Riviera Travel Walk & Discover: The Italian Lakes

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It’s difficult to describe the flawless beauty of the Italian lakes, yet viewing them you’ll immediately understand why so many artists, composers and writers have sought inspiration here.

The mix of serene waters, forest-clad hillsides, medieval villages, orange-blossom-scented warm air and delicious food make them an irresistible destination.

Lake Maggiore straddles both Italy and Switzerland and we stay in Baveno, a typically Italian lakeside town that overlooks the stunning Borromean Islands. We explore not only Lake Maggiore but also the equally beautiful Lake Como and lesser-known Lake Orta, one of the most spellbinding places you’ll ever visit. With the arc of the imposing Alps stretching out along the horizon, you’ll enjoy arguably the finest mountain scenery on the planet during your visits to Switzerland – dramatic Zermatt, nestled at the base of the world’s most mesmerising peak, the mighty Matterhorn.

– Return flights and transfers
– 7nts in 4* accommodation
– Half Board
– All visits/tours as mentioned
– Services of an expert tour manager and walking guide
– Checked luggage

– Cruise the enchanting Borromean Islands
– Travel through the Simplon Pass to Zermatt
– Discover the lakeside towns around Lake Como, Maggiore and Orta

Day 1 – Arrival in Baveno
Fly to Milan. Upon arrival, transfer by coach to either Bevano or Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Day 2 – Walk: Lake Maggiore
The first full day in Lake Maggiore includes a walk along the ‘balcony of Lake Maggiore’.

Easy Walk (Green)
This walk begins at Carmine Inferiore, taking you to Carmine Superiore, a medieval village. Then continue to a viewpoint to see the legendary castles of Cannero Riviera, ending the walk in a lovely garden knowns for its camellias.
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 2.7 miles
Altitude gain: 541 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks, and earth/gravel paths

Moderate Walk (Blue)
This walk starts in the town Cannobio, walking through tiny hamlets to Carmine Superiore. Walk past the camellia garden and arrive in Cannero Riviera where you can stroll along the lakeside to the citrus park
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 4.6 miles
Altitude gain: 1,115 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks, and earth/gravel paths

Day 3 – Borromean Islands
Visit Isola Bella this morning for a guided tour, exploring the amazing Baroque Palazzo. You’ll also get to wander the exquisite grounds, home to colourful and fragrant plants as well as unique white peacocks.

The second island you’ll visit today is Isola dei Pescatori, whose cobbled streets and harbour are a delight to stroll around. Cruise back to Baveno in the afternoon.

Day 4 – Walk: Lake Como
Make the most of Lake Como’s carefully restored hillside paths with today’s guided walks

Easy Walk (Green)
This walk takes you along part of the Greenway del Lago. Begin in Sala Comacina, a colourful fishing village and ends near Villa Carlotta, famed for its botanical gardens. Transfer by coach to Cadenabbia for some free time
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 3.7 miles
Altitude gain: 405 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks and tarmac roads

Moderate Walk (Blue)
For the more energetic, continue on the final section of the Greenway, past more villas and gardens, finishing in Cadenabbia
Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
Distance: 5.4 miles
Altitude gain: 452 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks and tarmac roads.

Day 5 – Free day
Today you can choose to relax in the hotel or explore the nearby delights of the lake.

Day 6 – Walk: Lake Orta
Choose to hike the same path at either an easy or moderate pace.

Easy Walk (Green)
Start in the village of Armeno and descend past the villages of Carcegna and Miasino. Explore Miasino before carrying on towards Villa Crespi, a Moorish palace. The walk ends in Orta San Giuilo where you’ll have some fee time.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Distance: 3.9 miles
Altitude gain: 244 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks, woodland paths and tarmac roads.

Moderate Walk (Blue)
Also starting in Armeno, this walk takes you along the course of the Agogna river. Pass through Ameno, and head towards Santa Maria Assunta. Cross the Membra river and head to Chiesa di San Grato where you’ll get your first sight of Lake Orta. Pass the hamlets of Vacciago and Vacchiaghetto before descending to Miasino.
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 6.6 miles
Altitude gain: 558 feet
Terrain: Mix of mule tracks, woodland paths and tarmac roads.

Day 7 – Zermatt & the Matterhorn
Climb the foothills of the Alps and cross into Switzerland. Take the Simplon Pass and continue on to the village of Zermatt. Enjoy the ambience of this iconic Swiss village, with brilliant views of the Matterhorn. For a better view, you may wish to take the cog railway to Gornergrat.

Day 8 – Return home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight

Hotel Simplon, Baveno
Chosen for its serene setting and landscaped park surroundings

Grand Hotel Bristol, Stresa
Chosen for its location overlooking Lake Maggiore.

Fact File

Currency: Euro
Flight time: Approx. 1 hr 55 mins to 2 hrs 30 mins
Language: Italian
Time zone: GMT+1
Country: Italy

Visa Information
UK Citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy however must have a valid passport.

Walking equipment
Good quality walking shoes or boots are a must. Riviera also recommend a waterproof jacket, comfortable rucksack, hat, sunglasses, sun cream, water bottle and clothes that can be layered easily. Hiking poles are not necessary, but you may wish to take them.

Walking difficulty
There is often a choice between a ‘green’ and ‘blue’ option. A reasonable level of fitness is essential for all walks – while the green walk should suit most travellers, the blue option is perfect for those who prefer a bit more of a challenge.

Routes
While guides will always try to adhere to the route as advertised, they may be required to modify the itinerary due to local conditions. Our guides may also make minor changes to tailor the walk to the group.

*All times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic