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Lake Como & Maggiore
Italy

Lake Como & Maggiore

Walk the shores of two of Italy's most celebrated lakes, exploring grand botanical gardens, ancient mule paths and charming lakeside villages against a backdrop of the Alps.

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  • 30+ Years Experience
  • Pack-Free Walking
  • Self-Guided Itineraries
  • Comfortable Accommodation
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Overview

The Italian Lakes have been drawing travellers for centuries, and on foot is still the finest way to experience them. Lake Como, often called the jewel of the Italian lakes, sets the tone from the start. Trails wind through olive groves and vineyards above the water, passing the sumptuous gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi, while ferries connect the lakefront villages of Bellagio, Varenna and Lenno in between walking days.

Lake Maggiore offers a different but equally compelling character. Ancient mule paths lead through medieval villages like Carmine Superiore, panoramic trails trace the hillsides above the water and the fairy-tale Borromean Islands, with their baroque palaces and botanical gardens, make for one of the most memorable days in northern Italy.

The walking here suits a broad range of abilities, with mostly gentle terrain and lake views at every turn. The Alps provide a dramatic backdrop throughout, and the combination of history, gardens, good food and shimmering water makes this one of the most quietly rewarding walking destinations in Europe.

Available Strolls

colorful old town street in Bellagio city, Italy LAke Como
Self-Guided

Lake Como & The Villa Gardens in Style – 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
2
From£1,060
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luxury villa Monastero lake Como, Varenna Lombardy region Italy
Self-Guided

Lake Como & The Villa Gardens – 7 Days

Duration7 days
Walking Grade
2
From£745
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Stresa town.Maggiore lake with Bella island Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Italy, Europe.
Self-Guided

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Mottarone Mountain in Style - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
1
From£1,160
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Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Mottarone Mountain - 6 Days
Self-Guided

Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and Mottarone Mountain - 6 Days

Duration6 days
Walking Grade
1
From£855
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Villa Carlotta LAke Como
Self-Guided

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in Style - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
1
From£1,970
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Lake Como Ossuccio Bellagio, Church of the Madonna del Socco, in autumn.
Self-Guided

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore - 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
1
From£1,325
View Stroll

The Lake Como & Maggiore experience

Wonder
Explore the sumptuous villa gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello, and Villa Melzi at Lake Como
Discover the fairy-tale Borromean Islands on the enchanting waters of Lake Maggiore
Ascend Mottarone mountain at 1,489 metres for panoramic views over the Alps and multiple lakes
Wellness
Walking trails link lakeside villages that can only be reached on foot, away from the tourist crowds
Ancient mule tracks and lakeside paths connect villa gardens, medieval churches, and mountain refuges
The perfect climate, mild and sheltered by the Alps, makes walking here a year-round pleasure
Nature
Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta each offer a distinct character under the same Alpine backdrop
Walk above turquoise lake waters surrounded by lush hillside gardens and majestic mountain peaks
Vineyards and olive groves on the lower hillsides give way to chestnut forest and alpine meadow higher up
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Local recommendations are coming soon.

Lake Como & Maggiore reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

The Lake Como walks start in various towns around the lake, depending on your chosen itinerary. The closest airports are Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, and Bergamo, all of which have good train connections to the region. Flying into Milan and taking a train is the most straightforward option.

Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations on most days, so you only need to carry a daypack on the trail. On the occasional day when a transfer is not included, you'll take your bag with you on the train. Make sure your luggage is clearly labelled with your name at all times.

You'll stay in a mix of 3 and 4-star hotels and charming guesthouses, all chosen for their local character and lakeside setting. Rooms have private ensuite bathrooms and a continental breakfast is included each morning. WiFi is available at all accommodations, though speeds may vary in more remote villages. Note that air conditioning is not standard in most properties, so pack and plan accordingly if you're travelling in summer.

Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are your own to organise. The Lake Como region is wonderful for food — local cured lake fish, fresh pasta, cheese, cured meats, and excellent regional wines are all worth seeking out. Some accommodations can also prepare a picnic lunch on request if you'd prefer to eat on the trail.

Italy uses the Euro. Cards are widely accepted, but it's worth carrying cash as some smaller villages along the route don't have ATMs. Stock up in larger towns before heading out for the day.

Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation in Italy, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount for good service is always appreciated.

A daypack of around 20 to 30 litres is ideal. Pack your rain jacket, a warm layer, two to three litres of water, snacks, sunscreen, a basic first aid kit, and your walk notes and maps. Water can be scarce on some sections of the trail, so carry enough for the full day and don't rely on refilling from rivers or streams unless a sign confirms the water is drinkable. Walking poles are highly recommended — the terrain involves plenty of ups and downs, and some sections can be slippery.

The Italian Lakes have a famously mild climate, protected from the north by the Alps and warm enough for Mediterranean vegetation to thrive. Shoulder season — spring and autumn — is the best time for walking. Summer can be warm and humid, and in late spring you may occasionally encounter snow at higher elevations. A waterproof jacket is worth having regardless of the season.

Let us know about any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking so we can inform your hosts. If your requirements are severe, it's worth stocking up on supplementary snacks before heading out on the trail — availability can be limited in smaller villages.

The Lake Como region is rich with historic churches, lavish villas, and manicured gardens. When visiting churches, dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered is the standard expectation across Italy. Villa entrance fees are generally not included in the trip package, so budget accordingly and book popular spots like Villa Balbianello in advance to avoid queues.

Yes, and it is a condition of booking. Your policy must cover injury, cancellation, luggage loss, and medical evacuation. All health care in Italy, including helicopter rescue from the trail, is chargeable, and you will be expected to settle any bills before leaving the country.

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