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Lake Como & The Villa Gardens in Style – 7 Days
ItalyLake Como & Maggiore

Lake Como & The Villa Gardens in Style – 7 Days

7 Days
Easy to Moderate

Lake Como & The Villa Gardens in Style – 7 Days

from £1,060 / person

Overview

The Italian Lakes have drawn visitors since Roman times, and walking remains the finest way to experience a region where the most rewarding landscapes are accessible only on foot. Lake Como in particular has long been a favoured destination, its shores lined with magnificent villas and botanical gardens that have captivated travellers for centuries.

This walk is built around flexibility, offering a selection of five routes that allow walkers to explore the lake and its surroundings at their own pace. The villa gardens are a highlight throughout, with Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbaniello, Villa Melzi and Villa Monastero among the stops along the way. The walking moves between orchards and olive groves, clifftop paths with panoramic lake views and the charming villages that line the shore, including Bellagio, described by composer Gabriel Fauré as one of the most voluptuous sites in Italy.

Each evening the walk returns to the 4-star Albergo Lenno, positioned directly on the lakeshore and a refined base from which to explore one of Italy's most celebrated regions. The Antica Strada Regina, an ancient Roman pathway running along the western bank of the lake, is among the most memorable stages of the journey.

Highlights

  • Spend 6 nights in 3 or 4-star accommodation on the promenade in the awe-inspiring village of Lenno
  • Uncover the natural splendour of Lake Como's pristine waters, majestic Italian Alps and enchanting Riviera ambience
  • Delve into the exquisite Italian gardens inclusive of Villa Carlotta, Melzi and Balbaniello
  • Enjoy multiple boat cruises to different towns with breathtaking views
  • Discover traditional medieval villages via beautiful walks along the lake and mountain trails

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

4-star Hotel (6 nights)

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Boat Ride
  • Luggage Transfers

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

2

Stroll Walking Grade

Easy to Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Mostly flat terrain with some gentle inclines. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness who enjoys walking.

View Fitness Guide

5

Days on the trail

8-11 km

Daily distance range

176-600 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

During this tour, you will stay at four-star hotels in double occupancy rooms with private facilities, all located on the promenade and well suited to walkers. Hosts are knowledgeable about the region and happy to talk about its history, food and wine at any point during your stay. Our team remains on hand should you need anything while on the trail.

One thing worth knowing is that Italian hotel ratings do not always align with international standards. A three-star property here will often be closer to a two-star hotel elsewhere and most hotels below four stars do not have air conditioning.

What You'll Eat

Each of the six mornings begins with breakfast before you head out on the trail. Lunch and dinner are best explored at your own pace, and Lake Como gives you plenty of good options for both. Cafes and food stores are easy to find for lunch, and your hosts will offer a list of dinner recommendations each evening so you can choose wherever takes your fancy. Your walk notes will include insider tips on where to find the freshest bread and where to taste local olive oil and wine.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

More About This Trip

The walk both starts and finishes in Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como. The most convenient airports are Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Linate (LIN), both with good international connections. From Milan, trains reach Como San Giovanni in around 40 minutes, from where buses and ferries connect to Lenno. Book Italian rail tickets in advance through Trenitalia.

As the walk returns to Lenno, the same connections apply for departure. Remember to stamp your ticket at the platform machine before boarding any train in Italy.

This walk is available from 19 March to 8 October, with no fixed start days. The season opens just as the villa gardens come back to life. Late April and May are particularly special, with wisteria in bloom at Villa Monastero and Villa Carlotta and comfortable temperatures for walking. July and August are warm and sunny but the lakeside towns are busy and early booking is essential. September is many walkers' favourite month, with warm days, quieter promenades and golden light on the water. October brings autumn colour to the hillsides and a more peaceful atmosphere as the season closes.

The terrain is rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy walking boots with good ankle support and reliable grip are essential. Trekking poles are worth considering for added stability.

Distance and elevation demands are both modest. A regular walking routine with some longer walks incorporated for cardiovascular fitness, alongside strength and balance exercises such as squats, lunges, and single-leg stands, is sufficient preparation. Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

A detailed information pack and itinerary will be sent to you around six weeks before departure, covering everything you need to know for a seamless experience. In the meantime, our team is always on hand to answer any questions.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

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1Out of season
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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.

Want to Know More?

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