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

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

6 Days
Easy

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

from £1,160 / person

Overview

This 6-day walk takes in two of northern Italy's most distinctive lakes, moving from the shores of Lake Maggiore to the quiet beauty of Lake Orta, with the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Alps.

The journey begins at Lake Maggiore, where the grand promenade of Stresa and the extraordinary Borromean Islands set the tone for what follows. The path then climbs to the summit of Mottarone mountain at 1,489 metres, where a traditional mountain refuge and a dinner of Italian mountain cuisine reward the ascent with some of the finest views of the Alps available on foot.

The walk concludes at Lake Orta, the smallest and most intimate of the Italian lakes, winding through olive groves, vineyards and quiet villages before arriving in Orta San Giulio. The town sits beside a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sacro Monte of Orta, where 20 intricately decorated chapels tell the life of St Francis of Assisi through frescoes and life-sized statues set within an ancient forest above the lake.

Highlights

  • Enjoy the stunning villages of Stresa, Mottarone and Orta
  • Uncover the natural splendour of Lake Maggiore's pristine waters, majestic Italian Alps and enchanting Riviera ambience
  • Delve into the exquisite Italian gardens and villas after sailing to the Borromean Islands
  • Spend a night in a sanctuary atop Mottarone at 1480m
  • Immerse yourself in the allure of Orta village and its Sacro Monte
  • Discover traditional medieval villages via walks along the lake and mountain trails

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (3 nights), 2-star Hotel (1 night), 1-star hotel (1 night)

Meals

5 breakfasts, and 1 dinner

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • All boat and taxi transfers as described in the itinerary (days 2,3,4 and 5)

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

4

Days on the trail

7-9 km

Daily distance range

200-378 m

Daily ascent range

2/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

This tour takes you through Stresa, Mottarone and Orta, with three-star hotels providing double occupancy rooms and private facilities at each stop. One night is spent in a mountain refuge, an experience shared across both standard and upgraded packages. The refuge is welcoming by nature but simple by design, with basic rooms that reflect what a refuge is meant to be. It is open seven days a week from June to September, and from April to May and October it is closed on Monday nights and all day Tuesday. Hosts across the properties know the region well and are always happy to talk about its history, food and wine. Our team is on hand throughout the walk should you need us.

One thing worth knowing is that Italian hotel ratings do not always match international standards. A three-star property in Italy will often sit closer to a two-star hotel elsewhere and most hotels below four stars do not have air conditioning. B&Bs on this route are simple in style, with some more charming than others and varying room types at different prices.

What You'll Eat

Breakfast kicks off every morning of this tour, with five included across the trip. Dinner on day three at Mottarone is also included. When it comes to lunch and dinner on all other days, this part of Italy rarely disappoints, and your walk notes will arm you with insider tips on where the freshest bread is found, which producers are worth visiting for olive oil and wine, and where to eat well along the route. Your hosts are equally well placed to offer dinner suggestions each evening.

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 starts in Stresa and finishes in Orta San Giulio, on the shores of Lake Maggiore. The most convenient airports are Milan Malpensa (MXP) and Milan Linate (LIN), both with good international connections. From Milan, trains reach Stresa in around 1 to 2 hours. Book Italian rail tickets in advance through Trenitalia.

The walk ends in Orta San Giulio, from where trains connect back to Milan for onward rail and air connections. Remember to stamp your ticket at the platform machine before boarding any train in Italy.

This walk is available from 1 April to 15 October, with no fixed start days. Spring is a fine time to walk, with the Borromean Islands gardens in full bloom and comfortable temperatures for the Mottarone ascent. July and August are warm and sunny; start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms on the higher stages. Autumn brings golden light on the water, chestnut festivals in the lakeside villages and excellent walking conditions. September and October offer quieter trails and a more relaxed pace around both lakes.

This route is graded easy overall, but it's a walk of two distinct halves. Days one and two are properly relaxed, with no set walking on your arrival day and a gentle 7 km amble around the Borromean Islands' shoreline the next. The middle stretch picks up the pace a touch, with short climbs of around 200 m as you head up towards Mottarone and then again around the mountain's summit loop, though nothing beyond 9 km in a day. The final full walking day, out to Pella and Ronco, brings the trip's biggest elevation change at 400 m up and down, on a semi-mountainous path through forest and small villages. Expect a mix of lakeside paths, forest trails and some rockier, uneven ground underfoot, so ankle support and a stable pair of walking shoes go a long way here.

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