Walking lake Como and Lake Maggiore
With the Alps as a picturesque backdrop, the two Italian lakes of Como and Lago Maggiore are set in a charming and romantic landscape that you discover on foot. Over the years, the idyllic setting and pleasant climate have made the area home to many villas and magnificent botanical gardens. On this walking holiday in Northern Italy, you will discover the most beautiful hiking trails that can be found on Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
The first stop is Lake Como, one of the most beloved Italian lakes. With its sumptuous botanical gardens and charming villas; Carlotta, Balbianello and Melzi. Then the tour goes to Lake Maggiore with its adventurous surroundings and Borromean Islands, the impressive monastery near Stresa and the elegance of Cannobio and its picturesque narrow streets. You'll wander through olive groves and vineyards, past charming villages. A paradise for any hiker who loves lush scenery, stunning lake landscapes and charming little mountain villages.
The route:
The hike is difficulty level 2 and you will hike daily stages of 3 - 4,5 hours. Mainly on paths and cobbled paths and alleys.
Highlights:
- The most beautiful panoramic hiking trails
- The stunning landscape of the Italian lakes Como and Lago Maggiore
- Discover the beautiful botanical gardens and villas, after sailing to the Borromean Islands
- Explore the beautiful Italian gardens and villas of Carlotta and Balbaniello
- Walk on lake- and mountain paths that take you through traditional medieval villages
Great things about this tour
Photo gallery from the tour
Here you can see pictures of the beautiful sceneries around Como and Lago Maggiore.
See more pictures »Itinerary See all daysClose all days
From the town of Como, you take a boat across the lake to Lenno (ticket not included). From here you walk to your first accommodation (approx. 15 min.)
Arrive in of time for a stroll through Lenno and a visit to the gardens at Villa Babianello (entrance not included). The villa and surroundings have been used as a film location for Star Wars and Casino Royal. A dip in Lake Como is also recommended as a refresher after your travels.
There are two categories of accommodation - see details in practical info - under "accommodation"
The day starts with a boat transfer from Lenno to Bellagio, also known as the Pearl of the Lake. The colourful town, with its cobbled streets, contrasts beautifully with the waters of the lake and the green backdrop of the mountains. You will hike to the small village of Pescallo and cross through the park at Villa Giolia. From here you will walk up to the Perlo viewpoint from where you descend to Bellagio by the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi.
You take the boat back to Lenno, where you spend another night.
Walking: approx. 4 hours +250m/-250m
The day starts with a boat transfer (30 minutes) to Bellano, on the eastern shore of the lake.
Today, a lovely hike in the countryside above Lake Como awaits, taking you all the way to Varenna, a gorgeous speckled village. There is a gentle climb past the "Orrido di Bellano" - a 15 million year old gorge where, for a fee and via suspension bridge, you can hike to a waterfall. The canyon tour is optional and afterwards your route offers panoramic views and passes through the village of Gittana with the 12th century Vézio Castle. You end the walk in the pretty village of Varenna, known for its colourful houses that curve up the hillside. In Veranna you should visit the Villa Monastero gardens: The villa is surrounded by a botanical garden with rhododendrons, glycines, magnolia and citrus trees. For garden enthusiasts, you can also visit Villa Cipressi, which dates back to the Renaissance.
From Varenna take the boat back to Lenno (40 min)
Walking: 3.5 hours +250m / -250m
From Lenno you walk through the hills of the Azalea Riviera for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you will experience the stunning contrasts between rustic olive groves and landscaped gardens by glamorous villas and medieval villages with stunning Renaissance chappels.
We recommend a visit to the famous Villa Carlotta (not included). The villa is known for its beautiful terraced garden with Italian lemons and carved boxwood, a stunning English garden and a Villa with rich interior decorated with neoclassical works of art.
The day ends with a transfer to Lake Maggiore, where you will stay in either Cannero or Cannobio (2 hours drive).
Walking: approx. 3 hours, + 200m/-200m
Today's hike starts in the small charming village of Cannero. You walk along the old mule track to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Here the view over Lake Maggiore is magnificent and there is an opportunity to visit the Church of San Gottardo. You continue along the panoramic path towards the villages of Molineggi, Solivo and to finish; Cannobio.
If you are accommodated in Cannobio, you will start the day with a 30-minute boattrip. If you are acoomodated in Cannero, you finish with the boat trip. This is not included and must be paid locally.
Walking: approx. 3 hours, +400 m / -400 m
The day starts with a boat trip on Lake Maggiore to Stresa (1-1,5 hours - approx. 10€ per person)
Stresa is a pretty little lakeside town with traditional narrow cobbled streets and several small beaches along the lake from which to swim. On arrival in Stresa, start by dropping off your luggage at the hotel.
Then take a boat to the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella with its 17th century Pallazzo Borromeo, Isola Madre with its architectural buildings and botanical garden. And finally Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque little fishing village with narrow streets and lovely restaurants where you can stop for lunch. Boat transfer back to Stresa, where you spend the night.
Walking: Today the walking is limited. Spend 30-60 minutes on the islands + lunch if prefered. Length of visit to be arranged with the boat.
Note: The Borromean Islands
Open from the end of March to the end of October.
If the tour is booked outside the access season, then the day in the programme is a day off in Stresa.
Today is a free day in Stresa, which you can use as you wish.
All transfers on this day (boat/train/bus) are not included, but paid locally as needed.
Hiking Tip:
If you wish to hike, we suggest a trip from Stresa along the chestnut route to Belgirate.
On this hike you can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Maggiore while walking along an ancient Roman path with ancient chapels. The tour ends in the charming village of Belgirate with traditional houses and flowery gardens. From here, take either a boat or train back to Stresa.
Hike: approx. 3 hours approx. 8km +200m / -200m
Experience Tip:
Visit the monastery of Santa Caterina del Sasso. The Roman Catholic monastery is built into the cliff above Lake Maggiore and it is spectacular to arrive here by boat. Alternatively, taking the 268 steps from the car park is definitely an experience too.
The small 13th century monastery is a little gem, nestled into the mountainside it looks as if it is clinging to the cliff face above the lake, from where the views are stunning. This place is popular and we recommend doing this experience either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
You can take the boat back to Stresa, where you will stay overnight.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a last walk along the lake shore before your onward journey.
Price includes
- 7 nights as mentioned in the programme in B&B or small hotels
- 7x Breakfast
- Boat tickets day 2 - Lenno/Bellagio roundtrip
- Boat tickets day 3 - Lenno/Bellagio + Varenna/Lenno
- Taxi transfer day 4 to Lago Maggiore
- Boat tickets on Lake Maggiore (Day 6: Stresa-Borrome Islands and return)
- Carefully prepared route description
- Detailed travel documents 1 set per room
- 24 hour hotline
- Arrival to the destination
- Boat tickets on Como (Day 1: Como-Lenno, Day 2: Lenno-Bellagio roundtrip, Day 3: Lenno-Bellano + Varenna-Lenno) - approx. 10 euro pr. person
- Boat tickets day 5 (from Cannobio to Cannero - about 7 euro per person)
- Boat tickets day 6 ( from Cannobio/Cannero to Stresa - about 10 euro per person)
- Day 7 Boat/taxi/bus/train paid locally on leisure day
- Meals and drinks other than breakfast
- Various entrance tickets to villas, gardens, canyons, monasteries and the Borromean Islands
- Administration fee of 20€,-
- Insurance
Practical info
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. If you travel alone a single room is necessary.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Milan are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
From Milan to Como you can get the train (traveling time from 40-60 minutes). See time and prices here www.trenitalia.com.
From Como you take a boat to Lenno. Tickets included. You will walk with you luggage from the pier of Lenno to the first accommodation (max. 15-20 minutes).
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 48 hours)
- You arrange your transportation
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
On this trip you'll stay in a mix of cosy but simple bed and breakfasts and simple hotels. There is also the option to upgrade. See the examples below. The category is selected on the booking form. If there are no vacancies at the accommodation listed when you book the trip, we will book others of equivalent quality.
Please note that most accommodations do not have air conditioning.
Below you can see examples of accommodation in the two categories.
Category B (standard in the price)
- Lenno: Loc GRIFO - standard room - This bed and breakfast is a small family owned and located about 10-15 min walk from the centre of Lenno. It has a good local bar and restaurant, which also has a lovely terrace for summer use. It is a short walk from one of the lake's small pebble beaches. Check-in from 16-18. Please note that on Wednesdays the bar and restaurant are closed.
- Cannero: BB Casa Banano - standard room: family-owned, simple bed and breakfast. Located about 5 min walk from the lake promenade and 15 min walk from the nearest beach. Check-in from 3pm.
- Stresa: Hotel Fiorentino - standard room: A small family-run hotel, located 10mn walk to the lake shore
Simple hotel, with very welcoming family ambiance. You will enjoy the terrace. Great restaurant with a typical Italian family cuisine. Check-in from 15:00.
Category A (can be selected in the booking form at extra cost)
- Lenno: BB Balbianino - Superior Room - This family-run bed and breakfast is located in the centre of Lenno. There are only 5 rooms. There is a small enclosed communal garden and a communal terrace on the first floor. There is access to a small pebble beach by the lake. Check-in from 15:00.
- Cannobio: Hotel Pironi - standard room - Charming hotel set in an old 15th century building. The hotel is located in the heart of Cannobio and all rooms are differently decorated with antique furniture. Check-in from 15.00
- Stresa: Hotel Primavera - standard room - Modern hotel in the heart of Stresa in the pedestrian area. The room is air-conditioned. The hotel is 5 minutes from the seafront. Check-in from 15:00. Check-in from 15:00.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find lunch in the small villages before the walks and you will have plenty of choices for dinner in the many restaurants.
On day 1, you will take your luggage from the pier of Lenno to your first accommodation. It takes 15-20 minutes to walk.
On day 4, the taxi will pick up the luggage from hotels, and then pick you up after the end of the hike. Then you will drive with your luggage to Lago Maggiore
On day 6 you will take your luggage on the boat in the morning. This boat cannot be booked in advance and is therefore paid for locally. On arrival in Stresa, you will take your luggage to the hotel and hand it in at reception, after which you will set off on the excursion to the Borromean Islands.
You will recieve the following documentation
Upon booking
You recieve practical information about the tour in a digital format
One month before arrival
You recieve your hotel list and your voucher (hotel list is often supplied upon booking)
Upon arrival
You recieve the welcome package which contains the printed version of the road book, luggage tags, local specific vouchers and if you have rented bikes then they will also be delivered and fitted at the first hotel.
When planning your trip, be aware that many villas, gardens and attractions are closed in winter and early spring.
Below we have listed the opening season for a number of interesting attractions.
- The gardens of Villa Balbianello
Open from mid-March and all year round. However, it is closed every Monday, Wednesday and on public holidays. - Villa Carlotta + Gardens.
Open from the end of March to the end of October - Gardens of Villa Melzi
Open from the end of March to the end of October - Vezio Castle in Varenna
Open from March to the end of October (closed in bad weather). - Gardens of Villa Monastero in Varenna
Open from March to the end of October - The Borromean Islands
Open from the end of March to the end of October.
- If the tour is booked outside the access season, then the day in the programme is a day off in Stresa. - Santa Caterina del Sasso (monastery near Stresa).
Open from March to the end of October.
The day tours described in the programme are a mix of grad 1 and the easy end of grade 2.
You walk on well maintained footpaths as well as paths and roads with topped cobbles, tiles and tarmac. A good, basic level of fitness is sufficient for the walking routes - which extend over a maximum of 4.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the cultural highlights.
Read more about our Grading System
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
Travel Insurance In general we recommend that you are covered by a good travel insurance covering at least Medical Expenses, Illness, Personal Accident, Baggage and Repatriation. The customer is responsible to take the necessary travel insurance that covers these costs. Bering Travel, or our local partners, do not have any responsibility for our customers not being covered by a necessary travel insurance. You have to arrange your insurance in your home country.
It can be hard to plan your trip according to the weather, but to give an idea of the local climate, you can see the data below:
We are members of the Travel Guarantee Fund (nr. 2529) and have all available insurances. This covers you regardless of your nationality. Read more about that here.
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Phone: +44 20 3936 1208
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