Explore the beauty of the Italian Lakes on this walking holiday
From modest Lake Orta to mighty Maggiore and famous Como, the Italian Lakes have inspired poets and artists since the 18th century. In 1909 Henry James wrote ‘…One can’t describe the beauty of the Italian lakes….’ , and today, this beautiful region continues to retain its attraction for the visitor with breathtaking views over sublime waters, tree-clad hills, ruined castles and lakeside promenades.
This new walking tour provides an opportunity to discover these inspiring landscapes and to explore the countryside. During your holiday look forward to five walks which will take you from the shores of Lake Orta to those of Lake Lugano, see early villages and elegant villas, follow old tracks leading to fine viewpoints, and explore some of the lakeside towns. When you’re not out and about, look forward to relaxing at your comfortable hotel situated on the shores of Lake Orta.
The hotel is located on the outskirts of the lakeside village of Pettenasco, which overlooks Lake Orta. This beautiful lake, which is relatively undiscovered in comparision to other well-known Italian lakes, enjoys a beautiful position surrounded by tree clad hills. At the heart of the lake lies the island of San Guilo, home to a Benedictine monastery. With beautiful lakeside walks, the constantly changing light, and stunning landscape, Lake orta offers a beautfiul starting point from which to explore the surrounding countryside on foot.
The Italian Lakes
The main Italian Lakes are Como, Maggiore, Lugano, Garda and Iseo. Their beauty has been acknowledged many times and through the centuries has served as inspiration for writers and poets. Goethe and Wordsworth were enchanted by Lake Como, Henry James and Hemingway by Lake Maggiori – but this famous quintet of lakes do not represent an exhaustive list. Equally beautiful but not so widely popularised are several smaller lakes including Lake Orta once described by Honore Balzac as ‘a pearl’, as well as the volcanic lake of Bolsena which sits where the regions of Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany meet. With their stunning and serene beauty, surrounded often by breathtaking countryside and with unforgettable views, they offer the visitor a unique destination, the memory of which remains long after the holiday is over.
Lake Como: Sala Comacina – Cadenabbia – San Martino
Distance: Approximately 8.5 kilometres Duration: Approximately 3 hours Difficulty: Easy
Transfer to the fishing village of Sala Comacina from where you’ll walk along the shore of the lake, passing villages and impressive villas including Villa Carlotta with its fine botanical gardens. At the village of Cadenabbia conclude your walk and relax with some time to explore independently.
Three to five-and-a-half hours
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Lake Lugano: Lugano – Gandria
Distance: Approximately 5 kilometres Duration: Approximately 3 hours Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Starting from the lakeside promenade in Lugano, you’ll walk to the beginning of the Olive trail (Sentiero degli Ulivi) on the city outskirts. From here, follow the trail to the village of Gandria. The olive trail was created in 2002 and aims to revive the growing of olives and the production of olive oil. During your walk look forward to seeing recently introduced, as well as older, olive trees together with information panels along the route.
Three hours
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Lake Maggiore: Cannobio– Cannero Riviera
Distance: Approximately 9 kilometres Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Your walk starts in the lakeside town of Cannobio situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore. From here you’ll follow an old track through a hillside forest to the stunning, medieval village of Carmine Superiore which sits high above Lake Maggiore with breathtaking views of the lake and mountains beyond. Next, walk down to the lake passing the remains of castles built by the Borromeo family, before arriving at the resort of Canero Riviera which lies towards the top of Lake Maggiore. The town is known for the lemons, limes, olives, camelias and more that grow here, and as you walk along the lakeside promenade you will conclude your walk in the Citrus Park. Walk amongst the rows of lemons and other fruits grown here as part of a joint project between the town and University of Turin, and where you’ll find useful information panels as well as a citrus fruit house museum.
Five hours
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Lake Orta: Armeno – Orta San Giulio
Distance: Approximately 6 kilometres Duration: Approximately 3 hours Difficulty: Easy
Transfer to the village of Armeno situated in the hills to the east of Lake Orta and where your walk commences. From here set off on a gentle descent through a chestnut wood, passing through the villages of Carcegna and Miasino. Here, admire the 16th century Villa Nigra – now the town hall, as well as other elegant buildings spanning the 17th and 18th centuries. Afterwards, continue downhill to Lake Orta passing the Moorish palace of Villa Crespi (now a hotel) with its distinctive minaret-type tower, before arriving back at your hotel.
Three hours
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Lake Orta: Lake Orta – Maggiore
Distance: Approximately 10 kilometres Duration: Approximately 4 hours Difficulty: Easy
After transferring to the hilltop town of Gignese which lies between the lakes of Orta and Maggiore, set off on a walk that heads towards the hillside village of Alpino and through the botanical garden, before descending to Lake Maggiore and the lakeside town of Stresa, approximately 800 metres above sea level and known for its botanical garden. Created in the 1930s, the garden covers nearly 10 acres and is home to some 700 different species of plants many of which are alpine. At its heart lies a natural spring which comes from the Mottarone mountain and from the garden you can enjoy panoramic views of beautiful Lake Maggiore. After walking through the garden, descend some 700 metres to Lake Maggiore and the lakeside town of Stresa where you can enjoy some time at leisure to explore independently.
Four hours
Included on 7 nights itinerary
Locarno & Centovalli Railway
Cross into Switzerland as you visit the pretty lakeside town of Locarno, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore and regarded as the town with the warmest climate in Switzerland. Enjoy some free time here to explore independently. Perhaps explore the Old Town with its Piazza and remains of a 12th century castle, or just relax and soak up the atmosphere.
Alternatively, perhaps take the funicular railway to the Sanctuary to the Madonna Del Sasso (extra charge) built on the site where the Virgin Mary appeared to a Franciscan Friar in 1480. Next, look forward to stepping aboard the Centovalli (Hundred valleys) railway for a two hour journey to Domodossola in Italy. This mountain railway will take you past valleys dotted with small towns, over bridges and viaducts and through gorges on a scenic journey, after which you’ll transfer back to your hotel.
A reasonable level of fitness is required to enjoy this walking holiday. Walks will range from 5 kilometres to 10 kilometres and will take up to five hours, depending on the walk. Walks will be easy to moderate with some ascents and descents, and may include walking over uneven ground.
Lake Maggiore
Beautiful Lake Como
San Giulio
Half board
Television 
Telephone 
Safe 
Kettle 
Wi-Fi 
Hairdryer 
Restaurant 
Bar 
Sun terrace 
Tennis 
Sauna 
