A New Era of Adventure in the Italian Lakes

It's easy to get swept away by the allure of the Italian Lakes, a timeless destination that has captured the hearts of travellers since Roman times. 

This region has been a B&R favourite for decades, with its luxurious five-star lakeside hotels, breathtaking scenery and well-crafted walking and boating routes. But our itineraries go deeper, avoiding the crowds and scoping out off-the-beaten-path places that allow travellers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of the region.

A new era of adventure has dawned under the guidance of B&R's new Experience Designer for the Italian Lakes, Edoardo Bausani. In this interview, Edo shares his passion for the region and recounts his latest research trip to the Italian Lakes, where he sought out new experiences for seasons to come.

Travellers are often amazed by the natural diversity and wide range of experiences. With the beauty of crystal-clear waters against majestic mountains, charming towns and yacht-filled marinas, it becomes obvious why the region has been a hot spot for centuries. The lakes also surprise with activities for every taste and age, from boat rides, hiking and biking to historic villa and garden visits, and some of Italy's most incredible cuisine and shopping.

When travellers join our Italian Lakes Walking trip, they’re always delighted with our stop to Lugano, Switzerland. The city reminds me of Monaco with its stunning architecture. We'll take a beautiful hike along an olive grove trail, which is absolutely outstanding. It's always nice to include a city break in a trip, giving travellers the opportunity to go shopping or choose from various restaurants.

So many! What really sets this trip apart is our connection with our suppliers. Norberto, our wine expert, is not just a connoisseur but also a friend. We just look each other in the eyes and he knows exactly how to run the show. Besides the cultural aspect of having travellers learn about the surrounding wine regions, we introduce them to a local friend in which they can re-visit whenever they’re back in Bellagio– B&Rs friends are our traveller's friends.

Daniel, our charming Venetian speedboat driver, is another example of a superstar friend who’s known for guiding the likes of George Clooney and Madonna around the lakes. He knows all the best spots, from hidden coves to beautiful vistas and villas, and can take you on a high-speed adventure that will leave you breathless. Then there’s Rita, our local guide in Bellagio, who offers fascinating insights into the town's history and points out hidden gems that most travellers, and frankly other travel companies, miss if they’re not exploring the area with a local.

During a trip to Gandria with B&R Guide Alice, we discovered a charming deli perfect for a picnic. We sampled their signature dishes and were blown away by the refreshing salad, feta-topped avocado toast and veggie quiche. However, as our group was too large to accommodate the small deli, Luana, the owner, offered to find us another place to host the picnic. 

She didn't disappoint and the following day, she took us through small alleys reminiscent of Amalfi to a private terrace in Gandria that overlooked the lake. The view was breathtaking, and we felt fortunate to experience it as Luana's guests! As we savoured some wine and admired the lake's shimmering waters, we felt grateful for this special moment.

My favourite hike is the Sentiero degli Ulivi trail in Switzerland. It's 8.5 kilometres long and starts in Castagnola, passing through olive groves , stone villages, forests, and meadows filled with wildflowers. As the path winds its way towards Gandria, you pass small hamlets and tiny stone villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.

The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. It's not too challenging, making it suitable for all levels of hikers. The hike ends at the Gandria harbour, perfect for relaxing and taking in the stunning views.

If you're a fan of the grandeur and majesty of 19th-century hotels, then this trip is truly a treat for you. You'll be staying in historic hotels that are adorned with museum pieces, where works of art have been created alongside the hotel itself. 

My favourite property on Italian Lakes Walking is the Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola in Lugano. The rooms are a delightful mix of 80s-style decor with modern art, and the diversity of having that Swiss touch really sparked my interest. But the real showstopper is Serbelloni. The spacious rooms with grand frescoes are bigger than my apartment in Berlin! It's opulent and luxurious, and our travellers will be truly impressed.

The Italian Lakes Walking trip is a perfect balance between challenging hikes, leisurely walks, activity and relaxation. Our daily walks are at most 7-8 miles, allowing travellers to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the shoreline and the Alps. The trip also showcases a diverse mix of landscapes, from the lakes to the mountains to the great city break we planned in between. With the alpine feeling of Lake Maggiore and the distinct beauty of Lake Como, travellers will feel like they are exploring different regions in just a matter of hours.