Italy's Lake District

One of Italy’s most exquisite landscapes is the enchanting Lake District, beloved by poets, writers, and artists since the days of the Roman Empire. Our journey in this unimaginably scenic setting brings us to verdant mountains sheltering gleaming deep blue lakes, captivating towns like Varenna spilling down the hillsides, and to Bellagio’s opulent villas and gardens with rose-laden promenades. We explore four of these magical lakes—Como, Lugano, Maggiore, and serene Orta—as we hike age-old paths to hidden stone villages with tiny chapels, boat to Isola Bella, an island with a magnificent palatial villa, visit Luino’s famous market day, and hike in the Mottarone Mountains for unforgettable top-of-the-world views of the Alps—é perfezione!

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Varenna / Bellagio

In Varenna, a beguiling town of pastel-colored houses hugging the shores of Lake Como, we explore the medieval Castle of Vezio, once a Roman fortress, and the lovely gardens of the Villa Monastero, a spiritual retreat for Cistercian nuns. The next day, we hike up Monte San Primo (5,528') to a mountain rifugio for spectacular lake views and a lunch of local delicacies that often include miascia, a cake made with fresh mint and walnuts. Afterwards, we visit Bellagio, a storybook town of gracious villas and terraced gardens.

Days 3-4
Lago di Piano / Valsolda

Ferrying across Lake Como, we head to Lago di Piano for a walk in a natural reserve abounding with birds, plants, and animals including roe deer and chamois. From Porlezza, set on Lake Lugano, we walk among the tiny lakeside medieval villages of Valsolda, where the Italian writer Antonio Fogazzaro wrote his most famous novel, Piccolo Mondo Antico, later made into a film in 1941.

Days 5-6
Monte Generoso / Luino

Our hike on Monte Generoso reveals 360-degree views of sparkling lakes, the snow-covered peaks of the Alps, and the valley of Milan. In Luino, on Lake Maggiore, we enjoy a morning at one of the most famous markets of Europe, then hike on the Sentiero Belvedere, offering encompassing vistas of the lake and the gorgeous villas and gardens that line its shores.

Days 7-9
Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori / Orta San Giulio

We visit the splendid Villa Borromeo on Isola Bella, and walk the cobbled alleys and seaside promenade of Isola dei Pescatori. A hike atop the Mottarone Mountains grants us stunning balcony views of the Alps, including Monte Rosa and all seven lakes of the Lake District. From Orta San Giulio, a jewel of a town set on tranquil Lake Orta, we hike on an ancient footpath through hill villages on the slopes of Monte Alto, passing farmhouses, a 13th century tower, and the impressive Villa Broglio, with a picnic lunch in the gardens of the 17th century convent of Monte Mesma. Depart on Day 9.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate. We enjoy day walks and hikes of 2-5 hours over variable hill and mountain trails, with occasional short, steep sections. We will carry just a daypack. Sturdy, well broken-in hiking boots are necessary for the rural trails of this area. The meals included in the itinerary will be taken at the hotels where we are staying or at restaurants in the towns. For dinners "on your own," the Trip Leader will be happy to advise you on, or accompany you, to local restaurants and trattorias. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 PM.

Explanation of Trip Levels