Hiking Lago di Como & Lago Maggiore

The journey to Lenno goes first to Como and then by boat. From the boat pier it's a 15-minute walk to the hotel which gives you an opportunity to soak up the atmosphere and perhaps stop for an espresso. The small beach also invites you for a dip. If you arrive early, a visit to Villa Balbianello (not included) is recommended, a romantic 18th-century villa that has also been a filming location for Star Wars and Casino Royale.

Composer Gabriel Fauré called Bellagio "one of the most beautiful places on earth". After a pleasant boat ride from Lenno to this magical place, you walk via the fishing village of Pescallo, through Villa Giolia's park and up to Perlo. Here you are rewarded with wonderful views over the lake and the Alps. Back in Bellagio you can visit Villa Melzi's gardens (not included).

This morning also begins by cleaving the water surface with a keel. The boat takes you to Bellano on the eastern side of Lake Como, which is a bit wilder than the western side. Here you walk the historic "Sentiero del viandante", a Roman path that led towards the Alps. Along the way you'll find the dramatic ravine Orrido di Bellano as well as the village of Gittana and the 11th-century castle Vézio (not included). The day ends in colorful Varenna, known for its gardens Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi (not included). Boat back to Lenno.

From Lenno, today's hike goes over the hills along the "Azalea riviera" with views over the lake and mountains. Here olive groves, elegant villa gardens, medieval villages and Renaissance churches blend together. Visit Villa Carlotta (not included), famous for its terraced Italian garden, English park and art collections. Then transfer (about 2 hours) to Lake Maggiore and the village of Cannero or Cannobio, both of which are located close to each other on the lake's western shore.

Today you will walk one of the lake's finest coastal trails. The start is in Cannero and the hike along old mule tracks to the medieval village of Carmine Superiore with the church of San Gottardo and magnificent views. Then continue via Molineggi and Solivo to Cannobio. Possibility of boat back (not included as it cannot be pre-booked).

After breakfast you get a transfer (30–40 min) to the famous riviera resort of Stresa on the lake's southern shore. Here luggage is left at the hotel before the boat takes you out to the three Borromean Islands (entrance not included). Today will be spent strolling through a postcard of no less than three small islets: Isola Bella with its 17th-century palace, Isola Madre with magnificent palaces and an intricate botanical garden, and Isola dei Pescatori, a small fishing village with narrow alleys and cozy restaurants. Here it's easy to lose yourself as the hours pass. When you're satisfied, boat back to Stresa.

The last hike goes from Stresa to Belgirate along the Chestnut Trail, an old Roman road lined with chapels, blooming gardens, traditional houses and naturally the cultivated chestnut. There's much to see here. Return to Stresa by train or boat (not included).

The trip ends after breakfast but it's possible to book extra nights if you want to extend your stay to, for example, visit nearby Lago di Mergozzo or Lago d'Orta. A tip for a day trip that you can manage before departure is to take the boat to the monastery Santa Caterina del Sasso, a 12th-century monastery that clings to the cliff above the lake – magical to arrive by boat.