Small Group
Italian Lakes Walking
Follow enchanting lakeside trails
6 Days, 5 Nights
Maximum Group Size
16
Activity Level:
B&R Activity Levels
Priced per person from
$7,995 USD
Single Supplement: $2,500 USD
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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.
Day 1
Our journey begins in the beautiful Garden of Villa Melzi—renowned for its lush greenery and serene ambiance. We’ll then begin walking to the charming town of Bellagio for a wine tasting and lunch. Then, opt for a private boat ride or continue hiking to the hotel before we dine at our friend Alice’s restaurant for dinner.
Activity:
7 km (4 mi.) Villa Melzi to San Giovanni via Bellagio | Elevation gain: 135 m (400 ft.)
Optional walk | 5 km (4 mi.) | Elevation gain: 340 m (1,000 ft.)
Day 2
We’ll be whisked off on a private boat ride from the hotel to Bellano to begin our walk. Reach the Castello di Vezio, a hilltop castle offering breathtaking views of Lake Como below. This evening, we’re back on our speedboat for a scenic cruise through Lake Como’s stunning branch, then we’ll return to the hotel for a fabulous dinner.
Activity:
7 km (4 mi.) Route from Bellano to Varenna via Castello di Vezio | Elevation gain: 270 m (860 ft.)
Optional walk | 6 km (3 mi.) | Elevation gain: 200 m (600 ft.)
Optional walk | 4 km (2 mi.) | Elevation gain: 278 m (780 ft.)
Day 3
Embark on a scenic route from Naggio to La Rotonda, wandering through breathtaking mountains and forests, with views of Lake Lugano and Lake Piano in the distance. On the way, we’ll be joined by Nicholas and his dogs for a truffle hunting demonstration before dining at Daniele’s Pizzeria for lunch. Tonight, we’ll enjoy cocktails and dinner at the hotel’s incredible restaurant.
Activity:
8 km (5 mi.) walk from Naggio to La Rotonda | Elevation gain: 211 m (692 ft.)
Optional walk | 2 km (1 mi.) | Elevation gain: 40 m (120 ft.)
Optional walk | 3 km (2 mi.) | Elevation gain: 278 m (780 ft.)
Day 4
Set off from Carmine Inferiore to Cannero along the captivating Sentiero delle Genti trail. Then, we’ll 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 of the botanical marvel. This evening, you’ll explore Stresa on your own.
Activity:
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 regional specialties before enjoying a refreshing dip in the lake or continuing to walk to Mt. Orfano. This evening, we’ll dine in the private residence of Javari and Angelica and raise our glass to an incredible week.
Activity:
8 km (5 mi.) Sentiero Azzurro: Fondotoce to Casa Della Capra | 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.
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 Trip Start and Trip End locations upon booking.
Featured stays
Grand Hotel Victoria
Location: Menaggio, Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
Location: Lugano, Switzerland
Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees & Spa
Location: Stresa, Italy
Dates & availability
Dates
Price
per person, double occupancy
Join
Join a group of up to 16 like-minded travellers.
Privatize
8+ people
Pricing depends on group size
Detailed Itinerary
Uniquely tailored for each date
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to Privatize.
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.
Experience Designer
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.
