Overview
A seven day, self-guided walking holiday around Lakes Como and Maggiore, with an idyllic backdrop of the Alps at every turn. Starting in Lenno, on the shores of Lake Como, your first three days and nights are based here, as you take boat transfers across the lake disembarking in some of the prettiest lakefront towns and villages, such as Bellagio and Bellano, with walks to ancient villages, villas and vineyards. Lake Maggiore has similar beauty spots, with highlights including the waterfront idylls of Cannero, Cannobio and the magical Borromean Islands.
- Italian Lakes
- Borromean Islands
- Carlotta and Balbaniello Villas
- Lake Como
- Bellano
- Bellagio
- Lake Maggiore
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lenno, Lake Como
Arrive in Lenno and take the time to stroll through the town where, in summer, the small pebble beach by the lake is perfect for a swim. If you arrive in the morning, a visit to the gardens of the Villa Balbianello is a must. This elegant 17th-century residence was one of the settings chosen for both Star Wars and Casino Royale films. Your hotel is about a 15-min walk away from the pier.
- Accommodation: Locanda Grifo or similar in Lenno
- Upgraded accommodation: Albergo Lenno or similar in Lenno
Day 2: Bellagio loop walk | 12km
Begin the day with a boat transfer to Bellagio, where the walk begins. Often called the Pearl of Lake Como, it’s famous for being the junction where Lake Como splits into three branches. The walk heads to the village of Pescallo, a fishing community built into the hill, before crossing Villa Giolia’s park and then ascending to Perlo. The journey back to Bellagio takes you through the famous gardens of Villa Melzi, followed by a boat trip back to Lenno.
- Walking for the day: 12km, ↑250m ↓250m
- Accommodation: Locanda Grifo or similar Lenno
- Upgraded accommodation: Albergo Lenno or similar in Lenno
Day 3: Bellano – Varenna | 10km
Start the day with a boat transfer to Bellano, sailing to the eastern shore of the lake. Today’s walk above the lake heads for Varenna. Part of the walk takes place on a section of the Sentiero del Viandante, a historic mule track, dating back to Roman times. It features a gentle climb past Orrido di Bellano, an impressive canyon which we recommend exploring if you have time. The path then passes through the village of Gittana with Vézio Castle dating back to the 12th century. The walk concludes in the town of Varenna, known for its colourful hillside houses, and we recommend visiting Villa Monastero gardens (payable locally). For garden enthusiasts there is also the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. Finally hop on the boat back to Lenno (40mins).
- Walking for the day: 10km ↑395m ↓690m
- Accommodation: Locanda Grifo or similar in Lenno
- Upgraded accommodation: Albergo Lenno or similar in Lenno
Day 4: Azalea Riviera and Villa Carlotta | 10km
Today’s walk takes you through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. The walk celebrates the contrast between rugged olive groves and the immaculate gardens of glamorous villas, as well as between medieval villages and Renaissance churches. Take the time to visit Villa Carlotta, famous for its gardens and Neoclassical interiors. End the day with a transfer to Lake Maggiore and onto Cannero or Cannobio, for the evening.
- Walking for the day: 10km, ↑200m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Casa Banano B&B or similar in Cannero
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Pironi or similar in Cannobio
Day 5: Cannero – Canobbio | 10km
Starting in the town of Cannero, walk the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. Take in views over Lake Maggiore or even visit the San Gottardo church. Continue on the panoramic path towards Molineggi, Solivo, and then Cannobio. Hop on a short boat transfer (30mins) back to Cannero to end the day (payable locally).
- Walking for the day: 10km, ↑400m ↓400m
- Accommodation: Casa Banano B&B or similar in Cannero
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Pironi or similar in Cannobio
Day 6: Borromean Islands
In the morning, transfer to Stresa, a small town with traditional narrow streets, and small beaches along the lake shore for swimming. Once in Stresa, drop off your bags at the hotel before hopping on a boat 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 fishing village with an abundance of narrow streets and restaurants. Please note that the Borrowmean Islands entrance fee is payable locally). Boat transfer back to Stresa for the evening.
- Accommodation: Hotel Mon Toc or similar in Stresa
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Primavera or similar in Stresa
Day 7: Free day in Stresa | optional 10km
Today has multiple options; take in views of the lake on a walk following the chestnut route, an old roman road to Belgirate. Whilst there take the time to explore the traditional village centre, before returning to Stresa by boat or train for the evening. Alternatively cross the lake and visit the Santa Caterina del Sasso monastery, this small 18th-century monastery is perched above the lake, nestled into the cliff. During the visit take the long, winding stairway to visit convents and chapel, as well as a few 14th-century frescoes. We recommend arriving either early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
- Walking for the day: Optional 10km, ↑200m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Hotel Mon Toc or similar in Stressa
- Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Primavera or similar in Stressa
Day 8: Departure
Departure after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is in small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs or traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms. There are optional upgrades available.
Click to view default hotels
- Locando Grifo (Lenno)
- Casa Banano B&B (Cannero)
- Hotel Mon Toc (Stressa)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view – Comfort option
- Albergo Lenno (Lenno)
- Hotel Pironi (Cannobio)
- Hotel Primavera (Stressa)
Please note, breakfast is not included at Apartment Balbianino, however there are two supermarkets close by and a café.
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included throughout the trip (standard option only). Lunch packs for the next day can be pre-ordered at each accommodation, or purchased along some routes. For dinner, you can visit one of the restaurants in the villages or order from the a la carte menu in your accommodation.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for walkers with a moderate level of fitness; average walking distance is 8 to 12km per day on marked trails and cobbled streets with some elevation gains (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road descriptions, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available departing any day of the week from April till October.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate desired beginning date when booking.
For more information, see our blog on the Best time to go to Italy.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). An alternative airport is Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY).
By train or bus
- From Milan Malpensa airport catch the 474 bus to Como (1h), then either the C10 bus to Lenno (47mins), or the ferry (40mins)
- From Stresa catch the bus (1h18mins – 1 change) to Milan Malpensa Airport, or the bus (1h)
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation
- 7 breakfasts (standard option only)
- Luggage transfers throughout the trip
- Boat tickets – day three (Lenno-Bellagio), day three (Lenno-Bellano + Varenna-Lenno) and day six (Stresa-Borromeo Islands)
- Taxi on day four – Lake Como-Cannobio; on day six – Cannero/Cannobio to Stresa
- Detailed digital holiday information pack, including GPS-checked and regularly updated route notes and GPX tracks. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided locally
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers
- Lunches and dinners
- Land transfers and other public transport
- Boat tickets – day five (Cannobio-Cannero) and day seven (free day)
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Entrance fees for villas, gardens and museums
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- This holiday is available for solo travellers. However, a supplement will be charged as the cost of rooms and also luggage or private transfers (when applicable) is not shared. Please note that solo travellers are always accommodated in their own room. For logistical reasons, we don’t offer an option for solo travellers to share rooms with other solo travellers.
- Extra nights
- Hotel upgrade
- Printed map of Lake Como delivered to your hotel
- Please note that some gardens and villas may be closed in winter, early spring and late autumn. Always check in advance the opening times. We recommend booking tickets for Villa Balbianello online in advance to avoid long queues.
