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Como, Maggiore & Orta

Italian Lakes Cultural Walking Tour

6 DaysStarting at $6,495
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Overview

A Renaissance mirage, the villa floats on a mirror-smooth lake. It’s morning. The mountains that slide into the water are still hidden in deep blue shadows, except the peaks high above that are tipped in apricot alpenglow. Italy’s Lake District always makes us poetic, and this Classic Journeys cultural walking tour visits the three most inspiring lakes: Como, Maggiore and Orta. Since the Roman emperors, these gracious waterside resorts have drawn visitors. The climate is mild, loaded with the vibrant colors of Alpine wildflowers and lush semi-tropical gardens. Leisurely cruises lead to fine villas, palaces and fishing villages. Our footpaths traverse mountaintop meadows and often hug the crystal clear waters. They lead you on foot to local friends who are passionate ‘makers’ of olive oil, wine and cheese. Nowhere else does stunning scenery, mellow air and rich history come together with such memorable results.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

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• Settle into your perfectly-sited lakeside hotel in Bellagio, the storybook heart of Como.

• Cruise privately to Villa del Balbianello for a behind-the-scenes, garden-filled visit.

• Walk scenic footpaths through vineyards and olive groves to private tastings — your own master class with the ‘makers’.

• Enjoy a wildflower walk and lakeside gelato.

• Stroll the palm-lined promenades of Stresa and unwind in your historic lakeside hotel.

• Board a launch to atmospheric San Giulio island and its thousand-year-old monastery.

• Explore the palaces and baroque gardens of the Borromean Islands, pausing for lunch on Isola dei Pescatori.

• Walk bridle trails past silvery olive groves to a welcoming cheesemaker for a farmstead tasting.

Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Milan – 10:30 am – Lobby of Sina Hotel De La Ville

  • Ending Point:

    Milan – 1:00 pm – Milan Central Train Station
Itinerary Map

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Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-7 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Bellagio, Orta and Stresa, as well as well-maintained countryside and lakeside trails, vineyard and shepherds’ paths of compressed dirt and stone. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain with some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have and the lower your price. Secure your spot with a deposit of just $500 per person at the time of reservation. Plus, you can always change your mind — there’s no fee to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees

The Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées is a historic and luxurious hotel located on the scenic shores of Lake Maggiore. Decorated in Art Nouveau style, this upscale property has a new spa and wellness center, as well as indoor and outdoor pools.

Belvedere Bellagio Hotel

The Belvedere Bellagio is a beautiful hotel on Lake Como that has been family-owned and operated since 1880. Enjoy the breathtaking lake views, stroll the landscaped gardens, and indulge in the spa, sauna, and heated swimming pool during your stay.

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is one of the most prestigious historic hotels in the area and the only 5-star luxury hotel in Bellagio. Enjoy the modern amenities and upscale accommodations at the best-loved village around Lake Como.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, one lunch, and three dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, “Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.” Here’s what that access means for you on the Italian Lakes journey
  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day you join your expert guide on Italy’s most cinematic footpaths: walking through Montevecchia’s terraced vineyards to a family winery, along Lake Como’s shoreline beneath the cypress, ascending from olive groves to panoramic mountain meadows, and strolling the flower-filled formal gardens of Villa Melzi and Isola Bella.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our guides are locals who walk with you into artisan workshops in Como, introduce you to wine- and olive-oil makers, and bring centuries of living history to life—from Roman silk routes to the contemporary craft traditions of Bellagio.
  • Small Groups = Unrivaled Access and Flexibility. With an average of just 10 guests per tour (never more than 18) and an average 1:8 guest-to-guide ratio, our small group size ensures personalized attention and unrivaled access to exclusive experiences—whether it’s sharing olive oil tastings at a working mill, private entry at Villa del Balbianello, or insider visits with the ‘makers’ at family farms.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Each night, you unwind at elegant lakeside properties—like our historic hotel in Bellagio, owned by generations of the same family, or your boutique hotel perched above the sparkling waters of Lake Maggiore in Stresa.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Throughout your journey, you sample Lombardy’s renowned cheeses and risottos in family-run trattorias, enjoy home-style lunches beside vineyard rows, and share al fresco gelato breaks—getting a true taste of regional specialties and time-honored recipes.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. Every walk and maker encounter is uniquely curated: you’ll boat to the monastery on San Giulio Island, meet the cheesemaking Alfredo and learn ancient traditions, taste your way through olive mills, and enjoy guided explorations of bell towers, palaces, and secret gardens.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. Every experience is built around relationships: from Giordano and Mina’s sustainable wine practices to Stresa’s multi-generational restaurants, your trip directly benefits local families and artisans, helping sustain the beauty and traditions of Italy’s Lake District for future generations.

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FAQs

What makes Classic Journeys’ Italian Lakes cultural walking tour better than typical coach-based trips?

Classic Journeys’ Italian Lakes tour invites you to amble at your own pace through lakeside villages, botanical gardens, and villa estates rather than being confined to buses and packed schedules. With private boat rides, exclusive garden visits, and intimate culinary experiences, your journey feels more like a curated story than a checklist and becomes deeply immersive. And in the company of an expert local guide, you’ll see the hidden gems of the area and meet locals that you would never have access to from a large group or tour bus.

Which lakes and towns are included?

You’ll explore Lake Como with Bellagio and the iconic Villa del Balbianello, Lake Maggiore’s elegant Stresa and the lush Borromean Islands, and the tranquil Lake Orta and its fairytale island San Giulio. Each destination offers shimmering water views, historic charm, and postcard-perfect walks in the company of your expert local guide.

How much walking is there per day?

Expect 2 to 7 gentle miles daily, on varied terrain including cobblestone village streets, lakeside promenades, vineyard trails, and rustic shepherds’ paths. Your walk is always curated for comfort, scenic beauty, and cultural discovery, on foot at eye level.

How much time is spent on the water?

While on tour, you’ll spend balanced time on land and on the water, including scenic ferry rides on Lakes Como, Maggiore, and Orta, plus motor-launch crossings to islands like San Giulio. These leisurely rides on the lake add tranquility and beauty, perfectly balancing your walking days and allowing you to soak in the lakeside from another perspective.

How suitable is the Italian Lakes for multigenerational travelers?

The Italian Lakes are great region to explore for multigenerational travelers—combining gentle walks, engaging cultural activities, and leisure time to suit every age. The route’s varied pace and accessible terrain make it ideal for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike in this scenic region of Italy.

How are logistics handled in the Italian Lakes?

The trip starts and ends in Milan, with all ferries, scenic train rides, and local transfers included. Throughout your lakeside journey, upon arrival at our boutique properties, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.

What is the best time to visit the Italian Lakes?

The Italian Lakes is a stunning region of Italy that is perfect to visit from April through October with late spring (May-June) and autumn (September- October) being the prime time to explore, offering vibrant gardens, clear lake colors, and stunning alpenglow on the mountains. Each month we offer tours to the Italian Lakes allows for scenic walks and exploration on foot at eye level.