Small Group
Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
Follow enchanting lakeside trails
6 Days, 5 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$8,595 USD
Single Supplement: $2,500 USD
Available Months
May
Jun
Sep
Oct
Find Dates
Carbon Neutral Trip
Italy’s lakes: where nature shamelessly shows off, truffles beg to be found, and villa-hopping by speedboat feels totally reasonable. Wander Lake Como’s garden-lined shores, scale castles with postcard views, and savour lakeside meals with Alice, our favourite local foodie. Swim crystal-clear Mergozzo, hunt for truffles with a seasoned tartufaio (and his adorable dog), and unwind each night in style.
Preview the itinerary
No two trips are ever the same, but this will give you a taste of what your journey will be like.
Rendezvous
Airport City: Milan
Trip Start: Hilton Lake Como
Time: 9:00am
Farewell
Airport City: Milan
Trip End: Malpensa Airport or Milan Centrale train station
Time: 1:00pm & 1:30pm
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Begin in Como and follow the lakeshore to Colonno before strolling cobblestone lanes. Pause for a leisurely trattoria lunch, then explore the elegant Villa Carlotta and its renowned gardens. As the sun sets, enjoy aperitivos on Como’s shoreline before a relaxed dinner to kick off the journey ahead.
Activity:
Morning walk | 9 km (6 mi.) | Elevation gain: 163 m (535 ft.)
Day 2
Explore Bellagio’s laneways and sweeping lake views with a local guide, including a visit to the stunning Villa Melzi gardens. Enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch before choosing between a private boat ride to Menaggio or a hike to San Martino. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive visit to Alice’s estate.
Activity:
Morning walk | 7 km (4 mi.) | Elevation gain: 207 m (680 ft.)
Optional hike | 5 km (4 mi.) | Elevation gain: 340 m (1,000 ft.)
Day 3
Set out on a stunning hike from Naggio to La Rotonda, pausing for a truffle-hunting demonstration along the way. Enjoy lunch at a local Pizzeria before choosing between a lakeside stroll or exploring Lugano’s charming downtown. End the day with cocktails and a refined à la carte dinner.
Activity:
Morning walk | 8 km (5 mi.) | Elevation gain: 211 m (692 ft.)
Afternoon walk | 2 km (1 mi.) | Elevation gain: 16 m (50 ft.)
Optional walk | 3 km (2 mi.) | Elevation gain: 108 m (320 ft.)
Day 4
Set off along the captivating Sentiero delle Genti trail. We’ll then be joined by our friend Sergio for a boat ride across the lake. This afternoon, we’ll be led to Isola Bella—one of the most enchanting places on Lake Maggiore—for a tour. This evening, you’ll explore Stresa on your own.
Activity:
Morning walk | 6 km (3 mi.) route from Carmine Inferiore to Cannero | Elevation gain: 174 m (550 ft.)
Optional walk | 3 km (2 mi.) | Elevation gain: 49 m (150 ft.)
Optional walk | 7 km (4 mi) | Elevation gain: 334 m (1,075 ft.)
Day 5
Our walk begins in the charming hamlet of Cavendone, following a trail through the woods until we reach Lake Mergozzo. Here, we’ll indulge in a cheese and wine tasting of before enjoying a dip in the lake. This evening, we’ll dine in the private residence of friends and raise our glass to an incredible week.
Activity:
Morning walk | 8 km (5 mi.) | Elevation gain: 119 m (360 ft.)
Optional walk | 4 km (2 mi.) | Elevation gain: 124 m (366 ft.)
Day 6
After one final breakfast, it's time to say arrivederci.
Dates & availability
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Featured stays
Grand Hotel Victoria
Location: Menaggio, Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Boutique Hotel Stresa
Location: Stresa, Italy
What's included
Accommodation & dining
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners as indicated on the itinerary.
All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary.
Thoughtfully selected local wines, beers, cocktails or non-alcoholic beverages with all meals.
Active essentials
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS
Guided services & gratuities
Services of B&R guide(s).
All special events, private tours, guest experts and entrance fees.
All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel services.
Transportation & logistics
Transportation from pick up to drop off.
Baggage transportation.
Van support where trails permit.
What's Not Included: International flights, travel protection, gratuity for your B&R guides.
This trip is carbon neutral. Learn more about our Sustainability commitment.
Good to know
Terrain
The Italian Lakes offers diverse terrain which can include paved roads and forest trails. We recommend familiarity hiking in these conditions.
Motion/sea sickness
If you suffer from motion/sea sickness, be prepared as there are some private boat transfers.
Packing
To comfortably walk the Italian Lakes, we recommend packing sturdy hiking books with good ankle support.
Why choose a Small Group trip?
An Effortless Journey
Our expert Experience Designers are perfectionists, using first-hand knowledge of routes, restaurants and hotels to create an unforgettable experience. This means all the planning is taken care of for you. All you need to do is enjoy.
Active Exploration
From emerging destinations to iconic sights, B&R trips show you the world in a new way on our expertly developed cycling, walking and hiking routes. Travelling through historic villages and romantic vineyards and up to striking viewpoints, our routes offer a variety of challenges for every activity level.
Friends for Life
Your fellow travellers are as passionate and curious about the world as you are, which means the conversations and laughs will be as free flowing as your drink of choice. Don't be surprised if your group starts planning a reunion before the trip is done.
Room for Surprises
We love a plan, but we adore a spontaneous moment even more. Whether it’s an impromptu al fresco meal or a moon-lit musical performance, our advice is to expect the unexpected.
Experience Designer
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