Italy: The Lakes
Overview
Highlights
- Wander the majestic grounds of 18th-century Villa del Balbianello, a mixture of luxurious palms, classical statues, and dramatic arches covered in ivy.
- On Lake Maggiore—the setting for Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms—stop by a local shop on Isola dei Pescatori (“Fishermen’s Island”) to chat about the catch of the day.
- Sample the delicate and robust vintages of the region during a wine tasting in a 16th-century wine bar located in Orta San Giulio.
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Trip includes
- Two expert, local guides (for groups of 8 or more), with you 24/7
- All meals except for two lunches and one dinner; local wine included
- All accommodations while on tour
- Transportation from the meeting point to the departure point
- Entrance fees and special events as noted in the itinerary
- Destination information (weather, visa requirements, etc.) and other travel assistance available 24/7 provided by One Call International
- The unbeatable and cumulative experience of the Country Walkers staff
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Itinerary
Accommodation: Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Upon meeting in Milan, you transfer by private coach to the idyllic medieval village of Orta San Giulio, nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Orta. At only eight miles long and two miles wide, Lake Orta—known for ...
Accommodation: Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Orta to Pella to Isola San Giulio; 5 miles, moderate, with an elevation gain of 800 ft., and an initial 25-minute steep ascent
The day begins with a boat ride to the picturesque town of Pella, situated dire...
Accommodation: Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori
Orta to Armeno to Coiromonte to Gignese; 5.5-mile or 10-mile options, moderate to challenging, elevation gains range from 1,000-2,000 ft.
Departing from Orta San Giulio on foot and then by bus, your guide...
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Lake Maggiore and Isola Bella exploration; 1 mile, easy. Transfer to Bellagio. Villa Melzi to Hotel Belvedere; 1-mile, easy
After breakfast, the morning is spent exploring the Borromean Isles— specifically the tin...
Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; 4.5 miles, moderate with a 30-minute ascent. Additional option: Madonna del Soccorso; 2 miles, moderate with a 25-minute steep ascent, elevation gains range from 300-800 ft.
...Accommodation: Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Varenna to Vezio; 3 miles, moderate with a 30-minute steep ascent
Following an enticing breakfast of homemade baked goods and preserves, eggs, cured meats and cheeses, you board a local ferry to Varenna, an attrac...
After enjoying a final group breakfast, a private coach brings you to the train station in Milan for connections to your next destination.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Country Walkers.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Awards from the likes of Travel + Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, and Outside are gratifying, but it’s our thousands of repeat guests that really make us proud. Ask any of them and they’ll tell you why we’re different: Wine tastes better when you drink it with the vintner. Tagines taste better when you prepare them with a top Moroccan chef. Landscapes are more beautiful when you share them with friendly locals. And exotic lands are more stunning when they begin to feel like home.
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At Country Walkers, our well-traveled staff works hard to handcraft unique and creative experiences that immerse you in a destination. We’re also committed to keeping your experience worry free—guaranteeing all Country Walkers departure dates no matter the group size and maintaining itineraries free of hidden costs. Add to that our commitment to customer service and individualized care—before, during, and after your trip—and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable adventures.
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At Country Walkers, we want you to experience the best the world has to offer, whether that means midnight kayak rides through Icelandic lagoons or games of khuru with Bhutanese villagers. That’s why our intrepid staff travels the world to handcraft unique and creative experiences to immerse you in a destination. It’s also why we’re so committed to keeping your experience worry free—guaranteeing all Country Walkers departure dates no matter the group size and maintaining itineraries free of hidden costs. Add to that our commitment to unparalleled customer service and individualized care—before, during, and after your trip—and you’ve got a recipe for unforgettable adventures.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International Flights
- Passport and Visa Charges
- Personal Expenses
Cancellations received 91 days or more prior to the tour start date will incur a loss of $150; cancellations received between 90 and 61 days prior to the tour start date incur a loss of 25 percent of the tour price; there are no refunds within 60 days of the tour start date. Up to 91 days prior to departure, you may transfer your reservation, depending on availability, from one departure to another in the same calendar year at no cost*. Please notify us in writing.
*One transfer per year; afterwards a modest per person transfer fee will apply. Please note that tours with seasonal prices may involve a higher price.
Add a Tour Extension to Your 2016 Flight + Tour Combo
Pre-Tour Extension: Milan
2 nights: $398 | Single +$298
Like the grand, gothic cathedral at its heart, Milan is a city of refined beauty, unsurpassed taste, and monumental power. Spend a few days here and you’ll have the opportunity to see La Scala Opera House, medieval castles, and Da Vinci's famous painting, The Last Supper.
Guaranteed Departures
Country Walkers guarantees the departure of every tour*—no exceptions and no disappointments! From the moment you make your deposit, you can start preparing for your adventure. We take care of all the details to ensure a seamless, small-group experience (with an average of 6 or 7 guests per guide). For best availability, reserve your trip today!
*except in cases of force majeure
Activity Level
This tour is one of our Guided Walking Adventures, rated moderate with challenging sections, with an average of 4 to 9 miles per day. There are daily ascents and descents. The Italian Lakes tour has a combination of gradual and steep ascents, descents, and a few valleys. The climbing time on the ascents ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. There are very few long, flat stretches of trail. The 800.464.9255 15 countrywalkers.com terrain is a combination of hiking trails, narrow gravel roads, ancient cobblestone ways, and some single-track trails with loose stones or gravel. The pace on this tour is leisurely to allow for stops en route to explore villages, or to visit cultural and historical sites.
Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary, since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance and unforeseen circumstances may arise that mandate change. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
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Country Walkers is a leader in active travel with responsible tourism an integral part of our core values. Our tours reflect our dedication to best travel practices—and to the preservation of indigenous cultures and the environment. Country Walkers has made a donation on behalf of every traveler to the CW Travelers Fund, which supports designated projects in the communities and habitats in which we travel. We invite you to learn more about our efforts and initiatives for giving back Here’s just one example that highlights our sustainable practices:
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