Lago Maggiore, Lago di Como & Lago di Garda
Italian Lakes
- 14 Days
- From 10,850
- Italy & Switzerland
- Moderate
Moderate: Designed for hikers with some experience, offering longer trails and varied terrain.
Highlights
- Dining at Stazione da Agnese Adriana: Delight in a memorable meal at the renowned Stazione da Agnese Adriana in Centovalli-Intragna. This Michelin-rated gem offers exceptional regional cuisine in a charming setting, enhancing your journey with its authentic, locally-inspired dishes.
- Scenic Lago di Como: Be captivated by the beauty of Lago di Como, surrounded by lush wooded hills and majestic mountains. Walk along old mule tracks through Mediterranean greenery with breathtaking lake views.
- Panoramic Trail Adventure: Start your hike from the charming village of Soglio in Switzerland and be rewarded with magnificent mountain scenery along the Panoramic Trail.
- Grand Lake Garda: Explore the largest and arguably the most stunning of the northern Italian lakes, sheltered by the Dolomites. Enjoy walks on Monte Baldo, the Sentiero Angelini and visit the fairytale castle of Drena.
Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through some of Northern Italy and Switzerland’s most picturesque landscapes, as we traverse a series of stunning glacial lakes surrounded by lush vegetation. This journey seamlessly connects the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino, and Switzerland, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Our adventure begins at the magnificent Lago Maggiore, where the Mediterranean climate and exquisite cuisine set the stage for our exploration. From here, we traverse the narrow gorges of Verzasca and Centovalli, where traditional grottos offer delightful local fare such as minestrone, saffron risotto, and rabbit in red wine with rosemary potatoes.
As we proceed to Lago di Como, we are greeted by wooded hills and majestic mountains. This elongated lake, stretching 50 kilometres, is characterised by its three narrow arms and is flanked by verdant Mediterranean vegetation. Our walk along historic mule tracks presents breathtaking views across the lake.
The journey continues on the Panoramic Trail, starting in the charming Swiss village of Soglio. This trail promises awe-inspiring mountain vistas and an immersive experience in the region’s natural splendour.
Our final destination is Lake Garda, the largest and possibly the most beautiful of the northern Italian lakes. Nestled amidst the Dolomites, Lake Garda enjoys a temperate climate that historically supported the commercial cultivation of citrus fruits. Our itinerary features a scenic walk on Monte Baldo, the Sentiero Angelini, and a visit to the fairytale castle of Drena. To fully appreciate the grandeur of the private villas and gardens, we embark on a steamer ride across the lake, concluding with a walk from Gargnano to Muslone.
Hotels & Cuisine
For our journey, we begin with four nights in a charming traditional village in Ticino, Switzerland, nestled in the scenic hills behind Locarno. Our stay is in a comfortable, family-run hotel where you’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy delicious, home-cooked local cuisine that highlights the region’s rich culinary traditions.
On our final two evenings in Ticino, we will dine at the renowned “Da Agnese” Stazione Restaurant, a gourmet retreat beautifully converted from an old railway station. This dining experience offers a sophisticated menu celebrating local flavours, providing a perfect conclusion to our time in the area.
We then travel to Varenna, where we stay in a romantic villa right on the shores of Lake Como. The large terrace, surrounded by vibrant flowers and the tranquil blues and greens of the lake, is an ideal spot to relax with a glass of Prosecco and enjoy the sunset.
Our journey concludes with five nights at a splendid hotel on Lake Garda. This elegant retreat offers magnificent lake views and is set within a lovely garden featuring a wonderful swimming pool and a wellness centre for relaxation. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicately flavoured cuisine, including risotto, homemade pasta, grilled or sauced meats, and local lake fish, all prepared to perfection and complemented by the stunning lake backdrop.
Transportation
Intragna
Hotel Antico
Varenna
Hotel Royal Victoria
Malcesine
Hotel Spa Bellevue San Lorenzo
begins
26 September 2025
Luzern, Switzerland
ends
