Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
A Stylish Sojourn in the Lake District
In the shadow of the Italian and Swiss Alps, three beautiful and distinctly charming lakes are waiting to enchant you. And this luxurious Backroads excursion only enhances their spells. On this trip through the Italian Lakes region, you'll behold incredible alpine vistas, discover medieval towns and visit lavish villas—a testament to the region’s opulent past. Here in Italy’s playground for the elite, steep forested slopes and quiet villages promise spectacular exploring—from alpine hikes to garden strolls—while our eminent hotels guarantee gourmet cuisine and unparalleled luxury.
Trip Planning Links
- Walk lakeside trails and mountain paths amid elaborate gardens and frescoed hamlets
- Breathtaking scenery, including staggering views from Monte Mottarone
- Stunning—and oft-overlooked!—Lago d’Orta
- Boat to see Palazzo Borromeo, with splendid fountains and art
- Slumber at sumptuous lakefront villas
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Orta San Giulio
Meet in Milan 
Shuttle to the start of our hike on the western edge of stunning Lake Orta, renowned for fueling the creative inspiration of Flaubert and Tchaikovsky Visit the medieval hamlet of Orta San Giulio and explore its quiet lanes and 1,000-year-old monastery.
Days 2-3 Stresa
Hike to Monte Mottarone for spectacular vistas 4,000 feet above Lakes Orta and Maggiore Travel by funicular to the town of Stresa and boat to Isola Bella Breathe in the bouquet and savor the flavors of local vintages at a wine tasting Walk along Lake Maggiore from Cannobio to Cannero Riviera, taking time to wander the medieval alleys.
Days 4-6 Bellagio
Cruise in style aboard a private boat to Bellano Hike to Varenna, admiring magnificent villas, colorful gardens and castle ruins along the way Trek from our hotel to Villa Melzi, one of Lake Como's grand estates Stop for a lunch of regional specialties at Baita Belvedere En route, sample locally made cheeses, creams, milk and yogurt at a local farm Visit 18th-century Villa Balbianello and savor the vistas of the lake and surrounding hills.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
We love Backroads and recommend it highly to all of our friends. Truly it has enhanced our understanding of cultures, our love of nature, and opened the world to us. We are grateful for every trip you have provided and hope to do more in the years ahead. Backroads remains our favorite - although we have taken 2 trips with other companies. I think you do a better job on helping the participants learn about the culture and your guides are incredible. We will not forget our trip to the Lake District.- Excelsior, MN More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
MAGNIFICENT VILLAS: Premiere Inns
Villa Crespi
Orta San Giulio (1 night) A Moorish-influenced villa built in the 1800s by a successful cotton trader, with intricately patterned floors, frescoed ceilings and guest rooms featuring four-poster beds and 19th-century paintings.
Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées
Stresa (2 nights) A five-star Belle Epoque hotel located on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, with a spa, two swimming pools, a tennis court and views of the Borromean Islands. Famous guests include royalty and writers.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Bellagio (2 nights) Palatial splendor awaits at this five-star gem: magnificent gardens, ornate frescoes, a spa and a private beach are among the luxuries.
Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.4, 5.7 miles
- 1100 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 4.7, 7.1 miles
- 1000 - 2100 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 4.8, 8.3 miles
- 1200 - 2300 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.9, 4.4, 5.3 miles
- 600 - 800 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- 2.4, 3.7, 6.6 miles
- 600 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Walking Tour 1 hour