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

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in Style - 8 Days

8 Days
Easy

Lake Como and Lake Maggiore in Style - 8 Days

from $3,600 / person

Overview

This 8-day walk takes in two of northern Italy's most celebrated lakes, moving between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore with the Alps as a constant backdrop. The first half of the journey explores the shores of Lake Como from the village of Lenno, with the magnificent villa gardens of Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbaniello and Villa Melzi among the highlights.

The walk then transfers to Lake Maggiore, where ancient mule paths wind through medieval villages above the water before arriving in Stresa. The journey concludes with a boat crossing to the extraordinary Borromean Islands, where a 17th-century palace, botanical gardens and a picturesque fishing village provide one of the most memorable finales of any walking itinerary in Italy.

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

4-star Hotel (3 nights), 3-star Hotel (4 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • All boat and taxi transfers as described in the itinerary (days 2,3,4 and 6)

Guidance & Support

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

How We Rate This Walk

1

Auswalk 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

5-10 km

Daily distance range

176-300 m

Daily ascent range

5/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

This tour takes you through Lenno, Cannero and Stresa, with three and four-star hotels providing double occupancy rooms and private facilities at every stop. The hosts are well versed in the region and genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of its history, food and wine. Our team is always reachable should you need anything during the walk.

Before you travel, it is worth knowing that Italian hotel ratings operate differently from international standards. A three-star property here will often sit closer to a two-star hotel by global comparison and most hotels below four stars do not have air conditioning.

What You'll Eat

Every morning of this tour starts with a proper breakfast, included on all seven days of the walk. For lunch and dinner, the lakeside towns along this route are well worth exploring at the table, and your walk notes will include insider tips on where to find the freshest bread, where to taste local olive oil and wine, and the best places to eat along the way. Your hosts will also happily provide a list of restaurant recommendations 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 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 26 March to 20 October, with no fixed start days. Some gardens and villas are still closed in early spring; late April onwards offers the fullest experience. Late April and May are particularly special, with wisteria in bloom and comfortable temperatures for walking. On Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands gardens are stunning in spring. 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 10 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

September 2026

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Available
Limited
Unavailable
Out of season

Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Lake Como & Maggiore reviews

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Robyn W
July 2026

All arrangements worked out fine and it was a great trip. We thoroughly enjoyed our hiking of the Italian Lakes. We noticed Auswalk hikers when we were doing the Kumono Kodo walk last year, hence booked with you. All the arrangements were excellent and we can highly recommend Auswalk as great value for money.

Ann S
June 2026

We enjoyed the hotels - they were unique, very clean and comfortable. Also, they were away from the crowds. The weather was unseasonally hot, and we discovered air conditioners frequently do not work. Breakfasts were great. Lenno was the perfect spot to stay for hiking.

Angela M
May 2026

Lovely, straightforward walks. We moved the walks around to suit the (rainy!) weather without any problems with the ferry vouchers. Recommend the Orrido in Bellagio - very impressive (probably due to the rain!). Lenno doesn't have too many eating options for dinner, although we found the nearby Golfo bar/restaurant to be very good, and open all day (the service got much friendlier after our 2nd visit!).

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