Hikers walk towards a stone home with a mountain range in the background.

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Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Hiking & Walking Tour

Stylish Sojourn in the Italian Lake District

Lakes Maggiore, Como and Orta captivate with sapphire waters, alpine panoramas and elegant lakeside villages. From grand palazzos to timeless villas, every path reveals the beauty and character of Italy’s most enchanting lakes.

6 days, 5 nights

Luxury Hotels

Activity Levels 2-4

Couples, Friends & Solos

From $6,999 - $7,949/person

Itinerary Where You’ll Stay What to Know Reviews

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Trip at a Glance

Highlights

Hike scenic trails through the Italian Lake District, taking in shimmering waters, forested slopes and charming villages as you go
Get to know Lake Orta, a hidden gem whose tranquil beauty inspired generations of artists and composers
Soak up unforgettable views where Alpine peaks meet sparkling waters, from Monte Mottarone’s summit to Lake Maggiore’s elegant lakeside promenades
Cruise Lake Como’s western shore by private boat, getting a new perspective on Bellagio and visiting the elegant Villa del Balbianello
Explore historic estates and gardens, including Isola Bella’s palazzo and Lake Como’s celebrated waterfront villas

Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.

Start Milan Airport & Travel Details

Today, a hidden gem of the Italian Lakes District takes center stage
Meet Lake Orta, creative inspiration for centuries of artists and the region’s smallest lake
Soak up sweeping views on a hike to the clifftop Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary
Stop for a picnic lunch at a small family-run agriturismo
Take a boat to tonight’s lakeside hotel
Unwind with a dip in the lake or the hotel’s pool.

Laqua by the Lake

(Luxury Hotel, 1 night)

Activity Options & Terrain

Outdoor lounge with dining tables, looking out to a large lake

Sky view of outdoor pool surrounded by reclining chairs on a stone walkway

Outdoor pool surrounded by white reclining chairs next to a lake

Night 1

Laqua by the Lake

Pettenasco

Luxury Hotel

Laqua by the Lake pairs contemporary design with a relaxed Lake Orta setting, with rooms that feature natural materials and floor-to-ceiling views. On-property, there's a seasonal lakeside infinity pool and beach club, a small spa offering holistic treatments and a CryoSuite, and an award-winning restaurant. The property has been recognized with Two MICHELIN Keys. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Hike mountain trails through frescoed hamlets
Panoramic vistas from Monte Mottarone give you a bird’s-eye view of Lakes Orta and Maggiore
Visit stylish Stresa, where you can add an afternoon jaunt to Palazzo Borromeo on nearby Isola Bella
Follow shoreline paths and forest trails between Cannero Riviera and Cannobio, crossing stone bridges and passing quiet chapels
Unwind at our luxurious retreat perfect for a golden-hour aperitivo with lake and mountain views.

Boutique Hotel Stresa

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Boutique Hotel Stresa on Lake Maggiore with its 19th-century villa architecture and bespoke Italian design.

The rooftop panoramic infinity pool with modern sun loungers at the Boutique Hotel Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

The restaurant at the Boutique Hotel Stresa in Stresa, Italy, featuring modern lighting, dark flooring, and bright blue armchairs.

The rooftop terrace of the Boutique Hotel Stresa on Lake Maggiore, features contemporary white outdoor furniture and panoramic views.

Nights 2-3

Boutique Hotel Stresa

Stresa

Luxury Hotel

Boutique Hotel Stresa occupies the historic Villa Ostini, a residence overlooking Lake Maggiore, the private gardens of Villa Ducale and the surrounding mountains. Contemporary rooms feature clean-lined design and thoughtfully curated contemporary art. Amenities include a seasonal outdoor pool, a small spa and a panoramic rooftop terrace with lake views. Modern interiors are softened by warm accents, creating an atmosphere that's both stylish and inviting. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

Our routes take us past magnificent villas, colorful gardens and along the well-preserved trenches of World War I’s Cadorna Line
Ferry to beautiful Bellagio, known as the Pearl of the Lake, and stroll its scenic waterfront promenade and shopping district
Walk in the gardens at Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como’s grand estates
Learn the art of truffle hunting from a local farmer
Pause in Baita Belvedere, where a mountain lunch awaits
A private boat takes you to the western shore of Lake Como and to Villa Balbianello, where we stop for a tour.

Grand Hotel Victoria

(Luxury Hotel, 2 nights)

Activity Options & Terrain

Exterior view of yellow hotel building, surrounded by tall green trees

Exterior, nighttime view of hotel buildings with cushioned chairs

Reclining chairs lined up by the beach, with grassy gills in the distance

Sky view of an outdoor pool, surrounded by black chairs and wooden platforms

Bar and lounge with gray sofas and black bar stools

Nights 4-5

Grand Hotel Victoria

Menaggio

Luxury Hotel

Located lakeside on the shore of Lake Como, this stunning retreat has recently been awarded the prestigious two-key Michelin rating. It features lush gardens, a private beach and a luxury spa. (pool, spa)

Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.

End Milan Airport & Travel Details

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This trip has an activity level range of 2-4

Route & Terrain Notes

Hiking routes on this trip follow dirt, cobblestone and paved paths through forests, mountainsides and villages. The Italian Lakes region is mountainous, and most routes include substantial elevation gain and loss. Most routes begin with steep climbs of one to three miles and end with a long steep descent. Some trails can be rocky, slippery or poorly defined. The terrain and altitude can make the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest.

Day 1

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

3 miles

300 ft. gain; 700 ft. loss

Level 2

4 miles

300 ft. gain; 1700 ft. loss

Level 3

6 miles

700 ft. gain; 2100 ft. loss

Day 2

Hiking & Walking

Level 2

3 miles

1100 ft. gain

Level 3

5 miles

1900 ft. gain

Level 4

10 miles

2600 ft. gain

Day 3

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

500 ft. gain

Level 2

5 miles

1100 ft. gain

Level 4

8 miles

2100 ft. gain

Day 4

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

4 miles

400 ft. gain; 900 ft. loss

Level 2

6 miles

1300 ft. gain; 900 ft. loss

Level 3

8 miles

1300 ft. gain; 1800 ft. loss

Day 5

Hiking & Walking

Level 1

2 miles

400 ft. gain

Level 3

4 miles

1600 ft. gain

Level 4

7 miles

1600 ft. gain; 1600 ft. loss

Day 6

Other

Guided Villa Walk (1 hour)

View Dates & Prices From $6,999/person

What to Know

What's Included

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Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Limited & Fixed Menus

On many nights, the restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared, limited or fixed menus featuring a selection of regional cuisine.

Terrain

While many of the routes on this trip are low in mileage, some sections may feel more challenging due to the mountainous terrain and resulting elevation changes. Most routes begin with steep climbs out of town (one to three miles long) and end with a long, sharp descent. To stay off the beaten path, we often walk on cobblestone mule tracks and rocky terrain, occasionally following slightly overgrown paths that may not be well defined.

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