Walking Tours
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 prettiest walking trails and admire the 'must see' of the 2 beautiful lakes in Northern Italy. No car needed on this trip. The first stop is Lake Como, the pearl of the Italian lakes, with the sumptuous botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi. Then comes Lake Maggiore with its fairytale setting and Borromean Islands, the majestic hotels of Stresa, as well as the elegance of Cannobio and its picturesque narrow streets. You walk through olive groves and vineyards, past hamlets and charming villages. A paradise for any walker keen on lush nature and charming small mountain villages.
Upon arrival at Lake Como, make your own way to Lenno. Enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Village of Lenno. In Summer, you can enjoy the small pebble beach by the lake and jump in for a swim. If you arrive in the morning, we recommend starting your walking holiday in Italy with a visit to the gardens of the Villa Balbianello (not included), which is an elegant and romantic 18th Century residence and one of the settings chosen for the the Star Wars and Casino Royal films. Overnight stay in Lenno.
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Called 'the Pearl of Lario', Bellagio is know as 'one of the most beautiful sites of the Earth and the most voluptuous of Italy' as said by the famous composer Gabriel Fauré. Today, you reach the picturesque Village of Pescallo and cross the park of Villa Giulia before making the climb to Perlo and back to Bellagio. Here, walk by the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi (not included), which are both rented by Stendhal. Today, you can take a return boat transfer back and forth from Lenno to Bellagio. Overnight stay in Lenno. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, take a 30 minute boat transfer to Bellano located on the Eastern shore of the lake. Today is a lovely walk above the lake all the way to Varenna, which is a splendid coloured village and considered the pure 'dolce vita'! The 'Sentiero del Viandante' was traced by the Roman legionaries who reached the great passes of the Alps. It is a gentle climb past the 'Orrido di Bellano' (a 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. End your walk in the pretty Village of Varenna, which is known for its colourful hillside houses. In Varenna, you must visit the Villa Monastero Gardens (not included). This villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to rhododendrons, glycine's, magnolias and citrus fruit trees. For the garden enthusiasts you can also visit the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance Era. After your visit take the boat back to Lenno (40 minutes) for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Today, you depart Lenno walking through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way, witness the fantastic contrasts between olive groves and immaculate gardens of the glamorous villas as well as Medieval Villages and stunning Renaissance Churches. Visit the famous Villa Carlotta (not included), which is famous for its beautiful garden including a terraced garden with Italian lemon and carved boxwood, an English garden with voluptuous perspectives and a rich interior decorated with Neoclassical works. After your visit, transfer to Lake Maggiore to the charming Town of Cannero or Cannobio, which is located by the lake shore (a 2 hour drive). Overnight stay in Cannero or Cannobio. Meals: Breakfast
Today, start your walk in the small Village of Cannero. Walk on the old mule path to the Medieval Village of Carmine Superiore. Enjoy magnificent views over Lake Maggiore and the possibility to visit the San Gottardo Church. We continue on the panoramic path towards the Village of Molineggi, Solivo before arriving in Cannobio. There is the option for a 30 minute boat transfer from Cannobio to Cannero (not included, not bookable). Overnight stay in Cannero or Cannobio. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, take a morning trasnfer to Stresa (approx. 30-40 minutes), where you will drop off your bags at the hotel. Afterwards, you will take a boat transfer to the Borromean Islands. Visit Isola Bella with its 17th Century Palace as well as Isola Madre with its famous Palaces and botanical garden. Finally, visit Isola dei Pescatori, which is a picturesque little fishing village with narrow streets and lovely restaurants (Borromean Islands entrance not included). Afterwards, take the boat transfer back to Stresa for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Today, enjoy 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. Afterwards, either return by boat or train (not included) to Stresa for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and take a final stroll along the lake shore before departing for your onward journey. End of trip in Stresa. If time allows, we recommend discovering the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery. 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. This remarkable place is nestled into the cliff. You can admire remarkable frescoes dating back to the 14th Century. We recommend arriving either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Return boat transfer back to Stresa. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (wi)
