Upon your arrival in Milan, immerse ourselves in the bustling energy of this cosmopolitan city, known as Italy’s vibrant fashion capital. After exploring Milan, we embark on a scenic train journey to Laveno, a charming lakeside town nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. As we settle into our accommodations, we take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking in the stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
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Explore the iconic lakes of Northern Italy—Como, Garda, and Maggiore—on these 10-day walking holidays. Immerse yourself in the charm of chic towns, stunning shorelines, and lavish villas amidst breathtaking landscapes. Embark on invigorating hikes around and above the lakes, enjoy scenic ferry and cable car rides, indulge in incredible Italian cuisine and stay in quality accommodation. With seamless logistics and expert guides, experience a perfect blend of hiking and cultural exploration across these legendary lakes.
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We board a ferry from Laveno to Baveno, treating ourselves to a delightful cruise across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Maggiore. Upon arrival in Baveno, we embark on an exhilarating hike to Monte Crocino, traversing forested trails and rocky ridges. Along the way, we are rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the picturesque shoreline below, making for unforgettable memories.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Elevation: +800 m / -800 m (+2,625 ft / -2,625 ft) -
Our day begins with a thrilling ride on the cable-car to the summit of Sasso del Ferro, where we enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding Alps. From there, we embark on a scenic hike from Pizzo di Laveno to Virasca. Along the way, we immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the region. Afterward, we go to our accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation: +400 m / -900 m (+1,312 ft / -2,953 ft) -
Today, we bid farewell to Laveno as we travel by train to Como, a charming lakeside city nestled at the southern tip of Lake Como. Upon arrival, we’ll spend the day exploring Como’s historic center, strolling along its scenic waterfront promenades, and visiting iconic landmarks such as the Como Cathedral and the Villa Olmo.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
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Today, we’ll first embark on a picturesque ferry ride from Como to Roiano, savoring the stunning views of Lake Como along the way. Our hike takes us from Monte Colmegnone to Urio, where we traverse gorgeous trails and lush forests. As we ascend to higher elevations, we are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Elevation: +1,100 m / -1,100 m (+3,609 ft / -3,609 ft) -
A scenic ferry ride from Como to Casate awaits us in the morning, offering panoramic views of Lake Como’s tranquil waters and picturesque shoreline. Upon arrival, we explore the charming town of Bellagio, known for its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and stunning botanical gardens. We wander through its quaint streets, soaking in the beauty of this picturesque lakeside gem.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation: +800 m / -800 m (+2,625 ft / -2,625 ft) -
We travel by train from Como to Brescia, a historic city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and medieval architecture. Upon arrival, we transfer to Toscolano-Maderno, a picturesque lakeside town nestled on the shores of Lake Garda. Here, we enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, taking in the stunning views of the lake and indulging in a typical Italian aperitif.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
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Embarking on a scenic hike from Toscolano to Monte Castello di Gaino, we traverse lush forests and rugged mountain trails. As we ascend to higher elevations, panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding countryside greet us. Amidst the stunning landscapes, we make lasting memories of our adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 15 km (9.3 miles)
Elevation: +900 m / -900 m (+2,953 ft / -2,953 ft) -
A ferry ride from Toscolano to Campione kicks off yet another day of exploring the great lakes of Italy, treating us to breathtaking views of Lake Garda. Our trek to Tremosine unveils stunning vistas and the famous “scaring terrace” overlooking the lake. Captivated by the dramatic cliffs and rugged terrain, we immerse ourselves in the sheer beauty of our surroundings before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Elevation: +600 m / -600 m (+1,969 ft / -1,969 ft) -
Our journey concludes as we get transferred by private transport from Toscolano to Brescia. From there, we journey by train back to Milan, bidding farewell to the great lakes of Italy as we depart for home or our next destination, cherishing the memories of our unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Lake Garda, Lake Como, and Lake Maggiore.
Meals: Breakfast
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What you get on this adventure:
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- An experienced, local hiking guide and a local tourist guide with extensive knowledge of the area
- 10-day walking holidays around Italian lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore
- Accommodation in 3 or 4-star hotels and B&Bs for the duration of the tour (9 nights), based on double occupancy
- Breakfasts and dinners
- Train/ferry/cable-car tickets
- Private transfer from/to Brescia
What’s not included:
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- Transportation to Milan
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Aperitifs, wine, and coffee at bars and coffee shops, including drinks during dinners
- Guide gratuities — optional
- Travel and medical insurance — recommended
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To participate in our guided walking holidays around famous Italian lakes, you should have a moderate level of fitness and be comfortable with full-day hikes. You should be able to maintain a stable and safe pace and not have a strong fear of heights. The hiking tour across lakes Maggiore, Como, and Garda involves covering between 6 and 9 miles (10-15 km) each day, with hiking durations of approximately 4 to 6 hours. While there may be some challenging sections along the way, you’ll always have a guide by your side to set the appropriate pace, ensure regular breaks, and ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone in the group. It is also worth mentioning that some days are reserved solely for transfers and sightseeing, ensuring the right balance between hiking and regular holiday activities.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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- Day pack large enough to carry all the items you may need during the day (around a 25-40L bag)
- Hiking poles — optional
- Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
- Lightweight hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support
- Comfortable hiking clothes, both short-sleeved and long-sleeved, to last you for a week
- Midlayer or fleece
- Waterproof lightweight rain jacket
- Casual clothes for when you’re not hiking
- Swimsuit
- Sunhat
- Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
- Sunglasses
- Camera — optional (but recommended)
Bring comfortable clothes appropriate for the season. We suggest checking the forecast and adjusting your list accordingly. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
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- For this group adventure, the maximum client-to-guide ratio is 12:1. You will either be led by a hiking or a tourist guide, depending on the activity.
- It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate.
This hiking tour around the Great Italian Lakes of Como, Garda, and Maggiore can be arranged for private and for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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- If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
- Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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To get to Milan, most people fly into Milan Malpensa Airport, which is connected to the city center via a regular railway like (Malpensa Express).
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best time to meet, usually at the Milan train station in the early afternoon, which is a 50-minute train ride from the airport.
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We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance.
With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the trails, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.
We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.
If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!
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