italian Alps and Lakes Como and Lugano from every angle, and will take you to hidden tiny towns nestled in the Pre-Alps that are hard to discover on your own.- Regional Manager, Italian Trip Operations