The Italian Lakes are a world of shimmering waters, elegant villas, and hillside villages that feel almost painted. Just an hour from Milan, you’ll slow down into a gentler rhythm—postcard views, fresh lake air, and shores that invite you to linger.
This 7-day, easy-paced walking tour unfolds across three lakes, each with its own character. Lake Como offers iconic beauty—boat rides, villa gardens, and Bellagio’s timeless charm. Lake Maggiore is wide and luminous, with cruises to Isola Bella, soft sunsets, and unforgettable lakeside meals. Then Lake Orta feels like a quiet secret: smaller, intimate, and wonderfully calm.
Along the way, flavors are part of the scenery—Ghemme red in medieval cellars, gelato, and unhurried walks with plenty of time to savor it all.
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6 nights in 4-star hotels, ensuite bathrooms
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, wine included
Transport all along the tour
All boat rides, museum/villa entrances
Wine tasting at Cantina Rovellotti
Gelato tasting
Groups of up to 9 guests are led by 1 local guide / Groups of 10 guests or more are led by 2 local guides. Private tours are guided by 1 dedicated local expert.
Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel — walk light and carefree
All taxes
transport to start & from end
not included: tips for guides
not included: 2 dinners on your own
After a short introduction, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets and lakeside promenade followed by a visit of silk museum. Silk is a big tradition of this area. In the evening, sit down for a traditional dinner featuring local lake fish and Lombard specialties.
A scenic boat ride takes us across the lake to Bellagio. Walk through lush gardens and elegant alleys before visiting Villa Melzi, with its blooming park overlooking the water. For the adventurous, an optional hike to Vezio Castle offers sweeping views. Dinner back in Como.
This morning we sail to Tremezzo to discover the world-famous gardens of Villa Carlotta. Continue along the Greenway trail to Lenno, where lunch is served in a beautiful villa. Gelato follows. Transfer to Lake Maggiore and settle in Stresa. Group dinner at the hotel.
A full day by boat, exploring Isola Madre with its exotic gardens, Isola dei Pescatori with narrow alleys and fishing traditions. Return to Stresa for a free evening to dine at leisure.
First we visit the town of Mergozzo, a cute little hamlet on the Mergozzo Lake. Then we drive to the rolling hills of Ghemme for a tasting at Cantina Rovellotti, known for Nebbiolo-based wines. Luch at Rovellotti’s is combined together with the wine tasting. Dinner on your own in Stresa.
Transfer to Orta San Giulio, the most romantic of the lakes. A gentle hike around Lake Orta leads to the tiny island of San Giulio, where frescoes and legends await. Lunch by the water, then stroll charming Orta’s piazza before returning to Stresa. Suprise farewell aperitivo by Lake Maggiore.
After breakfast, your tour ends in Stresa. The train station is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, making travel connections simple.
Located in a renovated 17th-century building in the walled city, offering charm, comfort, and family-run hospitality.
A fully renovated 1950s villa, converted into guest rooms, featuring a heated pool and original furnishings that echo the era in which it was built.
An Italian-style breakfast will be served in a beautiful, refined hall overlooking the garden.
Two historic buildings overlooking Lake Maggiore, with refined rooms and a central location steps from the lake and the islands.
The Italian Lakes are a feast for the senses. On Lake Como, try risotto al pesce persico (risotto with perch and lemon). On Lake Maggiore, savor grilled lavarello fish. On Lake Orta, taste hearty polenta and torta miascia, a rustic bread cake with apples and raisins.
Local cheeses like Formaggella di Tremosine pair beautifully with wines. And don’t leave without a slice of panettone, born in Lombardy, accompanied by a glass of Moscato or Ghemme.
The pasta is often filled with lake fish. Lake-fish ravioli are a wonderfully delicate specialty.
An important date in the bakery’s tradition is July 4th, for the Feast of Saint Elizabeth, when local families go to the oven to bake their homemade Fugascina. It’s a traditional local biscuit that we’ll taste by Lake Mergozzo.
For the baking, each family makes a donation, and the proceeds are given to the Church of Saint Elizabeth.
The region is famous for its crisp whites and noble reds.
Each glass reflects the balance of Alpine breezes, fertile soil, and centuries of winemaking tradition:
Ghemme DOCG
Nebbiolo at its finest, structured and elegant, aged in oak.
Gattinara
A robust red with earthy notes, perfect with polenta and braised meats.
Erbaluce di Caluso
A unique white with citrus and floral aromas, often made in dry and passito versions.
Moscato di Scanzo
Sweet, aromatic, and rare, a treat for dessert.
Rudy was born in Colle Val d’Elsa, a town between Siena and Florence. He began working as a cycling guide and then as a professional nature guide. He is a Yoga teacher and passionate about natural medicine. He studied kinesiology, shiatsu, craniosacral therapy and has completed a master’s degree in osteopathy.
Now he is studying photojournalism and nature photography because he wants to combine four great passions: photography, travel, people, animals.
Roberto was born and raised in a small village on Amiata mountain, 50 miles south of Siena. Although his background is in biology he is very keen on traditions and history of Tuscany.
His passion is climbing. He is a climbing instructor and rescuer. Do not worry! He is happy to walk with you on flat terrain.
Roberto is definitely a people-person. He took several courses at “The Academy of Experiential Education” about “group dynamics”.
Erica was born in San Gimignano from Italian dad and Scottish mum.
Her background is as Sales Executive in an export company but after 10 years she decided to leave the office, change her life and make a job out of her passions: walking, nature, art, living outdoor and meeting new people and cultures.
Now Erica is a licensed hiking and city guide and her aim is to let you love Italy as much as she does!
Price per person changes depending on the occupancy number of your private group.
More guests? Please ask us a quote. We can also tailor the tour to your needs.
| Number of guests | price in double room (euros) | single supplement (euros) |
| 1 | 9860 | |
| 2 or 3 | 6950 | 320 |
| 4 or 5 | 4720 | 320 |
| 6 or 7 | 4020 | 320 |
| 8 or 9 | 3920 | 320 |
| 10 or 11 | 3790 | 320 |
| 12 or more | 3690 | 320 |
Hotel in Como
4.00 PM
Hotel in Stresa
9:00 AM
9 AM – 5 PM
Walking shoes with grip, hat, sunscreen, swimwear
Small groups, maximum 18 guests
April–June, September–October
Climate: mild, with breezes from the lakes
2 dinners on your own
My husband and I spent 7 days in September walking the Tuscan Hills with Gianni and Rudy. As I read my journal from our trip almost 3 months ago it brings a smile to my face as I relive those treasured moments of hiking beautiful vineyard hillsides, making pasta at a local restaurant, listening to arias from well known Italian operas, drinking glorious wines with local wine makers, eating fabulous foods, learning about making cheese, doing yoga in a beautiful vineyard and listening to Gianni play his flute.Gianni’s organizational skills and ability to relate to all his guests was a large part in making this trip so memorable and enjoyable.
The Best Way to See Italy Forget Rick Steves and sign on with Gianni for a wonderful exploration of some of the best Italy has to offer–countryside, history, food, and people. Gianni’s deep knowledge of all these adds so much richness to the experience of walking through picturesque medieval towns and gorgeous rolling hillsides of vineyards, fields and orchards. The accommodations were comfortable and centralized, often with wonderful views.Although this was a tour through the areas surrounding Siena, Montalcino and Pienza, Gianni offers tours in other areas and I would expect the same high level of engagement and effort to provide unique experiences. Truly exceeded my expectations!
Walk about Tuscany Loved this tour and would highly encourage others to go. Our guides Gianni and Sara were great, everything ran smoothly from day one. Excellent choices of hotels, restaurants and walking trails. The perfect size group, lots of laughs and good memories. Looking forward to the next one. Grazie, Monica
Under the Tuscan Sun…and a big black cloud but only once I have just returned from 8 fabulous days with Walk About Tuscany hosted by Gianni and Rudy and helped by their hard working transportation crew who ensured we were picked up on time, we traveled safely and no luggage was lost. We had many moments of fun and laughter and even a couple of flute recitals just for a change of pace!! In the end, I have Gianni to thank for this experience. His thoughtful organization and attention to detail were key in delivering a superb product, a memorable adventure and a trip of a lifetime. Walk About Tuscany is highly recommended! Grazie, Gianni
The unforgetable Tuscany I am so amazed with Gianni who operated our tour with his in-depth knowledge of every single steps and buildings around Tuscany. Not to mention his creativeness in every moments of our walks. You will have great lunches and dinners with lots of special-2-thumbs-up wines. We also visit Olive Oil producer and given sampler at which is the best (and fresh) olive oil that I had ever tasted ! The scenery view is very awesome, just like the post card. Highly recommended and wouldn’t mind to do this tour again.
Group Tour of Tuscany Hill Towns with Walk About Tuscany Tours I had a marvelous time on this trip. Our guide, Gianni, provided gorgeous walks and unique experiences with local organic producers of wine, produce, cheese, and olive oil. Definitely experiences I couldn’t have had without his guidance and that helped me to appreciate what makes this region unique. Gianni is knowledgeable and expended every effort to ensure that our trip was memorable and unique. We walked, ate very well, drank wonderful wines and learned a great deal about this region of Tuscany and why it is among the most delightful of all Italy.
Terrain: Mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, with well-maintained paths and only occasional short uneven sections.
Distance: Usually shorter walks, around 4.5 to 5.5 km / 3 to 4 miles per day, depending on the itinerary.
Elevation gain: Very limited. There may be a few gentle slopes, but no significant climbs or descents.
Who it is for: Ideal for beginners, casual walkers, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed walking holiday with little physical effort.
Terrain: A mix of flat sections and more uneven ground, with some inclines, steps, or minor obstacles that remain manageable for most reasonably active travellers.
Distance: Generally around 5 to 8 km / 3 to 5 miles per day, depending on the tour and terrain.
Elevation gain: Noticeable but not demanding. Some uphill and downhill stretches may be present, though never steep or prolonged.
Who it is for: Suitable for beginners who want a slightly more active experience, as well as for regular walkers looking for a relaxed but rewarding pace.
Terrain: Varied terrain that may include uneven paths, longer walking sections, and regular uphill or downhill stretches.
Distance: Moderate daily walking time and distance, suitable for travellers who enjoy being active outdoors for a good part of the day.
Elevation gain: More consistent and clearly noticeable, though still within the reach of anyone with a basic to good level of fitness.
Who it is for: Best for active travellers who are comfortable walking for several hours a day and can handle some uneven terrain and sustained inclines.
