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HIGHLIGHTS

A quick look about this trip!

DURATION

7 DAYS

COMFORT

LANGUAGE

RATING

Strolling lakeside and mountain paths
Shopping for sensuous Como silk
Cruising to a beautiful island castle

ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP

Primary:	Walking Tour
Other:	Parks & Nature Reserves, Personal Shopper, Architecture, hike, Historical Sites, sightseeing, wine tasting, boating, churches, Local Culture, Local Food

$4295USD

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TRIP MAP

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Italian Lake District - Walking Tour

A Renaissance mirage, the villa floats on a mirror-smooth lake. It's morning. The mountains that slide into the water are still hidden in deep blue shadows, except the peaks high above that are tipped in apricot alpenglow.

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TRIP OVERVIEW
TRIP ITINERARY
NUTS & BOLTS
REVIEWS

Italy's lake district always makes us poetic, and this Classic Journey visits the most inspiring lakes: Como, Maggiore and Orta. Since the Roman emperors, these gracious waterside resorts have drawn visitors. The climate is mild, loaded with the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers and lush semi-tropical gardens. Our footpaths sometimes traverse mountaintop meadows and often hug the crystal clear waters. We spend generous parts of several days on leisurely cruises and visit fine villas, palaces and fishing villages. Nowhere else does stunning scenery, mellow air and rich history come together with such romantic results.

Day 1: Bellagio

We gather in Bellagio, sometimes called the prettiest town in Europe and always seeming to be flag-bedecked, with geraniums a blaze in every window and bougainvillea veiling the staircases, or montées, that thread through the town. Our first stop is a visit to the Italian-style gardens of Villa Serbelloni, complete with fountains, statues and lush flower beds. These luxurious grounds boast an array of Mediterranean and subtropical plants and flowers that bask in the year-round sunshine. Following our visit, there's ample time to roam the narrow streets that lead down to the lake or stop at a café.

Later in the afternoon, we return to our lakeside hotel, named in Italian for "beautiful view". We're welcomed by our friend, Tiziana, whose family has owned the hotel since 1880. We have time to relax and explore the lovely terraced gardens that have replaced the vineyards that once surrounded the villa before we enjoy a welcome dinner of local specialties, such as freshly caught fish with risotto and ravioli. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: D

Day 2: Bellagio

We follow our guide on a scenic loop walk today that leads us directly out of our hotel, into the countryside surrounding Bellagio, and ultimately back on foot. Throughout the day our walk links a great variety of activities that immerse us into the history and culture of the region.

We begin our morning explorations by meandering through the cobblestone streets of Bellagio. Here, our local guide shares historical anecdotes and stories about the town's significant place in the history of silk weaving in the Lake District. After visiting the Romanesque church of San Giacomo, a leisurely stroll leads from the picturesque lakeside town to nearby Villa Melzi, whose magnificent gardens boast more than 500 species of exotic plants and14 acres of flowering azaleas and rhododendrons.

We continue on foot a short distance to lovely Villa Crella. Our reward is a wine tasting, and often the opportunity to talk with Lorenzo, the owner and our host, who has restored the family estate. Sometimes we linger here for lunch. But we’re also flexible, and so other times we prefer to stretch our legs after the wine tasting. On these occasions we continue along a scenic footpath a short distance to visit with a friend at his trattoria for lunch where we often have the chance to sample the locally made polenta uncia—polenta, butter, cheese and roasted garlic.

As we return on foot to Bellagio, there's time for a gelato while we enjoy the afternoon sunlight on the lake. If you find yourself with excess energy after your gelato, our guide is happy to lead an hour-long hike through the beautiful countryside hamlets that surround Bellagio, where small villages and beautiful gardens are carved between the lush green hillsides. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: B, D

Day 3: Como - Brunate

Awaking at our lakeside home, we decide to escape to the quiet of the hills surrounding the lake for a portion of the day. Fortified with a breakfast of local specialties, we take a short boat ride to Como where we stroll through the historic town and admire the incredible architecture—a mixture of Renaissance Italian and 19th century British—and then on to the funicular station. A scenic ride on the funicular takes us to the mountain village of Brunate, situated above century old olive groves. As we amble along our footpath we pass through a grouping of beautiful private villas dating to the end of the 19th century. From this panoramic lookout we are treated to anastonishing view of the lakes below, and on a clear day, across to Switzerland and the neighboring mountains.

We return along the same path to Brunate and the funicular. Descending to Como, it's your choice to explore its fantastic architectural and artistic tradition, or perhaps search the local shops for shirts and scarves made of the famous Como silk. For lunch, you can sample delicious salami and cheese, prosciutto, olives and fresh bread, complimented by beautiful views of the lake.

Back in Bellagio mid-afternoon, it’s your option to relax in town or join our guide for a scenic walk of under an hour to the fisherman's village of Pescalloon the lakeshore below the hotel. This evening we join our local friends at a nearby hotel for dinner arranged on an enchanting private terrace with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: B, D

Day 4: Monte Bre

Bidding good-bye to Tiziana and her staff, we leave our lovely waterside home and transfer west through the scenic Lake District toward our final destination for the day in Orta. Nearby Mount Bre is perched above Lake Lugano in Ticino, the Italian speaking area of Switzerland. Here we are treated to astonishing views of Lugano bay at the foot of the mountains.

After a cappuccino and biscotti, we start a scenic lakeside walk that offers a profusion of color from March to October to the quaint village of Castagnola. As the season progresses, narcissuses and May-lilies give way to azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, then finally roses, oleanders and hydrangeas.

We finish our walk in Gandria, a charming lakeside town. Following lunch in a rustic osteria, we cross back over the border into Italy and continue to Lake Orta where our home for the next three nights—a former 17th century convent—is located on the mainland nearby the fairytale-like island of San Giulio, one of the most picturesque corners of Italy. In town this evening we enjoy dinner with lake views in a fine local trattoria. Overnight: Orta Meals: B, D

Day 5: Lake Orta - Islet of San Giulio

With our guide and fellow guests, we follow the narrow, cobbled streets through Orta as they wind up and past colorful houses with ornate balconies. By motor launch we travel to the islet of San Giulio for a visit to its 1000 year-old monastery and an exploration around the charming island. As were turn to the mainland, our guide leads us on an exploration of Sacro Monte—a collection of chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and set in a beautiful park where we pause for a relaxing lunch in a quaint trattoria.

Our walk continues through small mountain villages and slate-roofed hamlets. As we follow our footpath, the scenic vegetation around us changes as we descend to the lake. Chestnuts, beech, walnuts and conifers line our paths in the higher elevations overlooking the lake.

Later, we return to the hotel with some time to rest poolside. It's your choice this evening to enjoy dinner at our hotel, one of the charming local restaurants, or by relaxing on the terrace with a glass of local wine. Following dinner, you may want to enjoy a passeggiata (or "evening stroll") along the lake.

Overnight: Orta Meals: B

Day 6: Borromean Islands

Leaving our lovely hotel on Lake Orta this morning, we travel by mini-coachto neighboring Lake Maggiore. During our ascent into the mountains we stop for a visit at a local cheese-maker. Here we have the opportunity to try the local specialty, La Toma del Mottarone ("mountain”, or “country cheese"), and to see the process of cheese making.

We spend the rest of the day exploring the Borromean Islands, traveling by boat between them from the elegant town of Stresa. The islands are named for the Borromeo family, one of the wealthiest in Italy during the 17th century when they built a series of palaces and gardens in Lake Maggiore. Our first stop is for lunch at the rustic Isola dei Pescatori ("fisherman's island"), which has remained simple and enchanting. After sampling our restaurant's fresh fish, baked bread and perhaps a glass of wine, we wander through small boutiques and an open-air market before returning to our boat launch.

After lunch, our second island stop is to the family's most famous island home, Isola Bella ("beautiful island"). With our guide, we explore the intricate design and stunning setting for their castle and its perfectly preserved baroque gardens. This afternoon, we return to Orta for some shopping, exploring independently or just relaxing on the terraces overlooking the lake before our farewell dinner. Overnight: Orta Meals: B, D

Day 7: Lake Orta - Milan

Sleep in. Or use the time this morning to stroll through Orta's historic center. Enjoy some time on your own to relax and discover last minute keepsakes before we continue on to Milan where we part company at Milano Centrale Train Station in the early afternoon. Meals: B

Overall Rating	Guide Rating	Accommodation Rating	Itinerary Rating	Value Rating

Barbara K., Memphis, TN

"The walks were just right. I really appreciate a trip that doesn’t cater to extreme athletes; the walks provided a perfect amount of exercise."

Overall Rating	Guide Rating	Accommodation Rating	Itinerary Rating	Value Rating

TRIP INCLUDES

First class accommodations
All breakfasts and 5 dinners
Full-time experienced guide(s) who are with you throughout the trip, handle behind-the-scenes logistics and are there to help with anything from haggling for a rug to buying a tube of toothpaste
Support vehicle(s)
Admissions to tastings, historic sites and other scheduled events as noted in the daily itinerary
Gratuities for hotels, meals and baggage
Trip literature
All land transportation during the trip, whether by bus, boat or train

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Did you know that you can customize this trip?

Customizing a trip is a great way to:

Change anything about the itinerary you don't like.
Change the size of the group or make this a private tour.
Change the duration or departure date of the trip.
Because we use the local operator, this customization usually won't cost you extra!

Customize the Brochure

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        <h1 style="margin: 0px; font-family: 'philosopher'; font-weight: bold; font-size: 22px; color: #604c3d;">Italian Lake District - Walking Tour</h1>
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                            <ul><li>Strolling lakeside and mountain paths<li>Shopping for sensuous Como silk<li>Cruising to a beautiful island castle</li></li></li></ul>
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                                <td><span style="color: #544741;">Primary:</span></td>
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                                <td><a href="/search/for/Parks%20%20Nature%20Reserves/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Parks & Nature Reserves</a>, <a href="/search/for/Personal%20Shopper/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Personal Shopper</a>, <a href="/search/for/Architecture/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Architecture</a>, <a href="/search/for/hike/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">hike</a>, <a href="/search/for/Historical%20Sites/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Historical Sites</a>, <a href="/search/for/sightseeing/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">sightseeing</a>, <a href="/search/for/wine%20tasting/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">wine tasting</a>, <a href="/search/for/boating/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">boating</a>, <a href="/search/for/churches/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">churches</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Culture/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Culture</a>, <a href="/search/for/Local%20Food/in/Anywhere%20in%20the%20World/any-travel-style">Local Food</a></td>
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                                        Day 1: Bellagio
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                                        We gather in Bellagio, sometimes called the prettiest town in Europe and always seeming to be flag-bedecked, with geraniums a blaze in every window and bougainvillea veiling the staircases, or montées, that thread through the town. Our first stop is a visit to the Italian-style gardens of Villa Serbelloni, complete with fountains, statues and lush flower beds. These luxurious grounds boast an array of Mediterranean and subtropical plants and flowers that bask in the year-round sunshine. Following our visit, there's ample time to roam the narrow streets that lead down to the lake or stop at a café. <div><br></div><div>Later in the afternoon, we return to our lakeside hotel, named in Italian for "beautiful view". We're welcomed by our friend, Tiziana, whose family has owned the hotel since 1880. We have time to relax and explore the lovely terraced gardens that have replaced the vineyards that once surrounded the villa before we enjoy a welcome dinner of local specialties, such as freshly caught fish with risotto and ravioli. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: D</div>
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                                        Day 2: Bellagio
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                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        We follow our guide on a scenic loop walk today that leads us directly out of our hotel, into the countryside surrounding Bellagio, and ultimately back on foot. Throughout the day our walk links a great variety of activities that immerse us into the history and culture of the region. <div><br></div><div>We begin our morning explorations by meandering through the cobblestone streets of Bellagio. Here, our local guide shares historical anecdotes and stories about the town's significant place in the history of silk weaving in the Lake District. After visiting the Romanesque church of San Giacomo, a leisurely stroll leads from the picturesque lakeside town to nearby Villa Melzi, whose magnificent gardens boast more than 500 species of exotic plants and14 acres of flowering azaleas and rhododendrons. </div><div><br></div><div>We continue on foot a short distance to lovely Villa Crella. Our reward is a wine tasting, and often the opportunity to talk with Lorenzo, the owner and our host, who has restored the family estate. Sometimes we linger here for lunch. But we’re also flexible, and so other times we prefer to stretch our legs after the wine tasting. On these occasions we continue along a scenic footpath a short distance to visit with a friend at his trattoria for lunch where we often have the chance to sample the locally made polenta uncia—polenta, butter, cheese and roasted garlic. </div><div><br></div><div>As we return on foot to Bellagio, there's time for a gelato while we enjoy the afternoon sunlight on the lake. If you find yourself with excess energy after your gelato, our guide is happy to lead an hour-long hike through the beautiful countryside hamlets that surround Bellagio, where small villages and beautiful gardens are carved between the lush green hillsides. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: B, D  </div>
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                                        Day 3: Como - Brunate 
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                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Awaking at our lakeside home, we decide to escape to the quiet of the hills surrounding the lake for a portion of the day. Fortified with a breakfast of local specialties, we take a short boat ride to Como where we stroll through the historic town and admire the incredible architecture—a mixture of Renaissance Italian and 19th century British—and then on to the funicular station. A scenic ride on the funicular takes us to the mountain village of Brunate, situated above century old olive groves. As we amble along our footpath we pass through a grouping of beautiful private villas dating to the end of the 19th century. From this panoramic lookout we are treated to anastonishing view of the lakes below, and on a clear day, across to Switzerland and the neighboring mountains. <div><br></div><div>We return along the same path to Brunate and the funicular. Descending to Como, it's your choice to explore its fantastic architectural and artistic tradition, or perhaps search the local shops for shirts and scarves made of the famous Como silk. For lunch, you can sample delicious salami and cheese, prosciutto, olives and fresh bread, complimented by beautiful views of the lake. </div><div><br></div><div>Back in Bellagio mid-afternoon, it’s your option to relax in town or join our guide for a scenic walk of under an hour to the fisherman's village of Pescalloon the lakeshore below the hotel. This evening we join our local friends at a nearby hotel for dinner arranged on an enchanting private terrace with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains. Overnight: Bellagio Meals: B, D</div>
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                                        Day 4: Monte Bre
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                                    <div style="margin-top: 5px; font-family: 'Futura Bold', 'Gill Sans', Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: #544741; line-height: 20px;">
                                        Bidding good-bye to Tiziana and her staff, we leave our lovely waterside home and transfer west through the scenic Lake District toward our final destination for the day in Orta. Nearby Mount Bre is perched above Lake Lugano in Ticino, the Italian speaking area of Switzerland. Here we are treated to astonishing views of Lugano bay at the foot of the mountains. <div><br></div><div>After a cappuccino and biscotti, we start a scenic lakeside walk that offers a profusion of color from March to October to the quaint village of Castagnola. As the season progresses, narcissuses and May-lilies give way to azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias, then finally roses, oleanders and hydrangeas. </div><div><br></div><div>We finish our walk in Gandria, a charming lakeside town. Following lunch in a rustic osteria, we cross back over the border into Italy and continue to Lake Orta where our home for the next three nights—a former 17th century convent—is located on the mainland nearby the fairytale-like island of San Giulio, one of the most picturesque corners of Italy. In town this evening we enjoy dinner with lake views in a fine local trattoria. Overnight: Orta Meals: B, D</div>
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                                        Day 5: Lake Orta - Islet of San Giulio
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                                        With our guide and fellow guests, we follow the narrow, cobbled streets through Orta as they wind up and past colorful houses with ornate balconies. By motor launch we travel to the islet of San Giulio for a visit to its 1000 year-old monastery and an exploration around the charming island. As were turn to the mainland, our guide leads us on an exploration of Sacro Monte—a collection of chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi and set in a beautiful park where we pause for a relaxing lunch in a quaint trattoria. <div><br></div><div>Our walk continues through small mountain villages and slate-roofed hamlets. As we follow our footpath, the scenic vegetation around us changes as we descend to the lake. Chestnuts, beech, walnuts and conifers line our paths in the higher elevations overlooking the lake. </div><div><br></div><div>Later, we return to the hotel with some time to rest poolside. It's your choice this evening to enjoy dinner at our hotel, one of the charming local restaurants, or by relaxing on the terrace with a glass of local wine. Following dinner, you may want to enjoy a passeggiata (or "evening stroll") along the lake.</div><div>Overnight: Orta Meals: B</div>
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                                        Day 6: Borromean Islands
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                                        Leaving our lovely hotel on Lake Orta this morning, we travel by mini-coachto neighboring Lake Maggiore. During our ascent into the mountains we stop for a visit at a local cheese-maker. Here we have the opportunity to try the local specialty, La Toma del Mottarone ("mountain”, or “country cheese"), and to see the process of cheese making. <div><br></div><div>We spend the rest of the day exploring the Borromean Islands, traveling by boat between them from the elegant town of Stresa. The islands are named for the Borromeo family, one of the wealthiest in Italy during the 17th century when they built a series of palaces and gardens in Lake Maggiore. Our first stop is for lunch at the rustic Isola dei Pescatori ("fisherman's island"), which has remained simple and enchanting. After sampling our restaurant's fresh fish, baked bread and perhaps a glass of wine, we wander through small boutiques and an open-air market before returning to our boat launch. </div><div><br></div><div>After lunch, our second island stop is to the family's most famous island home, Isola Bella ("beautiful island"). With our guide, we explore the intricate design and stunning setting for their castle and its perfectly preserved baroque gardens. This afternoon, we return to Orta for some shopping, exploring independently or just relaxing on the terraces overlooking the lake before our farewell dinner. Overnight: Orta Meals: B, D</div>
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                                        Day 7: Lake Orta - Milan
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                                        Sleep in. Or use the time this morning to stroll through Orta's historic center. Enjoy some time on your own to relax and discover last minute keepsakes before we continue on to Milan where we part company at Milano Centrale Train Station in the early afternoon. Meals: B
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Customize your message:	Checkout this awesome trip: Italian Lake District - Walking Tour. A Renaissance mirage, the villa floats on a mirror-smooth lake. It's morning. The mountains that slide into the water are still hidden in deep blue shadows, except the peaks high above that are tipped in apricot alpenglow. Check it out here: http://www.adventurelink.com/trip/70542/italian-lake-district-walking-tour