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Piedmont-Maggiore & Como Lakes
- The Borromee Islands and gorgeous gardens
- The rough, high peaks of the Val Grande National Park
- The lovely Bellagio, Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni
- Great regional cuisine
- Stunning views of the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Como and Lake Maggiore
- Small friendly, family run accommodation
From: 350 €
Tripcode: ITDD020
2.5 Comfort
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 1 - EN:
Simple accommodation, often with multiple rooms like huts, cottages or guesthouses. Sometimes with bunk beds and often with shared bathrooms. All camping trips fall into this category.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 2:
Simple to good inns, small family hotels, B&Bs and agriturismo (farmsteads), generaly with private bathroom. Often chosen for their excellent location in relation to the itinerary.
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 3:
Good hotels, inns, B&B, agriturismo (farmstead) with ensuite private bathroom, often wel located and serving good meals
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
Level 4:
Special hotel with excellent food, ambiance and service. Accommodations with a special touch.
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1.5 Difficulty
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 1:
Walking levels:
Trips with short walks of generally three to four hours (excluding breaks) and/or optional day excursions; flat or slightly hilly terrain using well kept paths.
Cycling levels:
Easy biking in nearly flat landscape; also possible for people with little or no bicycle experience. The daily distances are approximately 30-50 km in general. Bicycles with up to 3 gears can do the job. All our adult rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 2:
Walking levels:
Moderate day walks, 4-5 hours per day (excluding breaks) on hilly to mountainous areas using well kept, sometimes stony paths.
Cycling levels:
Biking on gently undulating terrain, you may encounter short climbs from time to time. The daily distances vary between 30 and 65 km. A bicycle with minimum 7 gears will do. All our rental bikes have at least 21 gears.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 3:
Walking levels:
Trips with strenuous day walks or trekking in mountainous areas. 5 to 7 hours walking maximum per day, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for one night; height differences between 500 & 1000 m. per day
Cycling levels:
Strenuous biking trips in areas where you cannot avoid steep slopes. Some bicycle experience in short trips is needed. The daily distances range from 30 up to 75 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
Level 4:
Walking levels:
Trips with heavy excursions in high mountains, sometimes carrying backpacks with stuff for several nights. 6 to 8 hours maximum per day; height differences up to 1200 meters per day; only for participants with an excellent condition and without fear of heights.
Cycling levels:
Serious and strenuous biking trips in mountainous area, the slopes are longer and/or steeper than at the previous category. Requires a good physical condition, a broad cycling experience and adequate mountain climbing bicycle. The daily distances range between 30 and 80 km.
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Duration: 8 days
Details
Drive & Discover the Lake District
Italy's Lake District has been a vacation getaway since the Roman Times. Lake Maggiore and Lake Como have hosted the creme de la creme of world travelers, cyclists, honeymooners and bon-vivants. These unique pre-alpine lakes shimmer and sparkle, reflecting the graceful lakeside gardens where exotic flowers grow abundantly. Luxurious villas are strewn throughout this region of northern Italy and southern Switzerland, where opulence goes side by side with unsurpassed beauty, and stylish sophistication alongside unspoiled nature. On this tour we suggest a variety of stunning drives and walks. Journey freely, at your own pace, through this exquisite region of Italy.
Itinerary
Expand itinerary Collapse itineraryDay 1: Arrive on Lake Maggiore
Arrive in Italy. If you do not have your own car, pick up a rental car at the airport and drive to Cannero Riviera, on the North West side of Lake Maggiore. Enjoy marvelous views as you drive along the foot of the Alps and approach the majestic, emerald blue lake. Breathe in the brisk mountain air in this oasis of elegant tranquility.
Challenge: Driving from the airport to Cannero Riviera Approx. 160km
Villages along the way: Milan & Bavena
Day 2-4: To the top of Mount Morissolo
Today you climb up Mount Morissolo, the most impressive mountain in the Verbano area. Walk along its steep northern slopes to the top and enjoy exhilarating views of the clear blue lake and enchanting castles abound. In World War I, this was an important strategic defensive point, as the remnants of military roads, trenches and other relics bear testimony to.
Challenge: 10-14km, 750-1050 climb, 750-1050, descent, 4.6-6 h.
Villages along the way: Oggiogno, A. Ronno & Cannero Riviera
Day 2-4: Chose among the following selection of walks and drives around Lake Maggiore Walk from Cannero Riviera to Cannobbio
Step out of your hotel and begin this peaceful, beautiful walk through lovely scenery of horse chestnut forests, offering stunning views of Lake Maggiore. You will pass several sparkling waterfalls, cliffs and the picturesque hamlet of Carmine Superiore, with a magnificent 13th century Romanesque church worth visiting. Arrive at the charming, prosperous lakefront town of Cannobbio, where pastel colored houses welcome you.
Challenge: 7.45 km, 450 climb, 450 descent, 2.5-3 h.
Villages along the way: Cannero Riviera, Carmine Superiore, Cannobbio
Day 2-4: Walk to Cappella Porta and Pian Cavallone
Drive from Cannero Riviera to Cappella Fina along an attractive mountain road. Here begins the beautiful "balcony hike" amidst rich, unspoiled nature to Pian Cavallone. Appreciate the captivating environment and marvel at the amazing panorama across the lake and mountains of the Varesotto area. Feel at peace in this incredibly desolate area of charming mountain chapels and ram shackled mountain cabins.
Challenge: 8.5km, 650 climb, 650 descent, 4.5 h.
Villages along the way: Valgrande Martire & Pizzo Pernice
Day 2-4: Walk to the top of Mount Faie in the Val Grande National Park
This is a spectacular ridge walk with one very steep climb that takes you to the top of Mount Faie (1351m) offering an awe-inspiring 365 degree view of Lake Maggiore, the Borromee Islands and the Val Grande. Explore the high, barren, impervious and uninhabited mountains of the inner part of the Val Grande National Park. Relax in harmony with the untouched nature.
Challenge: 5.15km, 550 climb, 450 descent, 3.5 h.
Villages along the way: Intra, Ompio & Alpe Ruspesso
Day 5: Drive from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como
Drive from Lake Maggiore to Lake Como passing by the Lake Lugano. Enjoy the unforgettable views of the sparkling Lake District as you make your way to the fantastic whimsical town of Bellagio. Marvel at the stunning beauty and incredible diversity as you pass through valleys and hamlets, you will feel as if you are in a most impressive Italian postcard.
Challenge: 100km
Day 6-8: Choose among the following selection of walks around Lake Como
This easy cultural walk takes you through the breathtakingly beautiful town of Bellagio to the idyllic fishing village of Pescallo. Follow up the hill beyond Bellagio to enjoy magnificent spanning views of gorgeous Lake Como and the Italian Alps. Do not miss a visit to the famous gardens of Villa Melzi with its fabulous rhododendrons and azaleas.
Challenge: 8.9 km, 250 climb, 250 descent, 3 h.
Villages along the way: Bellagio, Pescallo & Villa Melzi
Day 6-8: Rifugio Menaggio and the hidden village of Carcente
Climb over well marked trails as you venture from the mountain village of Breglia (749m) along the southern slope of Monte Grona to Rifugio Menaggio. Take a moment to rest and soak in the phenomenal views of Lake Como. A short climb then brings you to the small Sant Arnate Chapel (1623m). Finally, zigzag down ancient paths to the charming hidden village of Carcente.
Challenge: 7.5-11.1 km, 700-850 climb, 700-850 descent, 3-4.5 h.
Villages along the way: Menaggio, Breglia & Carcente
Day 6-8: The Geological "funghi" of Rezzago
This unique hike starts in Caslino d'Erba, an area between Lake Como and Lecco, and is of utmost geological interest. Amidst scattered boulders, you will encounter the fascinating "funghi" of Rezzago, peculiar mushroom shaped formations of glacial origins. On your way back to Bellagio, stop at the fascinating Madonna del Ghisallo Chapel, a famous pilgrimage site for world cyclists.
Challenge: 9.9 km, 650 climb, 550 descent, 4 h.
Villages along the way: Caslino d'Erba & Madonna del Ghisallo
Day 8: Arriviederci Lake Como!
After breakfast, bid farewell to the beautiful lake and drive back to the airport to drop off your rental car.
Challenge: 60km driving to Bergamo airport
Practical info
Included:
7 nights accommodation on B&B basis in very nice 2 star friendly family run hotels 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away Detailed maps and road book in English
Not included:
- Car rental, flights and public transportation, including ferry boat and hydrofoil
- Travel insurance
- Admissions, entrance fees of any kind
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses such as lunch, dinner, snacks, wine tasting, drinks, phone calls, etc.
- Any items that have not been specifically mentioned in the program
If you come by plane, you can choose from several airports, the closest being Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa or Bergamo. You can also fly into Verona or Venice and stay a few nights in these marvelous cities.
The drive from Milano to Cannero Riviera or from Bellagio to Milan is approximately 1.5 hours.
Optional Services:
- Car rental
- Guided tour of Como with a private local guide
Extra Overnight:
Additional night/s at any of the accommodations along the way & in any other destination in Italy, like Milan, Verona or Venice
Getting there and away:
If you come by plane, you can choose from several airports, the closest being Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa or Bergamo. You can also fly into Verona or Venice and stay a few nights in these marvelous cities.
The drive from Milano to Cannero Riviera or from Bellagio to Milan is approximately 1.5 hours.
Reviews
Start: Cannero Riviera
Finish: Bellagio
Dates & prices
Trip availability: Any day from 01/04 to 31/10
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 350 €/person |
| twin room: | 435 €/person |
| double room: | 435 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 540 €/person |
| single room: | 540 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 375 €/person |
| twin room: | 475 €/person |
| double room: | 475 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 605 €/person |
| single room: | 605 €/person |
| Dates of the trip | Price |
|---|---|
| triple room: | 350 €/person |
| twin room: | 440 €/person |
| double room: | 440 €/person |
| solo, single room: | 560 €/person |
| single room: | 560 €/person |