Lake Como and Lake Garda—Jewels at the Foot of the Alps
In the 1st Century BC, Lake Como and Lake Garda were luxurious retreats for wealthy Romans—and they still are. These fjord-like lakes, carved by massive glaciers that spilled their way down from alpine peaks thousands of years ago, today sit tranquilly at the foot of the Alps with a mountainous backdrop never far from view. The lakeshore is famously dotted with old villages, stately villas, gardens, and groves. Both lakes are fed by rivers and streams running from the Alps and are bounded by rugged and sheer cliffs that plunge into the water.

Ancient Pathways, Promenades, and Panoramic Views
Our walks and hikes in the region start with a relaxing ferry cruise or short shuttle to the trailhead. You’ll enjoy both leisurely lakeside promenades and vigorous climbs up panoramic peaks. You’ll explore a network of age-old paved mule tracks through woodland, pasture, and rosemary-scented hillsides which all once linked remote hamlets and saw generations of traders, pilgrims, and travelers.

Milan, Malcesine, and Varenna
What better place to start or conclude your adventure than in Milan Italy, a center of art and culture since the time of Leonardo da Vinci. At Lake Garda you’ll stay in the lakeside resort of Malcesine with its lively waterfront restaurants and easy tram access to Monte Baldo. Your stay in Varenna, the most picturesque of Como’s lakeside towns, gives you a romantic setting with easy access to the mountains as well as the villas and cobbled lanes of nearby Bellagio.

Overview Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive Milan | Transfer to Malcesine on Lake Garda

Day 2 – Lakeside and olive grove hike | Prehistoric rock carvings

Day 3 – Cable car to Monte Baldo for a panoramic hike

Day 4 – Transfer to Varenna on Lake Como | Sirmione | Bergamo

Day 5 – Varenna lakeside walk

Day 6 – Ferry across Lake Como | Panoramic walk on Monte Grona

Day 7 – Lake ferry to Bellagio | Circuit hike above Bellagio

Day 8 – Mountain hike in the hills above Varenna | Return to Milan

Day 9 – Depart Milan

View Detailed Itinerary
View Detailed Itinerary

Tour Price

$5,995 USD per person, double occupancy

$995 single supplement

Reserve your place on this tour with a $500 per person deposit

Trip Dates

03 October 2024 - 11 October 2024

02 October 2025 - 10 October 2025

Or, book a private departure

Trip Highlights

  • Hikes ranging gentle lakeside walks through historic villages to panoramic hikes in Alpine foothills.
  • Insights into the complex history of these cross-border areas with their varied and fascinating traditions.
  • Visits to some of the lakes’ best-known cultural sites ranging from a Roman villa to botanical gardens and castles
Book This Trip Now

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