Self-Guided Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta Hiking and Walking Tour
Explore two of northern Italy's most enchanting lakes on this self-guided walking adventure. Begin at Lake Maggiore, where you'll visit the famous Borromean Islands with their spectacular palaces and botanical gardens. Journey to a mountain refuge atop Mottarone at 1,489 meters, enjoying alpine views and traditional Italian hospitality. Conclude at Lake Orta, the smallest yet most charming Italian lake, wandering through medieval villages, olive groves, and vineyards. This easy-level tour combines lakeside strolls with mountain trails, offering the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery.
Self-Guided
easy
7 km / 4 mi
4
casual Inns
Min. 2, Max. 12
Highlights
Borromean Islands Discovery
Explore three stunning islands by ferry, visiting 17th-century palaces, world-renowned botanical gardens, and a charming fishing village
Mountain Refuge Experience
Spend a night at 1,489 meters on Mottarone in a traditional alpine refuge with authentic Italian dinner and breathtaking Alpine panoramas.
UNESCO Heritage at Lake Orta
Wander through Orta San Giulio, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, and visit the Sacro Monte UNESCO World Heritage site
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Stresa | Hotel du Parc | hiking | ||
| DAY 2 | Stresa | Hotel du Parc | B | ||
| DAY 3 | Mottarone | Casa delle Nevi | B | 8 km / 5 mi | hiking |
| DAY 4 | Orta San Giulio | Hotel Leon de Oro | B | 10 km / 6 mi | hiking |
| DAY 5 | Orta San Giulio | Hotel Leon de Oro | B | 10 km / 6 mi | hiking |
| DAY 6 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Stresa
Make your own way to Stresa, an elegant lakeside town known for its 19th-century grand hotels and narrow traditional streets. Take time to explore the charming waterfront promenade and discover the local Friday morning market. The lake offers numerous small beaches perfect for a refreshing swim upon arrival.
Day 2: Stresa
Take the ferry to explore all three Borromean Islands at your own pace. Visit Isola Bella's magnificent 17th-century palace, wander through Isola Madre's famous botanical gardens with terraced exotic plantings, and enjoy lunch on Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village with narrow lanes and waterfront restaurants. The all-day boat service allows you to spend as much time as you wish on each island before returning to Stresa.
Day 3: Mottarone
Follow an ancient Roman trail from Stresa to Belgirate, enjoying panoramic lake views along the way. The path passes old chapels and leads to the charming village of Belgirate with its traditional houses and flower-filled gardens. After completing your walk, return to Stresa by boat or train, then transfer to your mountain refuge at 1,489 meters on Mottarone. Enjoy a traditional Italian dinner with stunning Alpine views from this unique accommodation.
Day 4: Orta San Giulio
Complete a circular hike to Monte Zucchero from Mottarone, experiencing one of the Italian Piedmont's finest natural viewpoints. The 360-degree panorama stretches from Mount Viso to Mount Rose across the Alps. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Orta and settle into the pedestrianized village of Orta San Giulio, recognized as one of Italy's most beautiful villages with its stone houses and grand mansions.
Day 5: Orta San Giulio
Cross Lake Orta by boat to the medieval village of Pella on the western shore. Trek through forests and semi-mountainous hamlets on a scenic route offering lake vistas throughout. Arrive in Ronco where you can take a refreshing swim in the lake. Return by boat to visit tiny San Giulio Island, home to a historic basilica and Benedictine convent. Stop for gelato in Orta San Giulio before the final boat back.
Day 6: Departure
Your walking tour concludes after breakfast. Depart at your leisure from Orta.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
shuttle
A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Additional Inclusions
• 5 nights double occupancy with private facilities • 5 breakfasts • All boat & taxi transfer listed in the program • 1 welcome brief on the phone, 3 to 4 weeks before the trip starts • Your Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps • 24/7 phone assistance
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
We want you to have a fantastic experience on your tour, so we aim to be upfront about what to expect along the way. Here are key details to keep in mind:
Most hotels ( except the 4) do NOT have air conditioning*
Stresa
Orta
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Arrival
For your arrival, fly into Milan, which is served by two main airports: Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Linate Airport. From the airport, you can reach Milan city center by airport shuttle bus, taxi, or train (Malpensa Express from Malpensa Airport). From Milan, regular trains depart from Milano Centrale railway station or Milano Porta Garibaldi railway station to the lakeside town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. From Stresa train station, your hotel can easily be reached on foot or by a short taxi ride.
Departure
At the end of the tour, your journey concludes in Orta San Giulio near Lake Orta. The closest railway station is Orta-Miasino railway station, which is connected to Milan by regular regional trains. You can reach the station by taxi or local bus from Orta San Giulio. From there, trains run back to Milan (Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi), with a travel time of about 1.5–2 hours, allowing convenient connections for flights departing from Milan’s international airports.
The Italian Lakes region experiences varied weather throughout the year. Winter months (January–February) are cool with temperatures around 3–9°C (37–48°F), while March begins the transition to spring with milder temperatures of about 7–14°C (45–57°F).
Spring (April–May) brings pleasant weather ranging from 10–22°C (50–72°F) and blooming gardens around the lakes.
Summer (June–August) is the warmest period, with temperatures between 18–30°C (64–86°F), offering long sunny days ideal for exploring the lakes, villages, and surrounding mountains.
Early autumn (September–October) remains comfortable at around 12–25°C (54–77°F) with fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal colors.
By November–December, temperatures cool again to about 4–13°C (39–55°F), and the region becomes quieter with cooler and sometimes wetter conditions.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Good
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Mixed
September
Best
October
Good
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Packing wisely ensures comfort and safety on your hiking adventure. This list covers essential hiking gear, clothing, and travel items to help you handle varied terrain and weather conditions.
Recommended Hiking Clothes & Gear
- Lightweight hiking shoes or boots with good traction.
- Moisture-wicking base layers and breathable hiking shirts.
- Quick-dry hiking pants or shorts.
- Light fleece or down jacket for cooler temperatures.
- Waterproof and windproof shell jacket.
- Sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Hiking poles (optional but recommended on uneven terrain).
- Small daypack with hydration system or water bottles.
- Headlamp or small flashlight.
- Light gloves and beanie for early mornings or high altitudes.
Clothing
- Layered clothing for temperature changes throughout the day.
- Full-sleeved tops for sun and insect protection.
- Comfortable evening wear for lodges or inns.
- Compact rain jacket for unpredictable weather.
- Extra socks (preferably synthetic or wool).
Other Necessities
- Basic first-aid kit with personal medication.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, and insect repellent.
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder.
- Snacks like trail mix, nuts, or energy bars.
- Plug adaptor and power bank for charging devices.
Pro Tips
- Pack light — you’ll appreciate it on uphill climbs.
- Break in your shoes before the trip to avoid blisters.
- Keep rain gear easily accessible in your daypack.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one daypack. Mark your luggage clearly with your name, address, and phone number.
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
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