Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Hiking & Walking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Luxury Hotels
Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Hiking & Walking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Luxury Hotels
2026: Aug-Oct 2027: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
Stylish Sojourn in the Italian Lake District
Lakes Maggiore, Como and Orta captivate with sapphire waters, alpine panoramas and elegant lakeside villages. From grand palazzos to timeless villas, every path reveals the beauty and character of Italy’s most enchanting lakes.
Highlights
- Hike scenic trails through the Italian Lake District, taking in shimmering waters, forested slopes and charming villages as you go
- Get to know Lake Orta, a hidden gem whose tranquil beauty inspired generations of artists and composers
- Soak up unforgettable views where Alpine peaks meet sparkling waters, from Monte Mottarone’s summit to Lake Maggiore’s elegant lakeside promenades
- Cruise Lake Como’s western shore by private boat, getting a new perspective on Bellagio and visiting the elegant Villa del Balbianello
- Explore historic estates and gardens, including Isola Bella’s palazzo and Lake Como’s celebrated waterfront villas
Start/End Milan
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Today, a hidden gem of the Italian Lakes District takes center stage • Meet Lake Orta, creative inspiration for centuries of artists and the region’s smallest lake • Soak up sweeping views on a hike to the clifftop Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary • Stop for a picnic lunch at a small family-run agriturismo • Take a boat to tonight’s lakeside hotel • Unwind with a dip in the lake or the hotel’s pool.
Night 1
Located on the spectacular Lake Orta, this elegant retreat boasts spacious contemporary-style rooms and a lakefront wellness area with an infinity pool. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 2-3
Hike mountain trails through frescoed hamlets • Panoramic vistas from Monte Mottarone give you a bird’s-eye view of Lakes Orta and Maggiore • Visit stylish Stresa, where you can add an afternoon jaunt to Palazzo Borromeo on nearby Isola Bella • Follow shoreline paths and forest trails between Cannero Riviera and Cannobio, crossing stone bridges and passing quiet chapels • Unwind at our luxurious retreat perfect for a golden-hour aperitivo with lake and mountain views.
Nights 2-3
Boutique Hotel Stresa occupies the historic Villa Ostini, a residence overlooking Lake Maggiore, the private gardens of Villa Ducale and the surrounding mountains. Contemporary rooms feature clean-lined design and thoughtfully curated contemporary art. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a small spa and a panoramic rooftop terrace with lake views. Modern interiors are softened by warm accents, creating an atmosphere that's both stylish and inviting. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
Days 4-6
Our routes take us past magnificent villas, colorful gardens and along the well-preserved trenches of World War I’s Cadorna Line • Ferry to beautiful Bellagio, known as the Pearl of the Lake, and stroll its scenic waterfront promenade and shopping district • Walk in the gardens at Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como’s grand estates • Learn the art of truffle hunting from a local farmer • Pause in Baita Belvedere, where a mountain lunch awaits • A private boat takes you to the western shore of Lake Como and to Villa Balbianello, where we stop for a tour.
Nights 4-5
Located lakeside on the shore of Lake Como, this stunning retreat has recently been awarded the prestigious two-key Michelin rating. It features lush gardens, a private beach and a luxury spa. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared, limited or fixed menus featuring a selection of regional cuisine.
While many of the routes on this trip are low in mileage, some sections may feel more challenging due to the mountainous terrain and resulting elevation changes. Most routes begin with steep climbs out of town (one to three miles long) and end with a long, sharp descent. To stay off the beaten path, we often walk on cobblestone mule tracks and rocky terrain, occasionally following slightly overgrown paths that may not be well defined.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates to see pricing, hotel or itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy, in USD.
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