Italy & Switzerland Lake District Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Anna Bezzola

Anna Bezzola was born in northern Italy, raised in Switzerland, and has been hiking in the Alps since childhood. She has been an MT Sobek guide for more than 15 years. In addition to being multilingual, Anna truly enjoys people, and her passion and love for nature and her country are contagious. She is extremely knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, history, and customs of the area, and currently lives in Bellinzona, the capital of Ticino (the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland). Anna leads several departures in Italy and Switzerland, and has even led The Chomolhari Trek in Bhutan, as well as trips in the Arctic and Antarctic.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Milan & Transfer to Lake Orta
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Meet your guide at Milan Malpensa International Airport in the morning and transfer to serene Lake Orta. Marvel at the stunning mountain backdrop on a pleasant lakeside hike, before visiting picturesque San Giulio Island with its monumental Romanesque Basilica. Next, take a short boat ride to the pretty town of Orta San Giulio, your base for two nights. If time allows, walk up to Sacro Monte, where 20 chapels beautifully depict the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. It\'s also a perfect vantage point, with great views of the town, lake, and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before meeting up again for a trip orientation and welcome dinner.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 45.447
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                    [Headline] => Hike from Monte Falo to Mottarone
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/7.5 miles with 2,801\' elevation gain
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Follow trails through chestnut and beech forests to the quaint village of Coiromonte, known for its fresh air and lovely views. From here, an easy path takes you to the slopes of Monte Falo where you\'ll get superb vistas of the snow-capped Alps to Lakes Maggiore, Varese, Comabbio, and Monate. Retrace your footsteps through beautiful pastures to the summit of Mottarone (4,895\'), an adventure-lover\'s paradise straddled between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore. Eat a picnic lunch with panoramic views, before returning to Orta San Giulio. Explore town on your own this afternoon or take a swim in the sparkling lake.
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                    [Latitude] => 45.88
                    [Longitude] => 8.45
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                    [Headline] => Follow Trails to Stresa & Boat to the Borromeo Islands
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,158\' elevation gain and 1,145\' loss
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Start the day in the enchanting town of Belgirate on the shores of Lake Maggiore. From here, set off on a panoramic hill walk above the lake passing quaint villages along the way. Explore the narrow lanes in Stresa\'s charming historical center and transfer by boat to Isola dei Pescatori for a light lunch. Then journey to beautiful Isola Bella for a guided tour of its sumptuous palace and elegant gardens, home to famous white peacocks. Return to Stresa and transfer to lively Locarno, situated at the northern end of Lake Maggiore, in Switzerland. Enjoy a two-night stay in Locarno.
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                    [Headline] => Get a Bird\'s-Eye View of Lake Maggiore
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 1,581\' elevation gain and 2,588\' loss
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Venture high into the mountains above Locarno and Lake Maggiore, starting with an exciting aerial cableway and chairlift ride. At the top you\'ll be rewarded with epic views spanning the entirety of Lake Maggiore, from the Ticino and Maggia river deltas to the Western Alps. From the viewpoint, follow a well-maintained alpine trail to the summit of Cima della Trosa (6,118\') where more astounding 360°-degree vistas await. Descend to a mountain rifugio for a light lunch, then hike back through the woods to the aerial cableway and return to Locarno. Enjoy free time in Locarno this evening.
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                    [Latitude] => 46.161
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                    [Headline] => Lake Lugano Hike From Monte San Salvatore to Morcote
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/6.5 miles hiking with 870\' elevation gain and 2,907\' loss
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Begin today\'s hike with a cable car ride to the summit of Monte San Salvatore (2,992\'), rising grandly over dreamy Lake Lugano - a favorite destination for centuries of artists, writers, and vacationing aristocrats. Enjoy awe-inspiring views stretching from the lake to the snow-capped Alps as you head to the trailhead. From here, a short, steep descent leads to a charming hamlet and then meanders through enchanting woodland. Admire the architectural beauty of the ancient village of Carona before following a panoramic gravel path to an open pasture. After lunch, descend into the splendid lakeside village of Morcote - voted "Switzerland\'s most beautiful village!" End the day with a transfer to Bellagio, known as "the pearl of Lake Como."
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                    [Headline] => Hike the Wayfarer\'s Trail & Explore Varenna 
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/6 miles hiking with 2,312\' elevation gain and loss
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Start the day with an uphill hike through olive groves to the 14th-century Castle of Vezio, where you\'ll get beautiful views of Lake Como and the rooftops of Varenna. From the castle, follow the Wayfarer\'s Trail - a beautiful lakeside mule - toward Bellano. Pass through hamlets surrounded by vineyards and forests, and take in spectacular views of the Alps along the way. Stroll through Bellano\'s historical heart before enjoying a lakeside lunch. Return to Varenna by public transport and explore the town\'s narrow passageways and exquisite waterfront. This may be a good time for a gelato! Return to Bellagio by public boat and explore the elegant town at your leisure this afternoon.
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                    [Latitude] => 46.042
                    [Longitude] => 9.309
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                    [Headline] => Hike to Monte San Primo
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3.5 hours/4.5 miles hiking with 1,673\' elevation gain and 1,430\' loss
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Set out through the woods and across peaceful pastures, abloom with wildflowers in spring and early summer, to the ridge of Monte San Primo - a wonderful vantage point. Admire the limestone spires of the Grigne mountains on the way and revel in unparalleled views of Lake Como and the Alps from the top. On a very clear day you can even see Milan and the Apennines! Descend to a mountain restaurant for a hearty, traditional meal before returning to Bellagio. Enjoy an afternoon at your leisure.
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                    [Longitude] => 9.209
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                    [Headline] => Depart from Bellagio
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After breakfast, bid farewell to the group in Bellagio.
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    [ActivityHighlight] => Easy to moderately strenuous hiking for 3-4 hours per day up to approx. 6,118ft. Expect a mix of gently rolling terrain and some steeper mountain sections, all with panoramic lake and mountain vistas. Cultural touring of towns includes walking on cobblestone streets. 
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Accommodations

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Elegant 4-star hotels, including a former monastery on Lake Orta, a secluded retreat in Locarno and a lakefront boutique hotel in Bellagio. All accommodations have comfortable en-suite rooms and high-end amenities.

Hotel San Rocco

Comfortable Hotel

With its spectacular lakeside setting and 4-star elegance, the Hotel San Rocco is a perfect stop on your adventure in Italy's Lake District. Set within the walls of an ancient monastery, the hotel blends age-old historical charm with high-end modern amenities. Settle into one of its comfortable and classically furnished rooms, before heading to the Teatro Magico restaurant or White Queen lounge bar. Relax in the Jacuzzi on the Roof Garden or take a dip in the pool as you enjoy views of enchanting San Giulio Island.

Hotel Belvedere

Comfortable Hotel

Perched on a hill overlooking Locarno and Lake Maggiore, the Hotel Belvedere is a glorious 4-star retreat. All of its 90 comfortable rooms come with modern amenities and panoramic views! Relax in the pool or take a Turkish bath at the Oasi Spa, before enjoying a delicious meal at the friendly La Fontana Ristorante & Bar. Piazza Grande and the lake are just a short walk from the hotel.

Hotel Du Lac

Comfortable Hotel

Welcome to the friendly, family-run Hotel du Lac, perfectly situated on the shore of Lake Como. The hotel's 30 comfortable rooms exude a simple, high-end elegance and come with modern amenities and dazzling lake views. Head to the rooftop bar for a cocktail and unbelievable vistas, and enjoy a top-rated boutique stay in the heart of Bellagio.

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