Overview
One of the world’s most exquisite landscapes is Italy’s enchanting Lake District, beloved by poets, writers, and artists since the days of the Roman Empire. Your Private Journey in this incredibly scenic setting brings you to verdant mountains sheltering gleaming deep blue lakes, captivating towns like Varenna spilling down the hillsides, and to Bellagio’s opulent villas and gardens with rose-laden promenades. Explore the environs of four of these magical lakes—Como, Lugano, Maggiore, and serene Orta—as you hike age-old paths to hidden stone villages with tiny chapels, boat to Isola Bella, with its magnificent palatial villa (with an overnight at neighboring Isola dei Pescatori), and hike high above the lakes for unforgettable top-of-the-world views of the Alps—É perfezione!
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Varenna / Villa Balbianello / Bellagio
In Varenna, a beguiling town of pastel-colored houses hugging the shores of Lake Como, explore the medieval Castle of Vezio, once a Roman fortress, and the Villa Balbianello, with its exquisite gardens and fascinating artifacts. Ferrying across Lake Como, walk through the lakeside Villa Melzi estate and botanical garden, then to the port of Loppia where you can see the last gondola left on the lake—a historic cargo boat that's 160 years old! Following trails through quaint villages, end your walk in the fishing hamlet of Pescallo, then transfer to nearby Chevrio for a wonderful “rustic foods” lunch of mountain specialties, followed by an exploration of Bellagio, a storybook town of gracious villas and terraced gardens.
Days 3-4
San Salvatore / Cannobio / Carmine Superiore
A funicular brings you to the top of San Salvatore, 3,000 feet above Lugano, with magnificent views of the Swiss and Savoy Alps (and in clear weather, Lakes Como, Lugano, Maggiore, and Varese). From the top, hike through forests and meadows to Carona, with its historic center and delightful botanical gardens. After exploring Cannobio and its beautiful waterfront promenade, hike to Carmine Superiore, a tiny medieval village accessible only on foot.
Days 5-6
Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori / Mottarone Mountains / Orta San Giulio
Visit the splendid Villa Borromeo on Isola Bella, and walk the cobbled alleys and seaside promenade of Isola dei Pescatori, with an overnight right on the island. In the Mottarone Mountains, enjoy a loop hike with 360-degree views of the Alps, including Monte Rosa, Monviso, and the Jungfrau in Switzerland.
Days 7-9
Orta San Giulio
From Orta San Giulio, a jewel of a town set on tranquil Lake Orta, hike on an ancient footpath through villages on the slopes of Monte Alto, passing farmhouses, a 13th century tower, and the impressive Villa Broglio, followed by a memorable lunch at the family-run Luigi Guffanti cheese grottoes. Your last hike brings you along historic paths beneath old chestnut trees and through pristine villages that look as if they came straight out of a painting. Depart on Day 9.
Italy's Lake District Private Journey
Highlights
Highlights
Details
A mix of moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike).
