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Self-Guided Hiking Adventure in Italy: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

Itinerary
Standard Edition
Guide(s)
Walk inn
Trip options
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Add-ons

Important note on dates & accommodations

Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

If you’d like to have a road map of the region, you can add it to your trip here for an additional fee. Price is per person.

The price of the tour is based on two hikers sharing a room (double occupancy). If you’d like to have the room to yourself, you can add the single supplement to your booking. If you’re joining as a solo traveler where you’re the 3rd or 5th person on the trip, you’re still very welcome, but you will have to pay an obligatory single supplement.

All breakfasts are included in the price of this trip. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated, please let us know down below if you have any.

Select a cancellation policy

Things come up, and sometimes plans need to be changed. Check out our flexible cancellation options.
57hours flexibility options
Deposits

When booking a trip, you can either pay for it in full or reserve your spot with a 30% deposit. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

After 48 hours, booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. You can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period.
Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Super Flexible
  • If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
  • If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • If canceled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
  • Booking fees are non-refundable after 48 hours grace period.
Self-Guided Hiking Adventure in Italy: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
Itinerary
Standard Edition
People
1 Person
Date(s)
--
Duration
8 day
Guide(s)
Walk inn
Reserve deposit (30%) $0
Second Payment Amount: $0

  • Explore the stunning lakes of Como and Maggiore on an 8-day self-guided hiking trip that blends breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and luxurious charm. Traverse trails once walked by Roman soldiers, ferry between picturesque villages, and discover elegant villas with lush botanical gardens. From Bellagio’s timeless allure to the peaceful Borromean Islands, this journey is an ode to Italy’s finest. With all breakfasts and accommodations included, you’ll enjoy the freedom to savor this adventure at your own pace while soaking up panoramic views, vibrant gardens, and ancient paths.

    Regardless of the trip version you choose, the itinerary remains the same. Choose this version if you prefer staying at comfy B&Bs and 2-star hotels.

    • You travel on your own to Lenno. For the standard edition of the trip, there’s a transfer from Lenno boat pier to your B&B in Lenno (as the B&B is located 15 walking minutes from the boat pier). Upon arrival, have a stroll through the peaceful village of Lenno. In summer, you can enjoy the small pebble beach by the lake and jump in for a swim.

      If you arrive in the morning, we recommend starting your walking holiday in Italy with a visit to the gardens of the Villa Balbianello (not included), an elegant and romantic XVIII-century residence and one of the settings chosen for the Star Wars and 007 Casino Royale movies.

      Accommodation: Il Grifo

      Varenna at Lake Como

    • There’s a boat transfer that goes back and forth from Lenno to Bellagio arranged for you. The composer Gabriel Fauré called Bellagio “the pearl of Lario” and “one of the most beautiful sites of the Earth and the most voluptuous of Italy”. You’ll reach the picturesque village of Pescallo and cross the park of Villa Giolia before climbing to Perlo. Afterwards, it’s back to Bellagio by the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi (not included), both rented by Stendhal.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 mi, 4 hours
      Elevation: +250 m / +820 ft, -250 m / -820 ft
      Accommodation: Il Grifo

      Bellagio in Italy

    • On Day 3, there’s a boat transfer to Bellano, on the eastern shore of the lake. Today is all about hiking above the lake, all the way to Varenna, a splendid colored village. The “Sentiero del Viandante” hiking route was traced by the Roman legionaries who reached the great passes of the Alps. It’s a gentle climb past the “Orrido di Bellano” (visit is possible), and natural gorges formed in antiquity. The path then offers panoramic views, passing through the village of Gittana and the Vézio castle.

      You’ll end the walk in the village of Varenna, known for its colorful hillside houses. In Varenna, visit the Villa Monastero gardens (not included). The villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to rhododendrons, glycines, magnolias, and citrus fruit trees. Garden enthusiasts can also visit the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. Later on, there’s a boat ride back to Lenno.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Hiking: 10 km / 6 mi, 3.5 hours
      Elevation: +250 m / +820 ft, -250 m / -820 ft
      Accommodation: Il Grifo

      Window view of Varenna

    • From Lenno, your walk will take you through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way, you can witness the fantastic contrasts between olive groves and immaculate gardens of the glamourous villas, along with medieval villages and stunning Renaissance churches.

      You can visit the famous Villa Carlotta (not included), famous for its beautiful terraced garden with Italian lemon and carved boxwood, and a rich interior decorated with neoclassical works. Later on, transfer to Lake Maggiore to the charming town of Cannero or Cannobio, by the lake shore.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Hiking: 10 km / 6 mi, 3 hours
      Elevation: + 200m / +656 ft, -200m / -656 ft
      Accommodation: B&B Casa Banano

      Villa Carlotta on Lake Como

    • You’ll start your walk in the small village of Cannero and hike on the old mule path to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore. On the way, enjoy magnificent views over Lake Maggiore, and think about the possibility of visiting the San Gottardo church. You’ll continue
      on the panoramic path towards the village of Molineggi, Solivo, and then Cannobio. There’s a boat transfer from Cannobio to Cannero (not included).

      Meals: Breakfast
      Hiking: 10 km / 6 mi, 3 hours
      Elevation: +400 m / +1,312 ft / -400 m / -1,312 ft
      Accommodation: B&B Casa Banano

      Cannobio old town

    • Day 6 begins with a morning transfer to Stresa, and then you’ll leave your bags in the hotel. Then, there’s a boat transfer to the Borromean islands. Enjoy Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace and Isola Madre with its famous palaces and botanical garden. And finally, the magnificent Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque little fishing village with narrow streets and lovely restaurants (Borromean islands entrance not included). Later on, there’s a boat transfer back to Stresa.

      Meals: Breakfast
      Accommodation: Hotel Montoc

      Borromean islands on Lake Maggiore

    • On Day 7, enjoy the panoramic views on this walking trail overlooking the lake from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens along an old roman trail dotted with old chapels. Later on, you can return by boat or train to Stresa ( not included).

      Meals: Breakfast
      Hiking: 10 km / 6 mi, 3.5 hours
      Elevation: + 200m / +656 ft, -200m / -656 ft
      Accommodation: Hotel Montoc

      Lake view at Stresa in Italy

    • This is the last day of this self-guided hiking adventure. After your final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Lake Como and Maggiore and depart back home.

      Meals: Breakfast

      Lake Maggiore aerial view

    • Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).
      Also note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

    • Included:

        • 8-day Lake Como and Maggiore self-guided hiking adventure
        • Accommodation: 7 nights based on double occupancy with private facilities, either in charming B&Bs and a 2-star hotel for the standard edition of the trip, or 3 and 4-star hotels for the upgraded edition of the trip
        • Meals: All breakfasts
        • Boats ticket for Como Lake and Lake Maggiore, as listed in the itinerary
        • Taxi transfers as listed in the program
        • Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
          24/7 phone assistance
        • Only for the standard edition of the trip: Day 1 transfer from Lenno boat pier to the B&B

      Add-ons:

        • A road map of the region
        • Single supplement

      Not included:

        • Flights to and from Italy
        • Boat Como/Lenno
        • Day 5: boat Cannobio / Cannero
        • Day 7: bus or train Belgirate / Stresa
        • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
        • Entrance fees to museums, gardens and villas, Borromean islands
        • Guide gratuities — optional
        • Travel and medical insurance — optional

      *Please note that accommodations are subject to availability and it may not be possible to book the exact accommodations listed day-by-day in the itinerary (in case there is a detailed list).

    • This Como-Maggiore self-guided hiking adventure is rated moderate, which means that a reasonably good level of fitness is required. Expect to walk 10 to 12 km / 6 to 7.5 mi on hiking days. Some trails might be rocky, so be prepared and bring good hiking boots with ankle support, as well as hiking poles.

      For more hiking adventures in Italy, click here!

    • We recommend walking poles. The itineraries are more often than not waymarked and on well-defined paths, tracks, and sometimes back country roads. The trails can be rocky, so good boots with ankle support and walking poles are highly recommended. You will be in a zone where water is scarce, so you will have to bring enough water with you each day as there are few options to fill up during the walk. Occasionally in the late spring or early summer, you may encounter some snow, depending on the region you are hiking in.

    • The boat tickets on the lake are booked for a specific date that can not be changed. If you want to change the boat ticket date, you will have to buy a new ticket (around 4 to 7 EUR / USD per person).

    • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

        • Day pack large enough to carry everything you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
        • Hiking poles — optional, but highly recommended
        • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
        • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
        • Comfortable hiking clothes
        • Spare clothes for layering
        • Waterproof rain jacket
        • Sunhat
        • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
        • Headlamp or flashlight
        • Sunglasses
        • Camera — optional (but recommended)

      Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

    • A self-guided tour is an independent exploration without a formal guide leading the way. Instead of being part of a group with a tour leader, you will navigate the tour yourself, using resources provided by the operator, such as maps, guidebooks, or digital apps. Your guide will also take care of other parts of the tour, such as 24/7 support, accommodation, and selected transportation.

    • Group sizes and pricing

        • For this Como Maggiore self-guided hiking adventure, it takes a minimum of 1 person for the tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 6 participants.
        • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!
        • Please note that your chosen dates for the tour are not guaranteed until confirmed by the guide. If the guide is unable to secure your preferred dates/accommodation, you’ll get a full refund!

      Hiking in Italy can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

       

      Min. age requirements

        • 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.

    • The starting point of your Como Maggiore self-guided hiking adventure is Lenno. To get there, most people fly into Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Lenno.

    • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

      Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

      Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

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