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Highlights
Stunning walking trails, beautiful villas, and breathtaking lake views.
Discover the scenic trails and stunning views of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
Hike through charming villages, olive groves, and vineyards along the lakesides.
Experience the beauty of Villa Carlotta and the Borromean Islands’ botanical gardens.
Look for vibrant wildlife and enjoy traditional Italian lakeside villages.
The Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Walking Tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring two of Italy’s most stunning lakes. This self-guided hiking tour takes you through picturesque towns, lush botanical gardens, and breathtaking trails that wind around the shores of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northern Italy as you walk along panoramic paths, visit historic villas, and enjoy charming lakeside villages.
Throughout this tour, you’ll discover the highlights of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, including Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi, and the Borromean Islands. Experience the serene atmosphere of these enchanting lakes, hike through olive groves and vineyards, and explore medieval villages and ancient castles. Perfect for nature lovers and avid hikers, this tour offers a blend of scenic walking, cultural exploration, and relaxation in some of Italy's most beautiful landscapes.
The Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Walking Tour offers an unforgettable experience exploring two of Italy’s most stunning lakes. This self-guided hiking tour takes you through picturesque towns, lush botanical gardens, and breathtaking trails that wind around the shores of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of northern Italy as you walk along panoramic paths, visit historic villas, and enjoy charming lakeside villages.
Throughout this tour, you’ll discover the highlights of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, including Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi, and the Borromean Islands. Experience the serene atmosphere of these enchanting lakes, hike through olive groves and vineyards, and explore medieval villages and ancient castles. Perfect for nature lovers and avid hikers, this tour offers a blend of scenic walking, cultural exploration, and relaxation in some of Italy's most beautiful landscapes.
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Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Lenno & the Beautiful Lake Como and Its Surrounding Mountains
Upon arrival in Lenno, enjoy a leisurely stroll through this charming lakeside village. In summer, relax at the small pebble beach and take a refreshing swim in Lake Como. If arriving in the morning, consider visiting the Villa Balbianello gardens, a romantic 18th-century villa, famous for its appearances in films like Star Wars and Casino Royale. Explore the stunning surroundings of the lake and mountains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lenno
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Bellagio, the “Pearl” of the Lake
Take a boat ride from Lenno to Bellagio, often called the “pearl of Lake Como.” Explore the picturesque village of Pescallo, cross the Villa Giulia park, and hike to Perlo.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lenno
Distance: 12km, 250m ascent, 250m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Explore the Eastern Shores of Lake Como
Start with a boat transfer to Bellano, then hike along the ancient “sentiero del viandante” trail to Varenna. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake and visit the medieval Vézio Castle.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lenno
Distance: 10 km, 250m ascent, 250m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore the Hills of the Azalea Riviera & Villa Carlotta
Embark on a scenic walk through the hills of the Azalea Riviera, passing by charming medieval villages and lush gardens. Visit Villa Carlotta (not included), known for its beautiful terraced gardens. Later, transfer to Lake Maggiore.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cannero
Distance: 10 km, 200m ascent, 200m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Panoramic Trail Above Cannobio
Start your day in Cannero, walking along an ancient mule path to Carmine Superiore, offering spectacular views of Lake Maggiore. Continue along the panoramic trail to Molineggi and Solivo before returning to Cannobio.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Cannero or Cannobio
Distance: 10 km, 400m ascent, 400m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 The Magnificent Borromean Islands
Transfer to Stresa and take a boat to the Borromean Islands. Visit the 17th-century palace on Isola Bella, the botanical garden on Isola Madre, and the picturesque fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stresa
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Hike the Chestnut Trail from Stresa to Belgirate
Enjoy panoramic views while walking the Chestnut Trail from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flower-filled gardens. Return by boat or train to Stresa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stresa
Distance: 10 km, 200m ascent, 200m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Discover Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery
After breakfast in Stresa, your trip comes to a close. We recommend a visit to the stunning Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery, accessible by a scenic boat ride from Stresa. Perched on the cliffs above Lake Maggiore, this 13th-century monastery offers breathtaking views of the lake and is home to remarkable 14th-century frescoes.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour Price and Dates
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:Accommodation on Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour
This tour offers a selection of carefully chosen accommodations, ranging from charming guesthouses to comfortable 3- and 4-star hotels. Each property has been selected for its location, comfort, and local atmosphere, allowing you to experience the beauty of the region while enjoying a restful stay. The accommodations vary in style, but all ensure a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing end to your adventure. Whether nestled along the shores of Lake Como or in the charming villages of Lake Maggiore, each stop offers a blend of comfort and local character.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
All transfers specified in the itinerary are included.
Also included
- Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
- 24/7 emergency phone assistance
Not included
- Transfers not mentioned are not included.
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Hotel upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Lenno to start this tour?
- Is the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour in English?
- Where does the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 3/5 (Moderate) because it involves daily walks of 10-12 km (6-7 miles) with moderate elevation gains of 200-400 meters. While the terrain includes scenic paths and panoramic views, it also includes some uneven surfaces and gradual ascents that require a good level of fitness. The walks are typically around 3-4 hours long, which is manageable for those with regular walking or light hiking experience. The moderate rating reflects that the tour is physically challenging but not overly demanding, making it suitable for active individuals.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
To reach Lenno for the Walking Tour of Lake Como & Lake Maggiore, take a train from Milan to Varenna or Como, then transfer to a bus or ferry. Alternatively, direct buses or a 1.5-hour drive from Milan also work.
This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as a helpline phone number.
The tour ends in Stresa. To get from Stresa to Milan airport, take a train from Stresa to Milan Centrale, which takes about 1.5 hours. From there, catch a shuttle or train to the airport, approximately 50 minutes away.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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