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Highlights
Discover panoramic trails, charming villages, and beautiful lake views.
Walk the scenic trails of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, surrounded by stunning alpine views.
Visit the Borromean Islands and explore their historic villas and lush botanical gardens.
Experience a night in a mountain refuge at the top of Mottarone, with panoramic views of the Alps.
Discover the charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio and its UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte.
The Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta walking tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes region. You’ll explore panoramic trails with stunning views of the Italian Alps, walk through charming villages, and visit the Borromean Islands, famous for their historic villas and magnificent botanical gardens. Each day offers a unique experience, from the serene lakeside paths to the more challenging mountain trails.
A highlight of the tour is the overnight stay in a mountain refuge at the summit of Mottarone, offering spectacular 360° views of the Alps. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte, in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The combination of nature, history, and culture makes this an unforgettable walking adventure in the heart of northern Italy.
The Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta walking tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes region. You’ll explore panoramic trails with stunning views of the Italian Alps, walk through charming villages, and visit the Borromean Islands, famous for their historic villas and magnificent botanical gardens. Each day offers a unique experience, from the serene lakeside paths to the more challenging mountain trails.
A highlight of the tour is the overnight stay in a mountain refuge at the summit of Mottarone, offering spectacular 360° views of the Alps. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte, in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The combination of nature, history, and culture makes this an unforgettable walking adventure in the heart of northern Italy.
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Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Lake Maggiore
Arrive on your own in Stresa, a charming lakeside town known for its elegant 19th-century hotels and picturesque narrow streets. Stresa offers a relaxing atmosphere with a vibrant Friday morning market. You can also enjoy the small beaches along the lake, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stresa
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore the Borromean Islands
Take a boat transfer to the three famous Borromean Islands. The boat runs throughout the day, allowing you to explore each island at your own pace. Visit Isola Bella, known for its 17th-century palace, Isola Madre with its famous palaces, botanical garden, and terraced gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and cozy restaurants perfect for lunch. After your island exploration, return by boat to Stresa.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Stresa
Distance: 2.5-3 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk the Chestnut Trail & Mottarone Summit
Enjoy panoramic views on a scenic walking trail from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flower-filled gardens. The trail follows an ancient Roman path, passing by old chapels. Afterward, you can return to Stresa by boat or train. At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to the summit of Mottarone Mountain at 1489 meters where you’ll spend the night in a cozy mountain refuge, complete with a traditional Italian dinner and stunning views of the Alps.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge in Mottarone
Distance: 3 hours, 8 km, +200m/-200m
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 At the top of the Mottarone mountain
Embark on a panoramic loop hike to the summit of Mottarone (1,491 meters), offering a breathtaking 360° view of the Alps, from Mount Viso to Mount Rose. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Lake Orta, the smallest and most charming of the Italian lakes. Orta is a picturesque pedestrian village, renowned for its beautiful old stone houses and impressive mansions, and is listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orta San Giulio
Distance: 3.5 hours, 10 km, +200m/-200m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Exploring Orta San Giulio & Pella
Start your day with a walk to the lake pier and cross the lake by boat to the medieval village of Pella on the western shore. Enjoy a scenic walk with views of the lake, passing through forests and small hamlets. Upon reaching Ronco, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake! Afterward, take a boat back to visit the tiny island of San Giulio, home to a basilica and Benedictine convent. Stop for an Italian gelato before continuing by boat to Orta San Giulio.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Orta San Giulio
Distance: 3.5 hours, 10 km, +400m/-400m
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure day
The trip concludes after breakfast, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta Price and Dates
Accommodation on Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta
This tour is based on hotels and mountain refuges. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Supplement is required for groups of 3 or 5 travellers. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta?
Meals
5 breakfasts and 1 dinner (day 3) are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour as outlined in the daily itinerary.
Also included
- Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
- All boat & taxi transfer listed in the program
- 24/7 phone assistance
Not included
- Transport to Stresa/from Orta
- Entrance fees into villas & gardens, touristic sites
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Travel insurance
- Day 3: Return ticket Belgirate/Stresa (by boat or train)
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
- How hard is the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- Are meals included on the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Stresa to start this tour?
- Is the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta in English?
- Where does the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness. The daily hikes range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours with moderate elevation changes (+200m to +400m). Trails include well-maintained paths, old Roman roads, and lakeside trails. While there are some uphill sections, they are not overly strenuous.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
5 breakfasts and 1 dinner 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.
Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is the closest major airport. From there, take a train from Milan Central Station to Stresa, a journey that typically takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a direct shuttle or taxi from the airport to Stresa if you prefer a more convenient, though slightly pricier, option.
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 Orta San Giulio.
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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