Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Italy's Lake Como & Bellagio Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Apr-Jun, Aug-Oct
Stylish Sojourn in the Italian Lake District
Maggiore, Como and Orta enchant with dreamlike landscapes. Shimmering blue waters set against a dramatic alpine backdrop. Majestic palazzos, timeless villas and lovely lakeside towns. And quiet hikes above it all. The views, the flavors, the wines. And every beautiful detail that makes these lakes—extraordinary.
Highlights
- Hike on historic paths offering superlative views of lush countryside, mountain peaks, forests and old-world village scenes
- Discover stunning and often overlooked Lake Orta, believed to be Flaubert and Tchaikovsky's scenic muse
- Boat across Lake Como to spectacular Villa Balbianello, an exquisite 18th-century estate with splendid gardens
- Behold a renowned and iconic Italian landscape, including the jaw-dropping panorama from Monte Mottarone
Start/End Milan
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Admire enchanting Lake Orta, creative inspiration of Flaubert and Tchaikovsky • Hike past the clifftop Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary and up to the 21 ancient chapels of Sacro Monte • Explore quiet lanes in the charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio • Savor mouthwatering cuisine at our lakeside hotel.
Night 1
Located on the spectacular Lake Orta, this elegant retreat boasts spacious contemporary-style rooms and a lakefront wellness area with an infinity pool. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
Hike mountain paths and trails amid frescoed hamlets • Marvel at breathtaking scenery, including dramatic views from Monte Mottarone, 4,000 feet above Lakes Orta and Maggiore • Visit the town of Stresa and boat to Isola Bella, home to Palazzo Borromeo • Walk along Lake Maggiore from Cannero Riviera to Canobbio, passing tiny chapels and crossing small bridges • Our luxurious retreat provides an ideal setting for a sunset aperitivo.
Nights 2-3
A belle epoque beauty on Lake Maggiore and the setting for part of Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Hike past magnificent villas, colorful gardens and castle ruins to Varenna • Walk to Italy's shortest river, the 800-foot-long "River of Milk"—not even Leonardo da Vinci could discover its source! • Ferry to beautiful Bellagio, known as the Pearl of the Lake, and stroll its scenic waterfront promenade and shopping district • Marvel 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 • Explore 18th-century Villa Balbianello, owned by famed mountaineer Guido Monzino, and relish the vistas of the lake and surrounding hills.
Nights 4-5
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)
What's Included
See moreStraight 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.
On many nights, the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring a delicious selection of authentic regional cuisine.
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 (1–3 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.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
Premiere Hotel
Located on the spectacular Lake Orta, this elegant retreat boasts spacious contemporary-style rooms and a lakefront wellness area with an infinity pool. (pool, spa)
Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
A belle epoque beauty on Lake Maggiore and the setting for part of Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere 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)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
