The Italian Lakes are a world of shimmering waters, grand villas, and villages that seem painted on the mountainsides. In just an hour from Milan, you’ll find yourself gliding across Lake Como by boat, sipping wine in the medieval cellars of Ghemme, and tasting gelato on a working farm.
Our 7-day walking tour is designed to combine the elegance of iconic places like Bellagio and Isola Bella with quiet paths, secret gardens, and family-run wineries. You’ll stroll at an easy pace (about 3 km / 1.8 miles daily), cruise to charming islands, enjoy risotto with perch fish, polenta, and raise a glass of Ghemme red wine as the sun sets over Lake Maggiore.
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6 nights in 4-star hotels, ensuite bathrooms
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, wine included
All boat rides, museum/villa entrances
Wine tasting at Cantina Rovellotti
Gelato tasting at L’Agrifoglio farm
1 guide for groups 10
Pesto-making
All taxes
Meet at 4:00 PM at Albergo del Duca, in the heart of Como. After a short introduction, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets and lakeside promenade. 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. After a picnic, continue along the Greenway trail to Lenno, where Villa Balbianello stands in majestic solitude. 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, and Isola Bella, a baroque wonder rising from the water. Return to Stresa for a free evening to dine at leisure.
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. Evening free.
Drive to the rolling hills of Ghemme for a tasting at Cantina Rovellotti, known for Nebbiolo-based wines. Continue with a short hike to Molino del Sabbione for a farmhouse lunch. 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.
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 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.
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 |
Albergo del Duca, Como
4.00 PM
Hotel Milan Speranza, 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
1 dinner on your own, coffee/gelato stops (~€5/day)
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.
