DAY 1
Arrival Day - Lake Orta; 2 miles, easy
Upon meeting in Milan, we drive to Orta San Giulio and explore the charming village and its interesting architecture. We follow the pilgrim’s way to the plateau of the Sacro Monte, a unique site with 20 Baroque chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. From this vantage point, we survey the lake and the islet of San Giulio, set against the striking backdrop of forests and granite outcroppings. Wandering back towards the village along cobblestone paths, we come to the lakeshore with its picturesque fishing boats and narrow streets. Our hotel overlooks the jewel-like lake. In the evening the setting is particularly enchanting, with the dramatic medieval basilica of the Isola San Giulio illuminated against the night sky. Our welcome drink in a typical wine bar is a first taste of the renowned wines of the Piedmont region.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio

DAY 2
Orta - Pella - Isola San Giulio; 6½ miles, moderate with an initial 25-minute, steep ascent, and elevation gain of approximately 800 feet
We begin the day with a boat ride to Pella, situated on the western side of Lake Orta. From here we begin a walk to hillside hamlets along centuries-old stone pathways. In this mystical setting, punctuated by small altars and chapels, we feel as though we have stepped back in time, when these pathways were main thoroughfares. In the afternoon, we travel a short distance by boat to Isola San Giulio, named for the 4th-century Saint Julius who brought Christianity to the region. Here on this tiny island, we visit the renowned 12th-century Basilica di San Giulio and stroll under ancient stone arches. Dinner in a cozy trattoria awaits us with regional specialties such as mushroom risotto and grilled lamb.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio


DAY 3
Orta - Armeno - Coiromonte - Gignese; 5½-mile, 8-mile, or 10-mile options, moderate to challenging, elevation gains range from 700-1,500 feet
Leaving Lake Orta we ascend to a plateau for an inspiring, panoramic view over the lake, the island, and the spectacular scene of yesterday’s walk. Alternately ascending and descending through forests and tiered hillside pastures, we arrive in the village of Armeno for a late-morning coffee. You may choose to continue through this pastoral landscape, climbing to the village of Coiromonte, which marks the highest point of today’s walk. Here, we partake in a picnic lunch of local salami and cheese, prosciutto, olives, and fresh bread. From this point at 2,600 feet we descend in the direction of the town of Gignese on the watershed separating Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. From the pleasant resort town of Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, we take a short boat ride to tiny Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island), where we are welcomed by the staff of our charming hotel, spectacularly situated in the middle of the lake. Weather permitting, we dine al fresco on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sparkling lights of nearby islands and passing ferry boats.
Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori


DAY 4
Lake Maggiore exploration: Borromean Isles; Mount Mottarone and/or Villa Taranto; 2-4 miles, easy
Today’s itinerary offers several choices to explore Lake Maggiore and its surroundings. In the morning we focus on the Borromean Isles, the tiny archipelago formed by Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella, and Isola Madre. On Isola Bella we visit a 17th-century palace with opulent sculpted gardens. Following a guided tour you have several options to choose from. One is the third Borromean island, Isola Madre, where azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias flourish vibrantly in English-style gardens set against the deep azure background of the Gulf of Borromeo. A second option is to take a cable car to the summit of Mount Mottarone, which at almost 5,000 feet offers extensive views of the entire region from Lake Orta to the Alps. The last option, accessed by either a short walk or boat ride, is the botanical garden of Villa Taranto, where you can leisurely stroll through 16 hectares of gardens, complete with thousands of plant species and an extremely rare collection of exotic flowers. Tonight we dine on traditional, regional fare at our hotel while enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori

DAY 5
Laveno - Lugano - Bellagio; city and lakeside walking, easy to moderate. Villa Melzi; 4 miles, easy to moderate
We depart our hotel by boat, crossing the lake to the village of Laveno, where our coach is waiting. Bellagio is the final destination, however, we break up the two-hour drive with a stop en route in Lugano, Switzerland. A short walk introduces us to yet another beautiful lake of the region, and another country (Euro notes are accepted for your independent lunch and any purchases; small change will be given in Swiss Francs). We continue to the picturesque town of Bellagio on Lake Como. Our lakeside hotel is magnificently set on the promontory where Lake Como and Lake Lecco meet. We are positioned to experience the best these elegant lakes have to offer. A walk including a visit to the luxuriant gardens of the Villa Melzi rounds off a dramatic day. Dinner is at our comfortable resort hotel.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 6
Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; 6 miles, moderate with a challenging 30-minute ascent. Additional longer option: walk to Madonna del Soccorso; 2 miles, moderate with a 25-minute steep ascent. Elevation gains range from 300-800 feet
We begin the day with a ferry ride to the stunning western side of Lake Como to tour Villa Carlotta, where terraced gardens and famous works of art have inspired poets and travelers for centuries. Ascending the gentle hills above the lake, we walk through ancient villages and along terraced footpaths that seem a world away from the elegant lifestyle of the lakeside resort towns. Those inspired by a cobblestone pilgrimage pathway marked with chapels symbolizing the Mysteries of the Rosary will be graced with a magnificent view of the lake from the vantage point of Madonna del Soccorso. Descending to the water, we explore quaint, narrow cobblestone streets of the serene fishing village of Lenno, followed by a visit to the elegant gardens and interior of Villa Balbianello. We return to Bellagio with time to appreciate the late afternoon sun as it casts shadows on the forested hills over the lake. This evening you are free to explore Bellagio and its many restaurants.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 7
Varenna to Vezio; 5 miles, moderate with a 30-minute steep ascent
Following a leisurely breakfast, we board a local ferry to Varenna, an attractive village on a small promontory. We follow the Sentiero del Viandante path, aptly named “as we go along our way,” through the rugged hills above Lake Lecco. We will pass by the Fiumelatte, a unique stream that (seasonally) is “the color of milk” as it froths over rocks and descends to the lake. Ascending through the forest, we traverse northward and enter the hamlet of Vezio. We follow cobblestone pathways to the ruins of the Castle of Vezio, perched high above the lake in a strategic position, providing final views of the lake and the distant Alpine ranges. Our final dinner at an award-winning restaurant includes regional delicacies such as pasta served with local herbs and creatively presented sumptuous desserts.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

DAY 8
Arrivederci!
After enjoying a final group breakfast, we transfer to the train station in Milan for train connections to your next destination.

Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.