Lake Como and Lake Maggiore Walking Experience

Lenno & the beautiful Lake Como and its surrounding mountains

You travel on your own to Lenno. Upon arrival, have a stroll through the peaceful village of Lenno. In summer, you can enjoy the small pebble beach by the lake and jump in for a swim.If you arrive in the morning, we recommend starting your walking holiday in Italy with a visit of the gardens of the Villa Balbianello (not included), an elegant and romantic XVIII century residence and one of the settings chosen for the the Star Wars and Casino Royal films!

Night: Lenno

Bellagio, the « pearl » of the lake

Boat transfer back & forth from Lenno to Bellagio Called “the pearl of Lario", "one of the most beautiful sites of the Earth and the most voluptuous of Italy", said the composer Gabriel Fauré. You reach the picturesque village of Pescallo and cross the park of Villa Giolia and then climb to Perlo. Back to Bellagio by the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi (not included), both rented by Stendhal.

Loop Walk : 4h | 12 km – 7.5 miles |Elevation : + 250m/-250m Meals included: breakfast Night: Lenno

Explore the eastern shores of Lake Como

Boat transfer to Bellano, on the eastern shore of the lake. Today is a lovely walk above the lake, all the way to Varenna a splendid coloured village : the pure “dolce vita” ! 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" (visit is possible), and natural gorges formed in the antiquity. The path then offers panoramic views, passing through the village of Gittana and the Vézio castle (not included) dating back to the 12th century. You end the walk in the pretty village of Varenna, known for its colourful hillside houses. In Varenna, you must visit the Villa Monastero gardens (not included): the villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to rhododendrons, glycines, magnolias and citrus fruit trees. For the garden enthousiasts you can also visit the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. Boat back to Lenno.

Walk : Bellano > Varenna | 3h30 | 10 km – 6 miles – Elevation : +250m / Descent: -250m Meals included: breakfast Night: Lenno

Explore the hills of the Azalea Riviera + Villa Carlotta

From Lenno, your walk will take you through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way you can witness the fantastic contrasts between olive groves and immaculate gardens of the glamorous villas, and medieval villages and stunning Renaissance churches. Visit of the famous Villa Carlotta (not included). Famous for its beautiful garden: a terraced garden with Italian lemon and carved boxwood, an English garden with voluptuous perspectives, and a rich interior decorated with neoclassical works.

Transfer to Lake Maggiore to the charming town of Cannero or Cannobio, by the lake shore (2h drive) Walk : Lenno / Villa Carlotta |3h | 10km – 6 miles | Elevation : + 200m/-200m Meals included: breakfast Night: Cannero or Cannobio

Panoramic trail above Cannobio

You start your walk in the small village of Cannero. You walk on the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Magnificient views over Lake Maggiore and the possibility to visit the San Gottardo church. We continue on the panoramic path towards the village of Molineggi, Solivo, and then Cannobio.

Boat transfer from Cannobio to Cannero (30 mn) – Not included ( not bookable ) Walk : 3h | 10km – 6 miles | Elevation : + 400m/-400m Meals included: breakfast Night: Cannero or Cannobio

The magnificent Borromean islands

Morning transfer to Stresa (30/40 min), where you drop your bags in your hotel. Then, boat transfer to the Borromean islands. Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace, Isola Madre with its famous palaces and botanical garden. And finally, Isola dei Pescatori, a pictoresque little fishing village with narrow streets and lovely restaurants (Borromean islands entrance not included). Boat transfer back to Stresa

Walk : in the 3 islands Meals included: breakfast Night: Stresa

The Chestnut trail

Panoramic views on this walking trail overlooking the lake from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens along an old roman trail dotted with old chapels. Return by boat or train to Stresa (not included)

Walk : 3h30 | 10km – 6 miles | Elevation : + 200m/-200m Meals included: breakfast Night: Stresa

Bye bye Stresa

End of your trip in Stresa after breakfast

We recommend:

Discover the Santa Caterina del Sasso Monastery. You take the boat from Stresa : arriving by boat is spectacular! A little gem on the lake, the small XIII century monastery is perched above the lake, clinging to the cliff, offering stunning views of the lake. This remarkable place is nestled into the cliff. You can admire remarkable frescoes dating back to the 14th century. We recommend arriving either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds. Boat transfer back to Stresa

Meals included: breakfast