Piemonte Lakeland Trails

Stresa is renowned for its beautiful countryside, architectural gems and mild climate. Arrive in this elegant lakeside town and check into your hotel before taking a peaceful stroll along the lakeside promenade lined with luxury villas and opulent Art Nouveau hotels. There are many small beaches along the lake for swimming.

Overnight in Stresa with dinner included.

Boat transfer to the 3 famous Borromean islands (included).

From Stresa, you take a boat across the lake to the Borromean Islands that have made Lake Maggiore famous. The boat runs all day between Stresa and the three islands.  you can take your time and visit each island and discover the history of the Borromeo family that had a profound effect on the history of Italy and France.

The public boat first takes you to Isola Bella, with its amazing 17^th century palace, followed by Isola Madre, the largest of the 3 islands, covered with a beautiful terraced garden with olive trees, magnolias, giant bamboos and with a 16^th century villa at its centre. Finally, you will visit Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque little fishing village with narrow streets and traditional houses converted into lovely restaurants. This is the ideal spot to stop for lunch before returning by boat to Stresa.

Overnight in Stresa

Walk from Stresa to Belgirate on the Chestnut Trail

Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m | 3½ hrs approx.

You will enjoy panoramic views on this walking trail overlooking Lake Maggiore from Stresa to Belgirate; a charming village with traditional houses and flowered gardens. You will walk mainly on cobbled mule tracks as you follow an old roman trail dotted with frescoed chapels and ruined farm buildings. When you reach Belgirate you return either by boat or train to Stresa (not included – not bookable in advance).

When you return to Stresa, you will be transferred to the the summit of the Mottarone mountain at 1,489 meters. You will stay in a typical mountain refuge, with a typical Italian dinner and beautiful views of the Alps!

Overnight in Mottarone with dinner included. Please note : the refuge is very welcoming but still remains simple, with very simple rooms.

Walk Mottarone > Monte Zucchero > Mottarone

Distance: 5 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m | 3½ hrs approx.

Panoramic loop walk to the Mottarone summit (1491m), one of Piemonte’s most remarkable natural balconies. Your walk begins with an ascent through centuries-old forests and pastures to the Mottarone peak. From there, you will have a breathtaking 360 ° view of the Po Valley and the summit of Monte Rosa, as well as 7 different lakes: Orta, Maggiore, Mergozzo, Comabbio, Monate, Varese and Biandronno.

Transfer in the afternoon to the smallest yet most charming of the Italian lakes : Lake Orta. Orta San Giulio is a small pedestrian village listed as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy with its old stone houses and impressive mansions.

Overnight in Orta San Giulio

Loop walk: Pella – Ronco

Distance: 7 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m | 3½ hrs approx.

You walk to the pier and cross the lake by boat to the small medieval village of Pella on the western shore. From there you have a panoramic walk along a ridge overlooking the lake. You follow ancient cobbled paths through forests and small hamlets with intermittent viewing points offering wonderful views over the lake and island below. Upon arrival in the tiny lakeside village of Ronco you can cool off with a refreshing swim at the lake!

You then take the boat back to discover the tiny island of San Giulio, home to a basilica and a Benedictine convent. You can stop for a gelato before continuing by boat to Orta San Giulio.

Overnight in Orta

Your walking holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us. Before leaving, take the time to visit the Sacro Monte of Orta: a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on the hill above the village and nestled in centuries old forest. It tells the life story of St Francis of Assisi through 20 chapels decorated with colourful frescoes and life-size statues.

When you are ready to leave you can take a train to Milan for onward travel.