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Self Drive - Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip
    • Italy - Lake region
    • 7 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to October
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming
      • Trip code : ITALF04
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About the Self Drive - Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip trip

About the trip: Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip

Your walking holiday in the Italy lake region: Spend a week with your family discovering the splendour of the Italian lakes. Your program: visit of the small secret island of San Giulio on the beautiful lake of Orta, overnight stay in a refuge inn at the top of the Mottarone mountain ( 1480 meters) with a panoramic view of the Lake Maggiore and Monte Rose, explore the fabulous Borromean Islands, hikes and boat trip to Cannero.

You can add as an option ( with supplement ) : a half-day boat trip on Lake Maggiore and an introduction to scuba diving, kayaking and electric cycling on Lake Como.

All this with panoramic walks on the 3 lakes of Orta, Maggiore and Como with the unmissable sights of Villa Carlotta and Villa Balbianello, where the film "Star Wars" and "Casino" were shot!
You can enjoy (without moderation!) the small villages, the good Italian cuisine and the gelati: a varied and "à la carte" tour to suit the whole family!

Highlights of the trip

  • A family discovery of the 3 lakes of Orta, Maggiore and Como
  • The famous Borromean Islands and the beautiful botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta & Villa Balbianello
  •  Swimming opportunities in the summer season
  • Panoramic hikes with beautiful views of the lakes & the Alps
  • 1 overnight stay & 1 dinner in a refuge inn on the summit of Mottarone 1480m


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip: Day by Day

Day 1 - The charming Lake Orta

lake maggiore walking italy tours

  • Arrival on your own in Orta San Giulio. You discover on foot this charming medieval village, classified as one of the most beautiful in Italy. Its small cobbled passages along the water's edge are an invitation to dream, notably around the peninsula. The particularity of Orta is found in the Renaissance and Baroque style of the private mansions but also in its magnificent gardens. Possibility to swim in the lake
  • Night at the hotel in Orta.

  • Access: 
    . Flight : Regular flights and low cost airline to Milan : Milano Malpensa Airport (click here ) - Milan Linate Airport (click here ) - Milan Linate airport (click here)
    . Train station in Orta 

Day 2 - Orta San Giulio walk & Sacro Monte

italy hiking tours to lake maggiore in santa caterina del sasso and mottarone

  • Walk - Pella > Ronco
    3 hours 30 - Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -300 m
  • You walk to the lake pier and cross by ferry boat to the medieval village of Pella on the western shore of the lake. Enjoy a hike with a view of the lake, through a forest of chestnut trees, passing through small authentic mountain villages. Swimming opportunity at the end of the hike in Ronco.
  • You then take the boat to the island of San Giulio. You reach the island by a small staircase that leads to the Romanesque basilica and you walk around the island. Enjoy a well-deserved Italian ice cream with a view of Orta! After a stop of about one hour, you continue by boat to the village of Orta.
  • In Orta, you discover the Sacro Monte - a Unesco World Heritage site - which rises on a wooden promontory at an altitude of 400m. It consists of 20 chapels decorated with frescoes and adorned with life-size painted terracotta statues depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. Magnificent and unique!
  • At the end of your walking day, you pick up your bags at the hotel and hit the road (30mn) towards the summit of Mottarone (1400m). You stay overnight in a typical mountain refuge  and enjoy the panoramic views of the Alps and wonderful Italian cuisine!
  • Night in Mottarone
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast & Dinner

Day 3 - The Borromean islands

walking tours of italy on the borromeo islands on lake maggiore

  • You drive to Stresa and the shores of Lake Maggiore (35 min). On the way you can stop at the "Giardino Alpino": a botanical garden with a panoramic view of Lake Maggiore
  • You take the ferry boat to explore Isola Bella and Isola Madre on the Borromean islands and discover the history of the Borromeo family.  Seduced by the natural beauty of the landscape and the pleasant climate, the Borreaman family built palaces and stunning exotic gardens on two of the largest islands on Lake Maggiore, symbols of exceptional splendour and lifestyle. First Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace. Then Isola Madre with its famous palaces and botanical garden,  terraced gardens and magnificent exotic garden. Finally Isola dei Pescatori, with many little restaurants.
  • Back to Stresa by boat, you drive to Cannero /  Cannobio ( 30 to 40mn ) 
  • Night in Cannero or Cannobio
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast

  • Market on Friday morning in Stresa

Day 4 - Panoramic trail from Cannero to Cannobio

best hikes in italy in cannero cannobio on lake maggiore

  • Walk - Cannero > Carmine superior > Cannobbio
    3 hours - 8km / 4.9 miles - Ascent: +400 m / Descent: -400 m
  • Boat transfer from Cannobio to Cannero (30 mn - not included - not bookable )
  • You start your walk in the small village of Cannero, a small, pretty village at the foot of Mount Carza. After a lovely stroll on the sea front, you take the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Here, time seems to have stood still.  Magnificent views over Lake Maggiore and the possibility to visit the San Gottardo church, well worth the detour. You continue on the panoramic path towards the village of Molineggi. After the dairy shacks in Solivo you descend to Cannabio where the walk ends with a charming seafront stroll. 
  • You can swim in the lake by the Lido in both Cannero & Cannobio
  • Night in Cannobio or Cannero
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • Great Sunday market in Cannobio

Day 5 - The Santa Anna Gorges

walking tours in italy with a private baot cruise on lake maggiore

  • Walk - Cannobio > Sant Anna Gorges > Cannobio
    2 hours -  Ascent: +100 m / Descent: -100 m
  • This morning, you enjoy a short walk to the Orrido Santa Anna heading inland following a small river via a suspension bridge. You follow woodland until reaching the small 17th century Orrido di S.Anna church, perched above the gorges. You can swim at the foot of the cliffs. If you arrive around lunchtime, you can eat at the restaurant also perched above the gorges, authentic and so very Italian! 
  • In the afternoon, you can book as an option : half day boat excursion
    . Spend a half day on a small boat with a local Italian guide.
    From 9am to 3pm, hop on board and sail on the lake towards the castles in Cannero, with swimming and snorkling opportunities, or just enjoy some time sun bathing on the deck. Aperitif served on the boat : you can bring your own picnic.
    . You can also try a "discovery dive" of 30 minutes in the lake. You will see shoals  of fish and enjoy swimming around the rocks : an exciting experience. (All diving equipment and semidry suit are provided). 
  • Drive to Lake Como (about 2 hours). Depending on your arrival time on Lake Como, you can visit the Villa Balbianello (not included) where scenes from Star Wars and the film Casino were filmed. Free visit of the Villa's gardens: a magnificent sculpted garden with lush vegetation, combining stunning architecture and a magnificent view of the lake.
  • Night on Lake Como
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Bellagio, the "pearl" of Lake Como

Walking day during a self guided tour in Lake Como

  • During these 2 days, you will explore the shores of Lake Como. Protected from the northern winds by the Swiss Alps, the temperatures are mild in winter, which allows Mediterranean (olive trees, laurel, lemon trees...) and subtropical vegetation to develop, especially in the parks of the villas. A surprising contrast with the alpine vegetation of the mountain slopes.
  • Today you take the boat to Bellagio (included), the "pearl of the Lario" for its geographical location between the 3 branches of the lake. Depending on the weather and your mood, you can choose between hiking, kayaking or electric bike tours.

  • Option 1 - Walk - Bellagio > Loop > Bellagio 
    4h - Ascent: +250 m / Descent: -250 m
    You walk to the picturesque village of Pescallo and cross the park of Villa Giolia before climbing to Perlo, with panoramic views of the mountain landscape (snow-capped in spring!). At the end of the day, don't miss the visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi, so praised by Stendhal and Flaubert (entrance not included).

  • Option 2 - Kayak in Pescallo with a supplement
    . From Bellagio, you walk to the small port of Pescallo ( 30mn). The guide will brief you before departure to ensure maximum safety. You kayak around the Bellagio peninsula, which offers a fantastic view of the northern lake landscape and the alpine peaks overlooking the lake. After rounding the edge of the peninsula, you pass the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni and the Rockefeller Foundation Park. You arrive at Punta Spartivento "the centre of Lake Como" with a breathtaking 360 degree view. Panoramic view over the skyline of the centre of Bellagio, with the pretty and colourful village of Varenna to the east.
    . After the kayak, you then have 2 options : walk back to Bellagio ( 30mn) or continue onwards the loop walk ( see above ) 

  • Option 3 - Ebike in Bellagio with a supplement
    You walk 20mn to the bike shop. There, you have the choice with 3 bike routes  => for ALL levels!
    . Ride - Bellagio / Onno - 17km - +100m/-100m
    You start from Bellagio and ride along the lake to Onno. The goal of the day is to taste one of the best ice creams of the lake of Come a Onnolulu, at the edge of the lake! Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming (small pebble beaches).
    . Ride - Bellagio / Nesso gorge - 28 km - +200m/-200m
    A pleasant bike ride with a view of the lake and the alpine peaks to see the small Nesso gorges.
    . Ride - Bellagio / Gisallino / Onno / Bellagio - 34 km - +700m/-700m
    A more moderate level loop for the more athletic ! You discover landscapes and small mountain villages with breathtaking views of the lake. You tackle the famous Ghisallino climb and continue downhill along the lake shore to Onno.

  • Return to Bellagio on foot and boat back to your hotel
  • Night on Lake Como
  • MEALS included: Breakfast
  • All day Market on the third Wednesday of the month in Bellagio

Day 7 - Panoramic walking trails: the colourful village of Varenna

self guided walking holidays italy lake maggiore

  • Walk - Bellano > Varenna
    3 hours 30 - 7km / 4.3 miles - Ascent: +300 m / Descent: -300 m
  • Boat transfer  to Bellano (1 hour)
  • Your walking tour continues on one of the oldest walking paths of the lake. The "sentiero del viandante" was traced by the Roman legionaries who reached the great passes of the Alps. It's a gentle climb past the "Orrido di Bellano" where a visit is possible and past natural gorges. The path then offers panoramic views, passing through the village of Gittana and the Vézio castle dating back to the XII century. You end the walk in the pretty village of Varenna known for its colourful hillside houses.  In Veranna you must visit the Villa Monastero gardens : the villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to  rhododendrons, glycines, magnolias and citrus fruit trees.  For the horticultural enthousiasts you can also visit the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. 
  • Boat transfer from Varenna back to the boat pier next to your hotel (45 minutes)
  • You pick up your bags. End of your trip 
  • MEALS included:  Breakfast

  • Return: 
    . Boat to Como and train Como/Milan

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Self Drive - Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip
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    Trip details
    Self Drive - Walking the Italian lakes: a perfect family trip
        • Italy - Lake region
        • 2 adults (2x650€)
        • 0 children (0x650€)
      • 7 days
      • Simple
    Total 1300€
    Deposit 440€
    Book now !