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Lake Como and Lake Maggiore - 8 Days
ItalyLake Como & Maggiore

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore - 8 Days

8 Days
Easy

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore - 8 Days

from £1,325 / person

Overview

With the Alps as a backdrop and two of Italy's most celebrated lakes to explore, this walk takes in a region that has captivated travellers for centuries. Based in authentic villa accommodation throughout, walkers discover landscapes accessible only on foot, moving between vineyards, olive groves and the magnificent botanical gardens that line the shores of both lakes.

Lake Como sets the tone, with its sumptuous villa gardens at Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbaniello and Villa Melzi among the finest in Italy. The journey then continues to Lake Maggiore, where the extraordinary Borromean Islands rise from the water in a setting that feels genuinely unlike anywhere else in Europe.

Highlights

  • The stunning villages of Lenno, Cannero and Stressa
  • Uncover the natural splendour of Lake Como's pristine waters, majestic Italian Alps and enchanting Riviera ambience
  • Delve into the exquisite Italian gardens of Carlotta and Balbianello
  • Visit Stresa and its majestic architecture and the elegance of Cannobio, with its picturesque narrow streets.
  • Discover traditional medieval villages via walks along beautiful lake and mountain trails
  • Sail to the Borromean Islands and soak up the breathtaking views

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (3 nights), B&B (2 nights), 2-star Hotel (2 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Boat Ride
  • Taxi Transfer

Guidance & Support

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

How We Rate This Walk

1

Stroll Walking Grade

Easy

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

Flat, easy paths with minimal exertion. Perfect for those who prefer a relaxed pace with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

2-10 km

Daily distance range

19-494 m

Daily ascent range

2/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

During this tour, you will stay in double occupancy rooms with private facilities in Lenno, Cannero and Stresa. Every property is well used to receiving walkers and the hosts are knowledgeable about the region. They are always happy to talk about its history, food and wine.

It is worth noting that Italian hotel ratings do not always correspond to international standards. A three-star hotel in Italy will often sit closer to a two-star property by international comparison and most hotels below four stars do not have air conditioning. B&Bs on this route are simple in style though some carry real charm, with varying room types and prices. For upgraded accommodation please see the Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in Style walk option.

What You'll Eat

Breakfast is included on all seven mornings of the trip, giving you a solid start before each day on the trail. Lunch and dinner are yours to discover, and the towns along the lakes offer plenty of good options for both. Cafes and food stores are easy to come by for lunch, and your hosts will happily provide a list of dinner recommendations each evening. Your walk notes will include insider tips on where to find the freshest bread and where to taste local olive oil and wine along the way.

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

Your walk begins in Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como. Once you arrive, take some time to explore the gardens of Villa Balbianello, once home to a Milanese industrialist and adventurer. Book your entrance ticket online in advance to skip the queue. Depending on when you get in, ease into the trip with a wander through the village or a swim at the small pebble beach on the lakefront.

The walk finishes in Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Take a relaxed final breakfast and one last stroll along the lakeshore before you head off to your next stop.

This walk is available from 1 April to 20 October, with no fixed start days. Some gardens and villas are still closed in early spring, so departures from late April onwards offer the fullest experience. Late April and May are particularly special, with wisteria in bloom at Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero and comfortable temperatures for walking. On Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands gardens are stunning in spring, with camellias and azaleas at their peak. July and August are warm and sunny but busy; early booking is essential. September is many walkers' favourite month, with warm days and golden light on the water. October brings autumn colour and a peaceful atmosphere as the season closes.

This walk is graded easy. Daily walks average 9 kilometres, making this a very accessible walking holiday. Good, comfortable walking boots are recommended. A regular walking routine of two to three times per week in the months before departure 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