Bellagio, Orta San Guilio, and the Swiss Alps

Hiking in Italy’s Lake District

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Just a mention of the words “Italian lakes” and the imagination conjures snow-capped peaks, long ribbons of deep blue water, and opulent lakeside villas with rose-laden promenades. We traverse three legendary mountain lakes in Italy and one in the Swiss Alps on this journey. Connecting the lakes by ferry, we hike age-old paths to small stone hill villages with tiny chapels, walk up to an alpine refuge for spectacular lake views and a delicious lunch of traditional polenta uncia, follow trails to the artists’ colony of Carona, and hike through mystical chestnut woodlands to the haunting deserted village of Mulinesco. We’ve chosen the perfect bases for our hikes: magnificent Bellagio, Lugano below the snow-capped Swiss Alps, and serene Orta San Giulio on romantic Lake Orta.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Como / Bellagio

We meet at Como, the silk capital of Europe, whose grand Belle Epoque hotels and lakefront promenades lend the city a 19th century elegance. Ferrying across the deep green expanses of Lake Como, we explore entrancing 18th century Villa Balbianello, one of the most romantic settings on the lake, then boat to magnificent Bellagio, a storybook town of villas and terraced gardens with one of the most dramatic locations in all of Europe. This has been a cherished haunt of artists and literati from Mark Twain and Flaubert to Shelley. From Perlo, above town, we enjoy a picnic in the most spectacular setting on the entire lake and a magnificent descent via the Port of Loppia. In Suira, part of Bellagio, we visit a private home to learn about the lake’s ancient silkworm breeding and silk-spinning culture. Overnights in Bellagio.

Day 4
Lugano, Switzerland

A ferry brings us to Menaggio, with its fine 18th century villas, then we head to Lugano, spread along Lake Lugano and framed by green mountains. Lugano is the principal city in beautiful Ticino, the Italian-speaking Swiss canton. A funicular ride up to San Salvatore, 3,000 feet above Lugano, brings us to our hike, with magnificent views of the Swiss Alps (and in clear weather of lakes Como, Lugano, Maggiore, and Varese). We enjoy the late afternoon to stroll the lakeside promenade.

Days 5-7
Orta San Giulio, Italy / Milan

Our grand finale is the hidden gem of Lake Orta, a quiet haven in whose center is a fairytale isle, illuminated and golden at night. Our hikes from tranquil Orta bring us to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore for fine views over the lake and a look at the remarkable frescoes of its 12th century church of San Gottaro. Our base is enchanting Orta San Giulio, with its café-lined piazza set right on the lake. Depart from Milan on Day 7.

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Tour Costs $3595 (13-15 members) $3895 (10-12 members) $4095 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $395 *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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Departures & Leaders

Note: There may be up to 3 leaders on any
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