Night 1-5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Bellavista in Menaggio
Hotel Bellavista enjoys wonderful views, and guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, free WiFi, and a great restaurant.
Como & Lugano Lakes Walking Tour
Prices
Highlights
Join this walking tour around the beautiful Como and Lugano Lakes in Italy
The Como and Lugano Lakes Walking tour is a breathtaking hiking experience in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, exploring the excellent scenery around Lake Como and Lake Lugano.
You’ll start the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour in Menaggio, a lakeside town with stellar mountain views. Walking along the lakeshore takes you to Varenna, where the classic architecture and the lake views will compete for your attention. Each town you walk through will surprise you with its unique culture and atmosphere. Ascending into the mountains gives you birds-eye views of the shimmering lakes, and you’ll be a stone’s throw from Switzerland. Relax in mountain huts, and then dip down into meadows and forests. By the time you arrive in Porlezza by the end of the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour, you won’t ever want to leave. Book your spot and trek the stunning Lombardy region now!
Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Menaggio
You’ll start your hiking tour of Lombardy in Menaggio, a lakeside town with a beautiful mountain view. Take some time to relax in the town centre or take a walk through the neighbouring forest. Villa Carlotta nearby has incredible gardens that are definitely worth your time.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Menaggio
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Walk from Varenna to Dervio
Start your hiking tour of Lombardy with a more relaxed trip around the eastern side of Lake Como along Sentiero del Viandante, “The Wayfarer’s Path.” The landscape you’ll pass is exceptional, and the views are picture-perfect. You can make a quick trip up to the castle in Vezio, which is definitely worth it!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Menaggio
- Distance
- 5 hours, 12.4 km, 637m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 Choice of walks
For the next few days, you can pick between three walks to complete on whichever day you prefer. The first walk is a loop walk that passes through the Val Sanagra nature reserve, a lesser-explored area with a storied history. You’ll walk to Loveno, a villa-clad town, and then along the Sanagra stream, which flows from high in the mountains. Resist the urge to take a dip- it’s chilly! Next, you’ll explore Barna, a hamlet with an incredibly peaceful, slow pace of life.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Menaggio
- Distance
- 15.5 km, 40m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 Choice of walks
The next walk you can choose starts in Breglia, and then continues up two of the highest peaks in the area, Monte Grona and Monte Bregagnino. This means you get birds-eye views of the three lakes in the area and the surrounding villages. On a clear day, enjoy the view of the Alps in the distance.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Menaggio
- Distance
- 6.5 hours, 14 km, 1000m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 Choice of walks
The final walk you can choose for days 3-5 follows the Antica Strada Regina on the west side of Lake Como. The route was built by the Romans, and connects Lake Como with several alpine passes. You’ll walk along cobblestone to Rexxonico, where the views of the lake are exceptional.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Menaggio
- Distance
- 3 hours, 9 km, 330m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 6 Walk from Cavargna to Porlezza
Start the morning with a private transfer to Cavargna, which sits high on a hill. You’ll climb up to the Church of Saint Lucio, which straddles the border of Italy and Switzerland. Pop over to the other side and snap a photo! Then, you’ll hike to Monti, a remote hamlet normally only accessible by land rover. Descend to Molzano, where the trail is flanked by mountains and leads to clear views of Lake Como and Lake Lugano.
The last section of today’s hike follows a trail through the woods and meadows to Porlezza, and this section of the path is spectacular. Soak it in and make sure to snap some photos, as this is one of the highlights of the area!
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Porlezza
- Distance
- 5 hours, 16.5 km, 600m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 Walk from Porlezza to San Mamete
The final full day of the Lombardy Cuomo & Lugano Lakes Tour takes you up into the mountains above Lugano Lake. You’ll pass waterfalls, forests, and small villages almost too perfect to be real. The ascent is tough, but you’ll be rewarded with excellent views from Alpe Vecchio, the mountain hut on the plateau. If your knees hold up on the way down, you’ll make it back to San Mamete with time to relax a moment before the bus takes you to Porlezza for the night.
- Overnight Location
- Hotel in Porlezza
- Distance
- 5 hours, 11.3 km, 1100m elevation gain
- Meals
- Breakfast
Day 8 Arriverderci, Porlezza!
Savour a last breakfast in Lombardy looking over the lake before starting your travels home.
- Overnight Location
- None
- Distance
- None
- Meals
- Breakfast
Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided walking tour of Lombardy is always run as a custom tour for your group only, therefore the prices depend on the season and whether you are staying in a single, double or a triple room.
The departure is available at any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – 26th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,375USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,250USD
- Price per person staying in a double or twin room (min 2 travelers): $925USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $825USD
Departure on April 27th – May 27th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,375USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,250USD
- Price per person staying in a double or twin room (min 2 travelers): $975USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $875USD
Departure on May 28th – September 30th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,495USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,375USD
- Price per person staying in a double or twin room (min 2 travelers): $1,050USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $950USD
Departure on October 1st – 25th:
- Price per person staying in single room (min 1 traveler): $1,325USD
- Price per person staying in single room (min 2 travelers): $1,175USD
- Price per person staying in a double or twin room (min 2 travelers): $895USD
- Price per person staying in triple room (min 3 travelers): $795USD
Accommodation on the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour
This tour is based in 3-star hotels and B&Bs. The hotels offer pleasant rooms with ensuite bathrooms and excellent locations. Rooms are standard, double occupancy, and you can upgrade the accommodation at Mennagio to the lake view with an extra charge (please enquire for more information).
In some cases, accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other, comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travellers must pay a supplement that varies based on the season (please inquire to find out more). However, it’s definitely possible to match single travellers up.
Night 6-7
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHotel Europa in Porlezza
Hotel Europa is just 5 minutes from the beach and offers a private garden, gym, and swimming pool. Rooms are equipped with TVs and free WiFi.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes one personal transfer from Menaggio to Cavargna on day 6, with a luggage transfer to Porlezza. You are in charge of all the other transfers, such as ferry or train tickets.
Also Included
- Route guides and notes
- Maps and detailed information packs
- 24/7 telephone guidance and support
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Trains, boats, and busses wherever required
- Lunches and dinners or drinks and snacks not previously mentioned
- Tourist taxes
- Personal equipment
Optional Extras
- Any additional nights before or after tour
- Airport transfers
- Room with a Lake View while staying in Menaggio (please enquire for the prices)
Frequenty Asked Questions about Como & Lugano Lakes Walking Tour
How hard is the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You will walk moderate distances with occasional steep incline, but routes are easy to follow and well-maintained.
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Menaggio to start this tour?
You can fly into Lugano (LUG) or Milan Linate (LIN) or Malpensa (MXP). From any airport, take the bus or train to Milano Centrale. Then, take the train to Como San Giovanni. Schedules can be found here. You can also take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna and take a boat to Menaggio.
Is the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour guided?
No, you will be provided with maps, route guides, notes, and 24/7 telephone support to complete your self-guided tour.
Where does the Como and Lugano Lakes Walking Tour end?
The tour ends in Porlezza, where you can take the train to Milano Centrale with a change in Menaggio.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily.
Are equipment rentals included?
No, you will need to bring all personal equipment desired for the duration of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Reviews
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Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
4.9
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What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You will walk moderate distances with occasional steep incline, but routes are easy to follow and well-maintained.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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