Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
Follow enchanting lakeside trails
6 Days, 5 Nights
16
B&R Activity Levels
$8,595 USD
Single Supplement: $4,900 USD
View Dates
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
Trip Start: Grand Hotel Victoria
Time: 9:00am
Nearest International Airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Farewell
Trip End: Malpensa Airport or Milan Centrale train station
Time: 11:30am & 12:30pm
Nearest International Airport: Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
* Itineraries are subject to change. Please confirm exact Rendezvous and Farewell locations upon booking.
Day 1
Begin your journey at Lake Orta, one of Northern Italy's most picturesque and unspoiled lakes. Wander the western shore to the historic village of San Giulio for a relaxed lunch, then board a private boat cruise past scenic villas and wooded hills to the peaceful Isola del Silenzio. Continue on to Stresa, your base for the days ahead.
Activity:
Daily walk: 6 km (3 mi) | Elevation 13 m (43 ft)
Long option: 9 km (5 mi) | Elevation 54 m (177 ft)
Day 2
Our walk begins in the hamlet of Fondotoce, following a trail through the woods until we reach Lake Mergozzo. Here, indulge in a cheese tasting showcasing the region's finest, paired with a fresh lunch. This evening, we'll dine in the private residence of friends, raising a glass to the journey ahead.
Activity:
Daily walk: 8 km (5 mi) | Elevation 130 m (427 ft)
Long option: 14 km (8 mi) | Elevation 255 m (837 ft)
Day 3
Set off aboard our friend Sergio's private boat for a scenic journey across Lake Maggiore to Cannero. From here, choose your pace along the captivating Sentiero delle Genti. In the afternoon, continue by boat back to Stresa with a stop at enchanting Isola Bella. This evening, you'll explore Stresa on your own.
Activity:
Daily walk: 7 km (5 mi) | Elevation 345 m (1,132 ft)
Day 4
Arrive at a charming hamlet on the western shores of Lake Como, then wind through cobblestone streets and narrow pathways with sweeping views of colourful houses cascading toward the water. Enjoy lunch at your leisure in Lenno before continuing to the magnificent Villa Carlotta and its splendid gardens. Settle into your lakeside hotel this evening for a relaxed dinner on site.
Activity:
Daily walk: 9 km (6 mi) | Elevation 185 m (607 ft)
Day 5
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 leisurely walk back to the hotel or a hike to San Martino. This evening, toast the journey with a private sunset boat tour, champagne in hand.
Activity:
Daily walk: 12 km (8 mi) | Elevation 547 m (1,795 ft)
Day 6
After one final breakfast, it's time to say arrivederci.
Dates & availability
Can't find your dates?
Get in touch to craft a Bespoke itinerary or request an additional date to privatize.
Featured stays
Boutique hotel Stresa
Location: Stresa, Italy
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Location: Bellagio, Italy
What's included
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.
Use of two lightweight, telescoping walking sticks and a backpack.
A reusable B&R water bottle.
Detailed GPS routes available via RideWithGPS
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 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.
The attention to detail, knowledge of the area and connections to locals were the best.
Butterfield & Robinson exceeded all expectations. The planning, walks, hotels, lunches, dinners, transportation—all were perfect. The attention to detail, knowledge of the area and connections to locals were the best.
— Karla K; Schofield, WI