Walking at Lakes Orta and Maggiore

Walking at Lakes Orta and Maggiore

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Trip Fee

$ 2.490

Single Room Difference

$ 599

Date

31 August - 08 September 2025

Trip Information

Activity Areas

New Walking Holidays
Self-Guided Walking
Walking & Trekking

Region & Country & City

Europe: Italy, Switzerland

Included in the Price

— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation staying in 3* hotels — All continental breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Transfers to the start of the walks on days 3, 5 and 7

Not Included In The Price

— Travel insurance — Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation Information

— Hotel-to-hotel accommodation staying in 3* hotels — All continental breakfasts — Luggage transfers between hotels — Transfers to the start of the walks on days 3, 5 and 7

Map

Itinerary

Day 1 Day 1 - Arrive in Orta San Giulio

Explore this gorgeous village with its medieval centre, labyrinth of cobbled streets and 16th century town hall, before settling into your comfortable 3* hotel overlooking the lake, with stunning views from the hotel's terrace and from Headwater's allocated bedrooms!

Day 2 Day 2 - Choice of walks at Orta San Giulio

Ascend Sacro Monte along a pilgrimage trail lined with 20 frescoed chapels dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi and drink in the superb vistas over Lake Orta. There's time in the afternoon to head to the spiritual island of San Giulio with its Romanesque basilica and cloistered abbey which is still home to Benedictine nuns. Circumnavigate the island along the evocative and peaceful Via di Silenzio. Alternatively, for a longer walk, head to the historical hamlet of Legro, famous for its colourful murals, then follow a woodland path to Corconio via the ancient Buccione Tower from where there are spectacular views over the lake. Continue along Via dei Canneti, named after the reeds that are home to many species of lake birds, before a lakeside path with stunning views of the island of San Giulio, takes you to the charming village of Pella. Hop on one of the convenient ferries (or taxi boat in low season) to return to Orta San Giulio.

Day 3 Day 3 - Orta San Giulio to Stresa

We take you to Coiromonte, from where it's a short climb to Monte Falo with truly amazing views over the surrounding mountains as well as Lakes Maggiore, Orta, Varese and Monate. Then descend along a muleteer's path to the little town of Gignese, with its unusual umbrella museum, before continuing to the vibrant town of Stresa, lapped by the crystal clear waters of Lake Maggiore. A shorter walk option is available.

Day 4 Day 4 - At Stresa

Renowned as the Pearl of Lake Maggiore, there is much to explore in colourful Stresa. There are regular ferries to the renowned Borromean islands: visit Isola Madre, with its lush botanical gardens, resplendent with magnolia, wisteria and camellias. Discover Isola Bella with its imposing Baroque palace and terraced Italianate gardens - home to white peacocks! - and wander along the narrow winding alleys on the Isola dei Pescatori. The beautiful gardens at Villa Taranto are also only a short boat ride away. Alternatively, follow the chestnut trail along a muleteer's path with superb views of Lake Maggiore to unspoilt Belgirate, with its prestigious 18th and 19th century villas where Hemingway and Wagner once stayed. Return to Stresa by ferry (or bus in low season).

Day 5 Day 5 - Stresa to Cannero Riviera/Cannobio

We take you to lakeside Cannero Riviera, a gorgeous village sheltered within a natural inlet and famous for its multi coloured camellias, lemon and palm trees which thrive in the village's sunny position. From here, set off along the superbly scenic Via delle Genti, an ancient path through shady chestnut woods, terraced gardens and pretty villages, to Cannobio, the last Italian town on Lake Maggiore's shores. Admire its bright porticoed palazzi, stepped alleyways and old fishermen's houses before returning to Cannero Riviera by ferry (or bus in low season).

Day 6 Day 6 - At Cannero Riviera

Today's walk takes you past fertile vine terraces to the tiny village of Trarego, a cluster of houses perched on the slopes of Monte Carza, with enviable views over Lake Maggiore. Descend through woodland back to Cannero via panoramic Oggiono. Alternatively, take the ferry to Cannobio then make your way to the Orrido Sant'Anna, a ravine where the waters of the Cannobino stream have carved through the rock to form a natural oasis - perfect for a cool dip. A picnic lunch with a view in the village of Sant'Anna, known as the 'balcone sul lago' for its vistas over Cannobio, Maggiore and the Ticino mountains beyond, before returning to the centre of Cannobio and your ferry (or bus in low season) back to Cannero.

Day 7 Day 7 - Cannero to Ascona

Leave Italy today and head over the border into Switzerland! We take you to the Lido di Crodolo, where you can take a dip in Maggiore's clear waters, before ascending to the village of Ronco sopra Ascona, with the vistas opening up over the glittering lake below. Cross the hillside before descending into chocolate box Ascona via Monte Verita, with its expansive parkland, tea plantation - the only one in Switzerland! - and zen garden with stunning lake views.

Day 8 Day 8 - At Ascona

The small town of Ascona is simply picture perfect with its brightly painted houses, plane tree lined promenade and colourful fishing boats bobbing on the luminous waters. Visit the Castle of San Materno and wander the maze of alleyways filled with cafes, boutiques and art galleries. It's a 15 minute boat trip to the Brissago islands - blessed with a subtropical climate, the larger of the 2 is home to the only botanical park in Switzerland, containing over 2000 different plant species. Or head to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. For the more active, it's a gentle walk to neighbouring Locarno, with its evocative Old Town and vibrant Piazza Grande. Or for superb mountain walking, take the cable car from Locarno to Cardada and follow a superbly panoramic path via Cimetta and Alpe Vegnasca back to Cardada.

Day 9 Leave Ascona

Travel Dates

31 August - 08 September 2025 $ 2.490

01 - 09 September 2025 $ 2.690

02 - 10 September 2025 $ 2.690

03 - 11 September 2025 $ 2.690

08 - 16 September 2025 $ 2.690

09 - 17 September 2025 $ 2.690

10 - 18 September 2025 $ 2.690

13 - 21 September 2025 $ 2.750

15 - 23 September 2025 $ 2.690

16 - 24 September 2025 $ 2.690

17 - 25 September 2025 $ 2.690

21 - 29 September 2025 $ 2.730

22 - 30 September 2025 $ 2.690

23 September - 01 October 2025 $ 2.690

24 September - 02 October 2025 $ 2.690

29 September - 07 October 2025 $ 2.660

30 September - 08 October 2025 $ 2.660

01 - 09 October 2025 $ 2.525

06 - 14 October 2025 $ 2.525

07 - 15 October 2025 $ 2.525

08 - 16 October 2025 $ 2.525

13 - 21 October 2025 $ 2.525

14 - 22 October 2025 $ 2.525

15 - 23 October 2025 $ 2.525

07 - 15 April 2026 $ 2.555

08 - 16 April 2026 $ 2.555

13 - 21 April 2026 $ 2.600

14 - 22 April 2026 $ 2.600

15 - 23 April 2026 $ 2.600

20 - 28 April 2026 $ 2.600

21 - 29 April 2026 $ 2.600

22 - 30 April 2026 $ 2.600

24 April - 02 May 2026 $ 2.640

27 April - 05 May 2026 $ 2.600

28 April - 06 May 2026 $ 2.600

29 April - 07 May 2026 $ 2.600

04 - 12 May 2026 $ 2.855

05 - 13 May 2026 $ 2.855

06 - 14 May 2026 $ 2.855

11 - 19 May 2026 $ 2.855

12 - 20 May 2026 $ 2.855

13 - 21 May 2026 $ 2.855

18 - 26 May 2026 $ 2.855

19 - 27 May 2026 $ 2.855

20 - 28 May 2026 $ 2.855

25 May - 02 June 2026 $ 2.855

26 May - 03 June 2026 $ 2.870

27 May - 04 June 2026 $ 2.870

01 - 09 June 2026 $ 2.855

02 - 10 June 2026 $ 2.855

03 - 11 June 2026 $ 2.855

08 - 16 June 2026 $ 2.855

09 - 17 June 2026 $ 2.855

10 - 18 June 2026 $ 2.855

15 - 23 June 2026 $ 2.855

16 - 24 June 2026 $ 2.855

17 - 25 June 2026 $ 2.855

22 - 30 June 2026 $ 2.855

23 June - 01 July 2026 $ 2.915

24 June - 02 July 2026 $ 2.915

29 June - 07 July 2026 $ 2.855

30 June - 08 July 2026 $ 2.855

01 - 09 July 2026 $ 2.600

06 - 14 July 2026 $ 2.600

07 - 15 July 2026 $ 2.645

08 - 16 July 2026 $ 2.645

13 - 21 July 2026 $ 2.600

14 - 22 July 2026 $ 2.600

15 - 23 July 2026 $ 2.600

20 - 28 July 2026 $ 2.600

21 - 29 July 2026 $ 2.600

22 - 30 July 2026 $ 2.600

27 July - 04 August 2026 $ 2.600

28 July - 05 August 2026 $ 2.600

29 July - 06 August 2026 $ 2.600

03 - 11 August 2026 $ 2.600

04 - 12 August 2026 $ 2.645

05 - 13 August 2026 $ 2.645

10 - 18 August 2026 $ 2.600

11 - 19 August 2026 $ 2.630

12 - 20 August 2026 $ 2.630

17 - 25 August 2026 $ 2.630

18 - 26 August 2026 $ 2.630

19 - 27 August 2026 $ 2.630

24 August - 01 September 2026 $ 2.600

25 August - 02 September 2026 $ 2.600

26 August - 03 September 2026 $ 2.600

31 August - 08 September 2026 $ 2.600

01 - 09 September 2026 $ 2.855

02 - 10 September 2026 $ 2.855

07 - 15 September 2026 $ 2.855

08 - 16 September 2026 $ 2.855

09 - 17 September 2026 $ 2.855

14 - 22 September 2026 $ 2.855

15 - 23 September 2026 $ 2.855

16 - 24 September 2026 $ 2.855

21 - 29 September 2026 $ 2.855

22 - 30 September 2026 $ 2.855

23 September - 01 October 2026 $ 2.855

28 September - 06 October 2026 $ 2.810

29 September - 07 October 2026 $ 2.810

30 September - 08 October 2026 $ 2.810

05 - 13 October 2026 $ 2.675

06 - 14 October 2026 $ 2.675

07 - 15 October 2026 $ 2.675

12 - 20 October 2026 $ 2.675

13 - 21 October 2026 $ 2.675

14 - 22 October 2026 $ 2.675

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