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Hidden gems of the Italian lakes
    • Italy - Lake region
    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming
      • Trip code : R1105
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About the Hidden gems of the Italian lakes trip

About the trip: Hidden gems of the Italian lakes

Your walking holiday in the Italy lake region: with the Alps painting a dramatic backdrop, the Italian lakes offer a charming and romantic landscape to discover on foot. Over the years, this idyllic part of the country and wonderful climate have become home to many villas and magnificent botanical gardens.  

During this Italy walking trip you will discover the hidden gems of the Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. No car needed on this trip.
You’ll enjoy the prettiest walking trails on both lakes, and through olive groves and vineyards, past hamlets and picture postcard villages.  The trip begins in Stresa on Lake Maggiore, where you’ll stay on the magical island  of « Isola Pescatori » a small fishing village right in the heart of the Borromoean islands.  You will explore the beautiful Borromean islands and the unique gardens of Villa Taranto.
You continue onwards to the northern part of of Lake Maggiore to the elegant town of Cannobio / Cannero and its picturesque narrow streets. Then to Lake Como, the pearl of the Italian lakes, with the exquisite botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi.
Optional : you can end your trip in the perched village of Brunate, high above the town of Como, at the summit of the historic cable car.
A great experience, with spectacular views over the lake. 

A paradise for any walker keen on lush nature, luxurious villas and botanical gardens, charming small mountain villages  and great cuisine with the unique experience of sleeping in Brunate, and on the Borreamean Islands!

Highlights of the trip

  • Visit of the Borromean Islands
  • 1 dinner booked on the romantic Isola Pescatori, on the Borromean islands 
  • The best panoramic walking trails, the stunning scenery of Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
  • The famous must see villas & gardens : Villa Carlotta,  Villa Melzi
  • Stroll through beautiful gardens and villas after sailing to the Borromean Islands
  • All transfers included from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore
  • La dolce vita : a real Italian way of life !


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Walking from Lake Como to Lake Maggiore: Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Lake Maggiore !

lake maggiore walking italy tours

  • You arrive on your own in Stresa, on the shores of  Lake Maggiore : a beautiful little town on the lake shore with majestic XIX century hotels, traditional narrow streets and Friday morning market. 
  • Night in Stresa

  • Market on Friday morning in Stresa

  • Access: 
    . Flight : Regular flights and low cost airline to Milan : Milano Malpensa Airport (click here ) - Milan Linate Airport (click here ) - Milan Linate airport (click here)
    . Milan Malpensa airport : Direct bus to Stresa - Or Train to Milan city and then to Stresa
    . Milan Linate airport : Shuttle bus to Milan, and then train to Stresa
    . Milan Bergamo airport :
        . Bus to Milan Malpensa and then bus to Stresa
        . Bus to Bergamo center, and then train to Milan -  train change -  and train to Stresa

Day 2 - The Borromean islands and Villa Taranto

walking tours of italy on the borromeo islands on lake maggiore

  • Return boat to the Borromean Islands and Villa Taranto
  • Today, you take the boat to  discover Isola Bella and Isola Madre on the Borromean islands and discover the history of the Borromeo family.  Seduced by the natural beauty of the landscape and the pleasant climate, the Borreaman family built palaces and stunning exotic gardens on two of the largest islands on Lake Maggiore, symbols of exceptional splendour and lifestyle. First Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace. Then Isola Madre with its famous palaces and botanical garden,  terraced gardens and magnificent exotic garden. 
  • Evening : Boat transfer to the fishing village island "Isola Pescatori" right on the famous Borromean islands and settle for a romantic dinner in a restaurant. A table has been booked but the dinner is not included
    Isola Pescatori is the smallest island, and the only one to be inhabited. This small village is made up of multi-storey dwellings, with long balconies used for drying fish, narrow alleys and the Church of San Vittore. 
    At the end of the day, once all the tourists boats have left, you will have the island to yourself with just a handful of locals.
    Boat back to Stresa after dinner
  • Night in Stresa
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast

  • Market on Friday morning in Stresa

- Enjoy some extra time on Lake Maggiore !

italy hiking tours to lake maggiore in santa caterina del sasso and mottarone

  • We recommend you have an extra night on Lake Maggiore : you can choose from our many suggestions and options and also enjoy swimming in the lake

    . Explore the Villa Taranto botanical gardens
    In spring, summer and autumn, the extraordinary bursts of colour turn the gardens of the Villa Taranto into the floral attraction on Lake Maggiore. You enjoy a 1h30 to 2h trail through terraced gardens, rare majestic trees, chapels and water pools. A magnificent park in all seasons with rhododendrons blooming from February to July, camelias from October to April and a beautiful selection of dahlias in the autumn. An enchanting visit with beautiful views over the lake.

    . Walk - Stresa > the chestnut route > Belgirate
    3 hours 30 - 8km / 4.9 miles - Ascent: +200 m / Descent: -200 m
    Panoramic views on this walking trail overlooking the lake from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens along an old roman trail dotted with old chapels. A walking trail representing a rural and religious past.  The path alternates between tarmac road, old mule paths and through wooded areas, then quickly rejoining the panoramic trail overlooking the lake at the oratorium in Passèra, passing by some beautiful villas. Return by boat or train to Stresa

    .The Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery
    Arriving in Stresa by boat is spectacular! A little gem on the lake, the small XIII century monastery is perched above the lake, clinging to the cliff, offering stunning views of the lake. From the top of the rock, you need to descend the 268 steps (or take the lift) that lead to this remarkable place, nestled into the cliff. You can admire remarkable frescoes dating back to the 14th century. Visit the monastery and the church with its 3 gothic style chapels. We recommend arriving either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.  

    . Loop Walk - Mottarone ( not possible in 2022-2023 as the Cable car is not running ) 
    3 hours - 8km / 4.9 miles - Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -300 m
    Take the cable car in Stresa to the summit of Mottarone. You can stop off on route at the "Giardino alpino",  a huge 40.000 m² park at 800m above sea level, with over 700 different botanical species. The Mottarone sits at 1491m above sea level and offers stunning panoramic 360° views over the 7 lakes  (Orta, Maggiore, Mergozzo, Biandronno, Varese, Monate et Comabbio) and the Borromean islands. On a clear day, you can see the Pô plain and the summit of Mount Rose. The Mottarone is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural viewing points of the Piemont region.  At the summit, you can enjoy lunch in a mountain chalet.  

Day 3 - Boat cruise from Stresa to medieval Cannobio

best hiking and cruise on lake maggiore from stresa borromeo island to cannobio

  • Morning transfer from Stresa to the lovely medieval town of Cannobio, on the northern part of Lake Maggiore. Take the boat in the morning and have a free afternoon to discover Cannobio or Cannero. 
  • Cannobio is a pretty medieval town close to the Swiss border, a great place to stroll through the historical centre on the narrow paved streets and admire the beautifully painted houses along the lakeshore. There are many bars and restaurants to enjoy under the archways with views of the lake, the beautiful baroque church, the Palazzo Parasi dating back to the 13th century and the collegiate church of San Vittore. Cannobio also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Maggiore. 
  • Optional walk : Extra short walk (6 km) to the Orrido Santa Anna heading inland following a small river via a suspension bridge. You follow woodland until reaching the small 17th century Orrido di S.Anna church, perched above the gorges. You can swim at the foot of the cliffs. If you arrive around lunchtime, you can eat at the restaurant also perched above the gorges, authentic and so very Italian! 
  •  Night in Cannobio or Cannero
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast

Day 4 - Panoramic trail from Cannero to Cannobio

best hikes in italy in cannero cannobio on lake maggiore

  • Walk - Cannero > Carmine superior > Canobbio
    3 hours - 8km / 4.9 miles - Ascent: +400 m / Descent: -400 m
  • Boat transfer from Cannobio to Cannero (30 mn - not included)
  • You start your walk in the small village of Cannero, a small, pretty village at the foot of Mount Carza. After a lovely stroll on the sea front on Cannero, you take the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Here, time seems to have stood still.  Magnificent views over Lake Maggiore and the possibility to visit the San Gottardo church, well worth the detour. You continue on the panoramic path towards the village of Molineggi. After the dairy shacks in Solivo you descend to Cannabio where the walk ends with a charming seafront stroll. 
  • Night in Cannobio or Cannero
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

- Add an extra night in Cannobio or in Cannero!

walking tours in italy with a private baot cruise on lake maggiore

  • Have an extra night in Cannobio. We suggest great extra activities : 

  • Great Sunday market in Cannobio

  • Big & famous traditionnal Wednesday market in Luino
    On Wednesday, you can take the boat to Luino on the opposite shore (20min crossing). You can explore the traditional market in Luino, one of the most authentic all day markets on Lake Maggiore.  With over 350 stall holders, you will find some great local crafts and produce, fresh cheeses, local cured meats, fish from the lake and seasonal fruit and veg, clothes, bags and hardware... a great Italian experience!  

  • Spend the day on a small boat with a local Italian guide. From 9am to 3pm, hop on board the boat and sail on the lake towards the castles in Cannero, with swimming and snorkling opportunities, or just enjoy some time sun bathing on the deck... Aperitif and lunch served on the boat. 
    You can also try a "discovery dive" of 30 minutes in the lake. You will see shoals  of fish and enjoy swimming around the rocks : an exciting experience. (All diving equipment and semidry suit are provided). 

Day 5 - Panoramic & historic walk to Villa Carlotta

Walking day during a self guided tour in Lake Como

  • Walk - Lenno > Villa Carlotta
    2 hours 30 - 5km / 3.0 miles - Ascent: +200 m / Descent: -200 m
  • Transfer from Canobbio/Cannero to Lenno on Lake Como ( 2h45) and drop your bags at your hotel on Lake Como
  • From Lenno, you climb above the lake and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the mountains.  Your walk takes you through a small medieval village with narrow streets, past churches and chapels on paths lined with olive trees and lush vegetation. 
    You end this first walking day at Villa Carlotta: a "must see villa" on Lake Como ! You can visit the beautiful botanical garden where camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons bloom (April -May) .
  • Return by boat to Lenno ( not included, that way you can choose your boat schedule and have free time to visit Villa Carlotta ) 
  • Night in Lenno
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Bellagio

  • best walk in Varenna, in Lake Como during the best independent tours of italyWalk - Loop Bellagio 
    4 hours - 8km / 4.9 miles - Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -300 m
  • Boat transfer from Lenno to Bellagio (35 minutes)
  • The start of your walk is in the village of Bellagio, one of the prettiest Italian villages, affectionately known as the "pearl of the lake" with its narrow streets lined with flowers, its church and cafés. You pass through the picturesque village of Pescallo and walk through the Villa Giulia park and then climb up to Perlo. Retour to Bellagio via the Villa Melzi gardens that greatly inspired Stendhal, Flaubert and Wagner : a wonderful example of an English garden with trees and flowers from around the world. 
    . Option : Vous can enjoy a guided tour of the Villa Serbelloni gardens: a former palace of the last century belonging to the Rockfeller foundation, where Léonard de Vinci and Reine Victoria stayed. The visit of the gardens leads to the top of the promontory, revealing very beautiful views of the three arms of Lake Como (depart from Bellagio tourist office)
  • Boat transfer from Bellagio to Lenno (35 minutes)
  • Night in Lenno
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • All day Market on the third Wednesday of the month in Bellagio

Day 7 - Panoramic walking trails: the colourful village of Varenna

best walk in italy

  • Walk - Bellano > Varenna
    3 hours 30 - 7km / 4.3 miles - Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -300 m
  • Boat transfer from Lenno to Bellano (1 hour)
  • Your walking tour continues on one of the oldest walking paths of the lake. The "sentiero del viandante" was traced by the Roman legionaries who reached the great passes of the Alps. It's a gentle climb past the "Orrido di Bellano" (visit is possible), and natural gorges formed in the antiquity. The path then offers panoramic views, passing through the village of Gittana and the Vézio castle dating back to the 12th century. You end the walk in the pretty village of Varenna, known for its colourful hillside houses.  In Veranna, you must visit the Villa Monastero gardens : the villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to  rhododendrons, glycines, magnolias and citrus fruit trees.  For the garden enthousiasts you can also visit the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. 
  • Boat transfer from Varenna to Lenno (45 minutes)
  • Night in Lenno.
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast.

  • Market on Thursday morning in Bellano
  • Market on Saturday morning in Varenna

Day 8 - End of your Italy Lake walking holiday

self guided walking holidays italy lake maggiore

  • End of your trip in Lenno after breakfast. 
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast

  • Market on Tuesday, Thursday morning  & Saturday all day in Como city

  • Return: 
    . Flight : Regular flights and low cost airline to Milan : Milano Malpensa Airport (click here ) and Milan Linate Airport (click here )
    . Train :
        . Milan City / Malpensa airport : Regular train lines to Como city on trenitalia. Access information here  
        . Milan Linate airport & Milan Bergamo airport : Bus shuttle to Milan city and then train to Como city

- Add an extra day and discover Orta !

self guided tours of italy on the italian lakes in orta san giulia

  • Have an extra night in Stresa and enjoy one extra day to discover Orta San Guilio 
  • You head off on the discovery of one of the smallest yet most charming of the Italian lakes : Lake Orta.  
    Orta is a  small pedestrian village listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its old stone houses and impressive mansions. Visit the Sacro Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site, perched on the hill above the village, nestled in a huge centuries old forest.  It tells the story of the life of St Francois of Assisi  through 20 chapels decorated with colourful frescoes and life-size statues. You can visit the little island of San Giulio located in the middle of the lake (boat transfer) that is home to a Romanesque basilica and a Benedictine convent. (Just one restaurant on the island for lunch)

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    Trip details
    Hidden gems of the Italian lakes
        • Italy - Lake region
        • 2 adults (2x1110€)
        • 0 children (0x1110€)
      • 8 days
      • Simple
    Total 2220€
    Deposit 700€
    Book now !