Italy's Lake District

Just mention the words “Italian lakes” and the imagination conjures snow-capped peaks, long ribbons of gleaming deep blue water, and opulent lakeside villas with rose-laden promenades. On this enchanting journey, we explore two legendary mountain lakes in Italy and one in Switzerland. Connecting the lakes by ferry, we hike age-old paths to stone hill villages with tiny chapels, walk up to an alpine rifugio for spectacular lake views and a delicious lunch of traditional polenta uncia, boat to an island with a magnificent palatial villa, and hike through mystical chestnut woodlands. We’ve chosen the perfect bases for our hikes: magnificent Bellagio on Lake Como, Lugano on Switzerland’s Lake Lugano, and serene Orta San Giulio on romantic Lake Orta.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Day 1
Como

We meet in Como, the silk capital of Europe, set at the very edge of Lake Como and hemmed in by surrounding tall mountains that drop sharply into the green waters. Como’s Belle Epoque hotels and grand lakefront promenades lend it a charming 19th century elegance.

Days 2-3
Bellagio

Boating across Lake Como, we visit the entrancing 18th century Villa Balbianello, one of the most romantic settings on the lake, and enjoy a walk from the high village of Perlo down to Bellagio. Along the way, we see the monumental Villa Melzi gardens, a fine example of neoclassical villa architecture. The next day, we hike up Monte San Primo (5,528') to a mountain rifugio for spectacular lake views and a lunch of local seasonal delicacies that often include porcini mushrooms, fresh goat cheese, and mountain sweets like miascia, a cake made with fresh mint and walnuts. Afterwards, we visit a private museum in a village home to learn about the lake’s ancient silkworm breeding and silk-spinning culture. Overnights are in magnificent Bellagio, a storybook town of villas and terraced gardens with one of the most dramatic locations in all of Europe. With its flower-filled belvederes and villas, it has been a cherished locale since the days of the Roman Empire.

Days 4-5
Lugano, Switzerland / Orta San Giulio

Heading across the border to Switzerland, we reach cosmopolitan Lugano, spread along Lake Lugano and framed by emerald green mountains. We ride the funicular up to San Salvatore, 3,000 feet above Lugano, for a hike on a panoramic trail with magnificent clear-weather views of the lakes and to enjoy a delicious picnic next to the Baroque church of San Giorgio. From the medieval town of Cannobio, set on Lake Maggiore, we hike to the small stone village of Carmine Superiore, with its ancient church and fine views over the lake. Later, we take a private taxi boat to the island of Isola Bella to explore the splendid Villa Borromeo and its ten-tiered terrace garden, inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. We continue to enchanting Orta San Giulio, a tiny jewel of a town set on tranquil Lake Orta.

Days 6-7
Orta San Giulio, Italy

Our final hike on ancient footpaths takes us through the charming hill villages above Orta San Giulio and to Lortallo on the slopes of Monte Alto, with its lovely country farmhouses, a 13th century tower, and the impressive Villa Broglio. Depart from Milan on Day 7, or enjoy our self-guided Cinque Terre Extension (see page 48).

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Cinque Terre Extension
Days 7-10

Hike the dramatic seaside villages of Cinque Terre on our self-guided extension.

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