The right number of like-minded travellers to make new friends.
Your dates. Your group. Our expertly-designed itinerary.
Tailored to your interests, a bespoke travel experience.
Combines the hallmarks of any B&R itinerary (excellent hotels and beautiful routes) with the freedom of pacing each day exactly the way you like.
Throughout the day, a knowledgeable local guide provides insider access and expert tips. At night, you can explore and dine on your own.
Our B&R guides are with you throughout, anticipating needs, translating languages, providing advice and—above all—facilitating fun.
We use premium hotels that are unique expressions of the region. Often they’ve had a previous life as a monastery or a castle, but in every case they offer an exceptionally comfortable stay.
These are stylish 4-star properties that offer a casual and comfortable stay. Often without a 24-hour concierge or room service, they tend to be smaller family-run hotels that are perfect for the region.
“I can’t say I really ‘work out,’ but I’m in good shape and am relatively active.”
“I enjoy a good walk or ride, and feel comfortable while on the move.”
“I get moving at least once a week, and don’t mind a little sweat.”
“I get moving a few times per week and enjoy some exertion.”
“I want to feel invigorated each day and going hard is how I like to do that.”
The Italian Lakes are grandeur, comfort and elegance incarnate. A lofty claim, sure, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll forgive our hyperbole. Truly incredible walks lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are to be explored by boat and on foot. Suddenly, a “week at the lake” takes on a whole new meaning.
Trip designed by Travel Expert Dana Quinn
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Simply fill out this form to view the itinerary. We’ll also email you a copy so you can refer back to it later.
This departure is either sold out or almost fully booked but with deposit we will request additional rooms from our hotels where possible.
At B&R we make it incredibly easy for you to journey with your friends, family, colleagues or on your own. Create your own private trip by taking over one of our dates—or we can request a fresh one. Prices are sliding scale to suit the number of travellers. Interested in tweaking the itinerary? We can do that too. Ask us for details!
| Travellers | PRICING FROM (USD) † |
|---|---|
| 2-5 | *Call for details |
| 6-8 | $7,895 |
| 9-11 | $7,195 |
| 12+ | $6,795 |
| † Double occupancy |
* Trip elements may be adjusted on smaller group sizes.
Have a custom trip designed exactly to your interests. Like a tailor making a bespoke suit, it will fit you perfectly.
Our Bespoke trip designers are a talented bunch who can craft unforgettable experiences for your specific group—and working within your needs and budget.
Get in touch with a Trip Designer to begin planning your perfect vacation.
REQUEST A QUOTEWalk the western coast of Lake Como’s two “legs,” with spectacular views of colourful fishing villages dotting the dazzling water. Board our speedboat at the hotel before cocktails and dinner at the elegant Serbelloni.
Explore chic Bellagio, the “pearl of Lake Como,” in the company of our charming local guide. Visit the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi before a special
Walk through the Boscoo Impero, stopping to admire Il Rogolone, a 300-year-old great oak tree before a casual pizza lunch. Board our private boat into Switzerland. Tonight you'll enjoy the fabulous Mediterranean cuisine at our hotel's renowned restaurant.
Hike down Monte Brè after riding a circa-1908 cog railway to the top, then explore the chic promenades of Lugano. Take part in an evening wine tasting before a night on your own in town.
Reverse Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms route along Lake Maggiore, descending to a private boat which will whisk us to Stresa. Tonight's final night dinner is in an elegant private palazzo.
Enjoy a farewell breakfast in Stresa at the hotel, then arrivederci in Milan.
Take in the views from up close.
Villa Serbelloni, one of the oldest hotels in the Lake Como area, was one of the most famous stops along the 19thC tour of the lakes. Not much has changed today. This 5-star hotel is decorated in a neo-classical style and offers guests the pleasure of a relaxing poolside, spa treatments or a motorboat ride from the private dock to the historic gardens along the lake. View hotel website »
On the shores of Lago di Lugano, the Villa Castagnola is a luxurious Italian-styled villa surrounded by sub-tropical and exotic gardens. With wonderful lake and mountain views, a fabulous restaurant, a wellness area with spa and beauty treatments, a private lido and fascinating collection of contemporary sculptures, this is a treat for the senses at every level. View hotel website »
Overlooking the tranquil Lago Maggiore and the Isola Bella and Isola Madre with the splendor of a late 19thC resort, it is easy to see why this enchanting five-star Art Nouveau style villa has welcomed famous guests for 150 years. In each of the hotel's 160 guest rooms, meticulous restoration has resulted in a pleasing combination of old-world charm and modern luxury. View hotel website »
It's hard to say what the most memorable moment was. The trip was magical. I'd like to say how incredible our last night's celebration was. We had a guitarist and pianist which meant we really were able to celebrate - we all danced, we sang, it was fabulous.
— Nancy Watters
We never wanted to be the biggest travel company in the world, just the best.
— George Butterfield
We cover a variety of terrain. Some walks are on mountain trails with strenuous ups and downs. A number of trails follow narrow footpaths through woods, while others are on well-surfaced small roads. Hiking boots are required for some days. Daily distances average 10 km (6 mi.), with options for easier or more challenging hikes.
“I go on a long walk once a week, and I don’t mind a little sweat.”
Rolling terrain on a variety of surfaces. Most days, one or two steeper climbs to spectacular viewpoints or places of interest.
Read more on our Activity LevelsIn a word: everything. In ninety words? Signature B&R guides; local experts; unique, unforgettable biking and walking routes; private tours; authentic local cuisine; lessons and demonstrations; local artisanal wines; wine tastings; all victuals and libations; all the endorphins you can handle; new insight; interesting, fun and like-minded travel companions; a feeling of total freedom. In short: an extraordinary, hassle-free journey of discovery.
Included with all walking trips are Leki telescoping walking sticks and custom-made padded hip holsters, which comfortably carry one full half-litre water bottle. And while the walking sticks get “recycled” for use by another B&R traveller, the holsters are yours to keep at trip’s end.
Walking Sticks
Sometimes your B&R trip simply isn’t long enough! Extend your stay for the best vacation possible. If you wish to spend a few days in region either before or after your official B&R trip, and need assistance making those plans, your B&R Travel Advisor can help.
Call us to create an independent travel experience that fits your needs—we can also arrange for a local guide.
We craft extraordinary experiences, tailor made to meet
your every need, with every stitch of every day crafted
just the way you want it. Learn more about Bespoke
