Self-guided trip

Orta, Maggiore and Como, the pearls of Italy's lakes

At the majestic gateway to the Alps, an enchanting journey unfolds, revealing the undisputed treasures of northern Italy's three magnificent lakes. Our journey begins with the grandeur of Lake Maggiore, where the Borromean Islands will capture your imagination. Then we'll delve into the intimacy of Lake Orta, before succumbing to the bewitching charm of Lake Como, a true jewel among Italian lakes.
You'll explore breathtaking vistas on panoramic hikes set against the backdrop of the most beautiful peaks in the Alps.
You'll feel transported back in time as you follow ancient paths winding through picturesque villages and period chapels. Romantic villas and botanical gardens punctuate your journey, adding a touch of elegance to your adventure.

ITALY - Italian lakes

from 620 €

6 days

5 nights

5 activities days

Next departure on 15-03-2025

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Code: ITAENL03

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Day by day program

Day 1: Lake Maggiore - Santa Caterina del Sasso hermitage

Arrive in Stresa and check into your hotel for 2 nights. Depending on your arrival time, you can take the boat (round trip not included) to the 13th-century hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, clinging to the cliff and offering an exceptional view of the lake.

ACCOMMODATION: Hotel***.

Day 2: Borromean Islands

The day begins with a boat trip to the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre. During this visit, we'll discover the magnificent Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella, where we'll marvel at the sumptuous rooms and terraced gardens that surround it. Isola Madre, meanwhile, reveals its dazzling natural beauty, with exotic botanical gardens to explore and a historic palace rich in history.
At the end of the day, we return to Stresa.

HIKING TIME: 3h
BOAT TIME: 2h
ACCOMMODATION : in a*** hotel

Day 3: Motarrone - Lake Orta

The day begins with a transfer with your vehicle to Granerolo to begin a short loop to the summit of the Mottarone, which rises to 1491 meters above sea level. Up here, a spectacular view awaits us, offering a 360-degree panorama encompassing the majestic Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and the imposing peaks of Monte Rosa and Monte Viso in the distance.
After admiring these enchanting landscapes, we begin our descent to the shores of Lake Orta.
The day continues with a boat trip to the island of San Giulio. The island boasts an ancient abbey, winding streets and a peaceful atmosphere.
Transfer with your vehicle to Lenno on Lake Como.

HIKING TIME: 3h
DISTANCE: 6 km
ASCENSION: + 310 m
DESCENT: - 310 m
BOAT TIME: 30 MIN.
CAR TIME: 2h15
ACCOMMODATION: bed & breakfast or hotel, depending on version chosen

Day 4: Villa Carlotta - Bellagio

Depart by boat for Villa Carlotta.

Visit the Italian terraced gardens and the English garden with its voluptuous perspectives. The Villa itself boasts a rich interior adorned with neoclassical works of art.

Next, a boat trip to the village of Ballagio. Depart for a balcony hike overlooking the lake and the foothills of Mount San Primo, on a loop circuit with beautiful views of Lake Como.

On the way back, we'll finish in style with a visit to Bellagio and the gardens of Villa Melzi.

Return to Lenno by boat.

HIKING TIME: 3h30
ASCENSION: + 300 m
DESCENT: - 300 m
BOAT TIME: 1h
ACCOMMODATION: bed & breakfast or hotel, depending on option chosen

Day 5: Bellano - Varenna

Crossing by boat to Bellano.
Start hiking along the Sentiero del Viandante to Varenna. This hike takes us through lush green slopes, offering enchanting panoramas of Lake Como along the way, before leading us to Varenna, a charming romantic village of colorful houses.
From Varenna, we return by boat to Lenno.

HIKING TIME: 4h
ASCENSION: + 300 m
DESCENT: - 300 m
BOAT TIME: 1h45
ACCOMMODATION: B&B or hotel, depending on version chosen

Day 6: Villa Balbianello

Breakfast in your accommodation, then off to visit the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. This villa is nestled on the peninsula of the Gulf of Venus, in an exceptional setting on the shores of Lake Como. Free visit of the villa's gardens.

End of your stay.

Vehicle required for this stay: we can reserve a rental car for you (please contact us for rates).

Opening hours of villas and gardens (subject to change):
Villa Balbianello - Lenno: early January to mid-December - except Mondays/Wednesdays/Public Holidays
Villa Carlotta - Tremezzo: mid-March to early November
Villa Melzi (gardens) - Bellagio: late March to late October
Villa Monastero (gardens) and Castello Vezio - Varenna: March to late October

Dates and prices

Departures possible every day from 15 March to 5 November

Standard version in hotel*** in Stresa and bed and breakfast in Lenno :

€620 per person.

Superior version in hotel*** in Stresa and hotel*** in Tremezzo :

€740 per person.

Options available:

Standard single accommodation: €250 for 5 nights

Comfort accommodation for individuals: €300 for 5 nights

Presentation and details of accommodation in the "accommodation" section of the fact sheet.

The price includes

Travel documents,

Accommodation in a room for 2, night and breakfast,

The following boat crossings:

Day 2: boat crossing from Stresa between the Borromean Islands,
Day 3: return boat trip from Orta San Giulio to the island of San Giulio,
Day 4: Crossing by boat from Lenno - Villa Carlotta - Bellagio - Lenno
Day 5: Crossing by boat from Lenno - Bellano - Varenna - Lenno

The price doesn't include

Insurance,

tourist taxes,

Transport to and from the meeting point,

Visits,

Entrance fees to the Borromean Islands,

Transfers other than those mentioned in the price,

Dinners,

lunches,

Drinks,

Single room option

Car hire, if required.

Personalize your trip

Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.

Technical sheet

Level

1 to 4 hours maximum walking per day. Low gradient. No specific training required.

Accommodation

Accommodation in standard rooms

Standard version

2 nights*** hotel in Stresa

3 nights B&B in Lenno

A small, family-run hotel where life is good. Just 150 meters from the lake, the hotel has 7 rooms, a garden and a restaurant/trattoria serving typical regional dishes. Everything here invites you to discover and savor the gentle Italian way of life that emanates from this territory. Small beach on the lake nearby, at the end of the promenade. Public parking lot next to the hotel (not reservable).
If not available, you can stay in a hotel or B&B in Lenno or Cadenabbia.

Superior version

2 nights hotel*** in Stresa

3 nights hotel*** in Tremezzo

The hotel has 39 soundproofed rooms, all with balcony or small garden, equipped with the best comforts: air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TV, safe, minibar, private bathroom with hairdryer. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and private parking for cars and buses.

Internal transfers

Transfers included:

Day 2: boat transfer from Stresa between the Borromean islands,

D3: return boat crossing from Orta San Giulio to the island of San Giulio.

D4 Boat crossing from Lenno to Villa Carlotta

D4 Crossing by boat from Villa Carlotta to Bellagio

D4 Crossing by boat from Bellagio to Lenno

J5 Crossing by boat from Lenno to Bellano
J5 Crossing by boat from Varenna to Lenno

Baggage carrying

Luggage transport provided by you.

Group

Minimum 2 people.

Management

There is no guide on this trip.

Before your departure, we will give you a road book specially designed for this tour, with precise instructions to enable you to explore and hike in complete freedom.

To fully enjoy and appreciate your hiking trip, you must be able to ensure your autonomy in the field with our road book.

Hiking folder

Travel documents will be sent to your home address before your departure.

They include :
- the road book with a technical description of your hikes
- the vouchers you need for your trip

Welcome

At the hotel in Stresa, rooms are available in the afternoon.

Getting here :

If you're coming by train, Milano Centrale station or Milano Porta Garibaldi station in Milan are the most convenient places to rent a car.
Useful info: www.sncf.fr ; www.trenitalia.com

If you're coming by car: drive to Milan, then up to Lake Maggiore. Itineraries available at www.mappy.fr or www.viamichelin.fr
Parking available in the hotel parking lot.

Dispersion

End of stay on day 5 in Lenno or Tremezzo in the afternoon.

Individual equipment

Luggage

You should pack all your belongings in 2 bags: 1 rucksack and 1 large soft travel bag.

1 - The rucksack :
A hiking rucksack with a capacity of around 35 litres, it will be useful for carrying your personal belongings during the day.

2 - The large, flexible travel bag:
This should hold the rest of your belongings. You'll find it every evening. Star accommodation.

Clothing

- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 scarf
- 1 hat and/or headband
- T-shirts (1 for 2 or 3 days' walking). Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry; prefer short-sleeved T-shirts (breathable material) in Capilene (Patagonia), Dryflo (Lowe Alpine), Light Effect (Odlo) etc...
- 1 undershirt (notes as above) or long-sleeved shirt
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of trekking trousers
- 1 pair of comfortable evening trousers
- 1 light, simple Gore-tex jacket
- 1 rain cape (optional)
- 1 swimming costume
- Underwear
- Walking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days' walking). Avoid tennis socks (cotton), which take a long time to dry and carry a high risk of blisters; prefer Coolmax socks, for example.
- 1 pair of hiking boots with good ankle support (Vibram-type soles)
- 1 pair of sandals or casual shoes for the evening.

The clothing list should be adapted to suit the chosen season.

Equipment

- 1 pair of high quality sunglasses
- 1 pair of telescopic poles (optional): make ascents and descents easier and are very useful on rough or slippery terrain
- 1 water bottle (1 litre minimum)
- 1 compass
- 1 pocket knife (to be packed in checked baggage)
- Toiletries: preferably biodegradable products
- 1 bath towel
- Earplugs (optional)
- Sun cream + lip balm.

Personal pharmacy

- Your usual medicines
- Pain medication: preferably paracetamol
- Elastic adhesive tape (Elastoplast type, 6 cm wide)
- Set of adhesive dressings + disinfectant pads
- Double skin (available in sports shops, chemists, drugstores, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent (optional).