Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+ & 2
Flights
available
Headwater
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Explore ancient muleteers' paths, colourful waterside towns and magical lake islands on this 8 night discovery of majestic Lake Maggiore - Italy's second largest lake - and its lesser known neighbour, Lake Orta, considered to be one of the most romantic lakes in Italy.
Your journey starts in the hidden gem that is tranquil Orta San Giulio, a medieval village nestled in the foothills of the Alps and lapped by Orta's pure waters. Head to vibrant Stresa, the Pearl of Lake Maggiore, on a panoramic path with far reaching views - as far as the Appenines on a clear day! - and hop on a ferry to discover the Borromean islands with their Baroque villas and resplendent botanical gardens - complete with white peacocks! Walk through chestnut woods and sleepy villages from pretty Cannero to colourful Cannobio, and admire the vistas over glittering Maggiore as you make your way over the Swiss border to picture perfect Ascona, with its maze of cobbled alleyways, plane tree lined promenade and bustling street cafes.
The walks throughout are leisurely - and optional! - leaving plenty of time to visit the atmospheric towns, islands and wealth of botanical gardens that this fascinating area has to offer.
The walks are on hillside tracks, lakeside paths and country lanes, many with a large number of steps and cobbles. Walkers should be confident and relatively fit. Walking boots and poles are recommended.
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!
You stay at Hotel Bocciolo.
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On the outskirts of Orta's town centre, the family run Hotel Bocciolo is set within verdant lawns overlooking Lake Orta, with stunning views over the shimmering waters from the hotel's terrace. The hotel also benefits from a restaurant, bar, jacuzzi and lakefront bathing area. The simple bedrooms are modern and comfortable, with ensuite facilities, and Headwater customers are allocated the lake facing rooms with either private balcony or spacious shared terrace.
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.
You stay at Hotel Bocciolo.
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On the outskirts of Orta's town centre, the family run Hotel Bocciolo is set within verdant lawns overlooking Lake Orta, with stunning views over the shimmering waters from the hotel's terrace. The hotel also benefits from a restaurant, bar, jacuzzi and lakefront bathing area. The simple bedrooms are modern and comfortable, with ensuite facilities, and Headwater customers are allocated the lake facing rooms with either private balcony or spacious shared terrace.
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.
You stay at Hotel Fontana.
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Housed in a villa dating back to the 1930s, the Hotel la Fontana is a short stroll along Stresa's scenic lakeside promenade to the bustling centre and just a 5 minute walk to the ferries going to the Borromean islands. The accommodation is split between the villa and its smaller annexe; all rooms are spacious and contemporary, and come with air-conditioning and modern ensuite facilities as standard. The hotel benefits from a bar, guests' lounge and swimming pool (typically open from Mid May to September, weather permitting) set in lawned gardens.
Room upgrades: Lake view room, lake view with balcony, superior lake facing room, deluxe room with lake view and terrace
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).
You stay at Hotel Fontana.
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Housed in a villa dating back to the 1930s, the Hotel la Fontana is a short stroll along Stresa's scenic lakeside promenade to the bustling centre and just a 5 minute walk to the ferries going to the Borromean islands. The accommodation is split between the villa and its smaller annexe; all rooms are spacious and contemporary, and come with air-conditioning and modern ensuite facilities as standard. The hotel benefits from a bar, guests' lounge and swimming pool (typically open from Mid May to September, weather permitting) set in lawned gardens.
Room upgrades: Lake view room, lake view with balcony, superior lake facing room, deluxe room with lake view and terrace
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).
You stay at Hotel la Rondinella.
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The Hotel la Rondinella is a lovingly restored villa - with a more modern extension - overlooking glistening Lake Maggiore; the views are simply stunning from the hotel's terrace, where breakfast and evening meals are usually served. In addition to the restaurant, the hotel has a lounge and bar, and the bedrooms come with an enviable vista over the lake, as well as a small balcony. The Rondinella is just a short 800m walk along the lakeside promenade to the village centre, and just 100m from a small lakefront beach.
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.
You stay at Hotel la Rondinella.
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The Hotel la Rondinella is a lovingly restored villa - with a more modern extension - overlooking glistening Lake Maggiore; the views are simply stunning from the hotel's terrace, where breakfast and evening meals are usually served. In addition to the restaurant, the hotel has a lounge and bar, and the bedrooms come with an enviable vista over the lake, as well as a small balcony. The Rondinella is just a short 800m walk along the lakeside promenade to the village centre, and just 100m from a small lakefront beach.
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.
You stay at Hotel Luna Garni.
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The family run Hotel Luna Garni is modern and comfortable, and can be found in the heart of vibrant Ascona, just a short walk from Lake Maggiore's shores. There's a quiet and peaceful lawned garden here where you can relax after a day's walking or sightseeing. The bright and airy rooms come with balcony, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
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.
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.
You stay at Hotel Luna Garni.
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The family run Hotel Luna Garni is modern and comfortable, and can be found in the heart of vibrant Ascona, just a short walk from Lake Maggiore's shores. There's a quiet and peaceful lawned garden here where you can relax after a day's walking or sightseeing. The bright and airy rooms come with balcony, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Andreola Central Hotel, Milan.
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The Andreola Hotel in Milan is ideally located for a stopover hotel. It is only 300m from the central station, from where shuttle buses run to Malpensa and Linate airports. The building is in the financial district - it is around a 20 minute walk into the renowned cathedral. The early 1900s building is more impressive inside than out - the marble columns, floors and gilt furniture in the lobby makes the interior very plush and elegant, and the 84 bedrooms are decorated with rich fabrics, paintings and marble en suite bathrooms.
Please contact us for prices.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £399.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
Expect to pay approximately 26€ per person for the public transportation required on the walks on the advertised trip itinerary.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Milan Malpensa airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+ & 2
Flights
available
Headwater
Navigation App
