Italian Lakes Walking & Hiking

handy. See "Arriving & Departing" for additional logistics information.

  

Shuttle to Agrano 2 Hours

Walking & Hiking Options: 

Carcegna Route: 4.5 Miles (740’ elevation gain)

Orta Route: 6.1 Miles (1,010’) 

Orta San Giulio Walk 1 Hour 

Benvenuti in Italia! We shuttle from Milan to the medieval village of Agrano and set off on foot along the

eastern side of Lago d’Orta, the smallest lake in the Italian Lake District. Set against the spectacular

backdrop of the soaring pre-Alps, the lake is a scenic gem. No wonder such celebrated figures as Nietzsche, Balzac, Flaubert, Tchaikovsky and Liszt found inspiration here. High above the lake at Alpe Selviana, a mountain lodge transformed into an organic farm, we get better acquainted over a delicious picnic spread.

Afterward continue hiking to Torrente Pescone, a beautiful waterfall , and along marked walking paths through the quiet towns of Pratolungo, Pettenasco and Carcegna.  Our final destination is Villa Crespi, a

Moorish-style villa embellished with beautifully carved columns, horseshoe arches, intricately patterned floors and frescoed ceilings.Later, consider joining our friend and local guide for an informal walk through historic Orta San Giulio and up to Sacro Monte, the famed hill overlooking town. The site is dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and consists of 21 chapels, each depicting a period of the saint’s life. You might choose instead to take a water taxi to the island of San Giulio to visit the basilica,  founded by Saint Giulio himself in a.d. 390. The Romanesque structure dates from the 11th century and contains stunning frescoes and a magnificent hand-carved pulpit, consi dered to be one of the region’s finest works of art. (To enter the basilica, women must have their shoulders and legs covered; men should wear long pants.)

If you’d prefer a more leisurely afternoon, a hot stone massage at our hotel may be the perfect way to

unwind after your first day of hiking. (Please note that spa treatments are not included in the trip price, and

reservations are highly recommended. See "Duri ng Your Trip" for details.) This evening we gather for a

cocktail reception on the terrace, followed by dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, which has earned an impressive two Michelin stars. Lodging: Villa Crespi

Once you’ve had your fill —of lunch and the great vistas— get a ride on the Mottarone Cableway from the summit to Lago Maggiore and the town of Stresa. Or, if you’re up for more hiking, disembark halfway down and walk to our lakeside retreat. Guest rooms at the breathtaking Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées are adorned with luxurious fabrics, marble-tiled bathrooms, Murano chandeliers and whirlpool baths. Feel free to wander around town or head to the hotel’s spa. (See "During Your Trip" for more information.)

If you’re itching for more exploration, catch a boat to nearby Isola Bella for a visit to Palazzo Borromeo, a

17th-century Baroque palace. White peacocks roam the beautiful grounds, which feature majestic gardens

and splendid fountains. The interior houses magnificent rooms full of artwork, priceless tapestries and

enormous windows overlooking the lake, the Borromean islands and mountains.

  

This evening we reconvene for dinner at the hotel’s outstanding restaurant. Lodging: Grand Hotel des Iles

Borromées

Walking & Hiking Options:

Coiromonte to Mottarone Road Route: 2.6 Miles* (950’ elevation gain)

Mottarone Route: 4.5 Miles (2,030’)

Stresa Route: 6.6 Miles (2,100’) 

*with shuttle

Begin climbing out of town, passing tiny chapels and crossing small bridges as you make your way up to the town of Mulinesco. There you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Cannobio, glistening Lago Maggiore and the impressive Swiss Alps. Descend along dirt and cobblestone paths to Cannero Riviera, which has an unexpected tropical feel thanks to palm trees and its delightful beach. Walk the quaint medieval streets or go for a swim, and then stop in a café for lunch on your own.

When you’re ready take a boat back to Stresa or continue hiking to the tiny village of Donego, stopping en route at an old wine press. The trail winds back down to Cannero Riviera, where you can catch a boat back to Stresa.

After returning to our hotel, spend the afternoon as you wish. Sip a cool drink on the terrace, relax poolside or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. (See "Duri ng Your Tri p" for details on making spa reservations.) Tonight we stroll into town for a wine tasting at a beloved enoteca (wine tavern) before dinner on your own. Lodging: Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées

Private Boat Shuttle to Cannobio 1 Hour

Walking & Hiking Options: 

Cannero Riviera Route: 4.3 Miles(1,230’ elevation gain)

Donego Loop: 7.8 Miles (2,280’)  

Boat Shuttle to Stresa 45–75 Minutes (depends on which hiking route you choose)

one of Italy’s most popular. A quick boat ride takes us to Bellano for a lakeside picnic lunch.

  

Today’s hike begins with a heart-pumping incline past villas, gardens and 4th-century castle ruins. Stone

paths, stairs and dirt trails lead up to Castello di Vezio, a military fortress that affords incredible views of the

lake. (This climb is pretty tough, so feel free to skip it and hitch a ride in the van all the way to Varenna.) After the castle visit, follow an old mulattiera (mule path) to Varenna, reputed to be the most romantic spot in Italy. I f you’d prefer to take a longer route Varenna, head first to the banks of I tal y’s shortest ri ver, the 800foot-long Fiumelatte (or "River of Milk"), which flows only six months out of the year. Not even Leonardo da Vinci, who explored the cavern from which the river emerges, could discover its source or why it flows for only half a year.

   

At the end of the hike we ferry to Bellagio, "the pearl of the lake." The town is a delight, with inspiring water

views, a backdrop of distant mountains, a bustling waterfront and a maze of cobblestone streets and

brightly painted houses. Our hotel, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, takes full advantage of its setting. A Travel +

Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler favorite, it features a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, a well-equipped gym and a spa. (See "During Your Trip" for details on making spa reservations.) This evening we

reconvene at a cooking school where an energetic chef teaches us how to prepare local specialties. Buon

appetito! Lodging: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Shuttle to Menaggio 2½ Hours

Walking & Hiking Options: 

Regolo di Perledo Route: 2.9 Miles* (600’ elevation gain)

Varenna Route: 4.2 Miles (750’)

Fiumelatte Route: 5.6 Miles (750’)  

*with shuttle

After continuing to Trattoria Baita Belvedere and having lunch, the Backroads van takes you back to the hotel. But if you need to expend some of those delicious calories, set off along forested hillside trails down to the road. You’ll pick up stone pathways that weave through the outskirts of Bellagio and back into town.

This evening we enjoy a farewell dinner in Villa Serbelloni’s elegant Terrazzo restaurant and raise our glasses to the infinite charms of the Italian Lakes region. Lodging: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Walking & Hiking Options:

Mulini del Perlo Route: 2.2 Miles* (570’ elevation gain)

Baita Belvedere Route: 3.7 Miles* (1,380’) 

Bellagio Loop: 6.2 Miles (1,380’) 

*with shuttle

We enjoy one last picnic lunch together during our private boat ride to Como, where our trip ends. Please see "Arriving & Departing" for end-of-trip logistics.

Private Boat Shuttle to Villa Balbianello 30 Minutes

Guided Villa Walk 1 Hour

Private Boat Shuttle to Como 1 Hour