Lake Maggiore to Lake de Como

Riding the Swiss-Italian border, this paradise in the heart of the Alps, known for its softness, has attracted even the Romans from as far back as the Classical Antiquity period. In the last century, in the prince-like villas on the romantic banks, composers and writers find inspiration. From Lake Maggiore to Lake Como, this tranquil course reveals a variety of landscapes and magnificent views of the Alps.

• Day 1/ Arival in Milano
• Day 2/ Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella - Stresa
• Day 3/ Mont Mottarone (4,892 feet)
• Day 4/ Borromées Islands - Laveno - Varese - Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori - Como
• Day 5/ Capolago (Switzerland) - Monte Generoso
• Day 6/ Brunate - Monte Bolletto - Milano
• Day 7/ Depart from Milano.

Riding the Swiss-Italian border, this paradise in the heart of the Alps has attracted Romans from as far back as the Classical Antiquity period for its sweetness. In past centuries, and even today, composers and writers find, on these romantic banks, an ideal site for their -artistic creations. Here, nothing has really changed. While passing by the fishermen on their island and the local Bourgeoisie, we walk in the footsteps of writers, musicians and dozens of artists who at one time came to reside here.
Lake Maggiore, from a glacier origin, is famous for its flora, its healthy and temperate climate and its famous Borromees islands. Isola Bella is almost entirely occupied by the Borromees grandiose palace, built in the seventeenth century: sumptuously decorated rooms, very rich art collections, its famous Italian garden terraces, where you can enjoy incomparable views.
Lake Como was described by Stendhal as "the most beautiful site in the world". With its inverted Y-shape, it is the third largest lake in Italy and the deepest. Between the two branches is the Bellagio peninsula. We discover these villages, houses, palaces where successive styles reflect the extraordinary history of these places. Idealists, pacifists, artists, inventors of genius gathered on the shores of these lakes.
This trip of changing landscapes reveals beautiful vistas of the Alps.

Day 1/ Arrival in Milano
Arrival and transfer from Milano Malpensa airport to our accommodation in the city center.
Depending of arrival time, free tour of the city.
Overnight in 4 star hotel (Hotel Brunelleschi or similar).

Day 2/ Milano - Stresa - Lake Maggiore - Isola Bella - Stresa
A two hour guided tour in the city including the Santa Maria delle Grazie church, which is home to "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci; La Scala, the most famous theater in the world, and many monuments such as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, nicknamed "Il Salotto di Milano", a huge glass-covered place, which brings together some of the most expensive shops and chic restaurants. One can witness the beautiful arches and a magnificent dome of iron and glass. Lunch in a typical trattoria.
Transfer to the edge of Lake Maggiore in a private bus (1 to 2 hours depending on traffic).
Settle in at the hotel for two nights and depart for a boat trip on Lake Maggiore to the Borromees Islands. Embarkment for Isola Bella. In addition to a section of fishing village that stands here today, the island hosts the famous Borromees Palazzo. This architectural jewel, dating from the 17th c, allows us to visit 25 richly decorated rooms with gilded wood, stucco, paintings, statues, tapestries and crystal chandeliers from Murano. Through the palace, we reach the terraced garden where, among statues and azalea beds, live white peacocks. We continue on to Fishers Island, a small riparian village where fishing has not yet been taken over by tourism) by tourism. Back to Stresa late afternoon.
Overnight in 4 star hotel (Hotel Stresa or similar).

Day 3/ Stresa - Mont Mottarone (4,892 feet) - Stresa
Start by cable car to the Alpino mid-station (2,638 feet), located on the wooded high lands above the lake. Then we begin our hike loop through Mount Mottarone, where the panorama stretches from the Mount Rose glaciers to the Po Valley. This small resort in altitude has some ski lifts and a hotel-refuge that allows local skiing in the winter in the heart of this nature reserve, where we can see deer and other wild mammals. The sight of Lake Orta and Maggiore is majestic. Back to Stresa by Mount Zughero (4,035 feet).
Overnight in the same 4 star hotel.
4 h 30 walk.

Day 4/ Stresa - Borromees Islands - Laveno - Varese - Sacro Monte and Campo dei Fiori - Como
We board the boat to go to Laveno, another small town at the foot of Sasso del Ferro on the other shore of Lake Maggiore, passing the Borromees Islands and Verbania where we change boats. Train transfer to Lake Varese, between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como and an uphill bus ride to the foot of Campo dei Fiori, a natural reserve. At the outset of the locality named "The First Chapel" (2,018 feet), we take an incredible pilgrimage path punctuated with imposing chapels containing terracotta sculptures. After this "spiritual elevation", we arrive at the superb small village of Santa Maria al Monte (2,897 feet), hung on a rocky promontory. We continue our walk towards Mount Pizzela (3,084 feet) and the summit of Campo del Fiori's forest path (4,026 feet) where many paths and trails allow for us to follow a loop. Descend on foot to reach the bottom of the park and transfer to Como. Settle in at the hotel for two nights.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel (Hotel Metropol Suisse or similar).
4 h walk.

Day 5/ Como - Capolago - Monte Generoso - Como
Transfer to Capolago in Switzerland, near Lake Lugano, the Swiss lakes of this region. We take the railway train to access the watchtower on Mount Generoso (5,594 feet), a splendid alpine summit at the border. We wander towards the valley of San Fedele Intelvi, where the course becomes more timberland. Bus transfer in the Aregno valley, on the lakeside, and sailing to return to Como. End of day with a "passegiatta" ("stroll" in Italian), where the ride on the busy streets by the lake is part of discovering this country.
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in the same 4 star hotel.
3 h 30 walk.

Day 6/ Como - Brunate - Mount Bolletto - Milano (Carimate)
Not far from the harbor, we take the funicular to the Brunate village (2,346 feet), located on a berm above town. Start of our hike to Mount Bolletto (4,055 feet). This little summit emerges above the forest and allows for another magical perspective on the deep riparian valleys and the surrounding mountain peaks. Then back via our "looped" itinerary to the Torno hamlet where we embark for the Como harbor.
Transfer back to Carimato (close to Milano).
Dinner in a typical trattoria.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel (Castello di Carimate or similar).
4 h walk.

Day 7/ Depart from Milano
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

- The walking time schedules are given only as an estimate.
- For different reasons involving trip organization, daily schedules and planned altitude gains (ascent or descent) may be modified without any prior  notice.

Each participant walks with a light back pack, carrying only the personal items necessary for the day of the half day (water bottle, camera, protective clothing, etc).
Luggage transported by a carrier or with the group during transfers. Luggage stays at the hotel if the program provides several nights on the same site.

The guide
An English speaking Italian professional Mountain World Travel guide, hiking specialist with good cultural knowledge.

Small private bus, local bus/shuttle, taxi, boat.

It is varied, in hotels or charming/excellent category inns/lodges/"castellos". The trips are based on 4 star accommodations (or inns/lodges of a similar standing category).
Due to our goal of providing quality accommodations, we seek charming and reputable places located in the middle of the most beautiful landscapes, on the most beautiful view-points or close to the departure of the excursions.
We choose those hotels and lodges, not only for the excellent price / quality ratio, but also for its cordiality and hospitality.

The names of accommodations (hotels, lodges, etc...) when they are indicated, are only indicative.
Depending on availability, accommodations (hotels/Lodges, etc...) may be replaced by another equivalent type.
It is possible that accommodations may change without prior notice due to a number of factors. 

Meals
In hotels offering half-board: breakfast and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
In hotels with no restaurants: morning and evening, standard meals taken in inns and local restaurants. Your leader will know the best spots!
- Lunch: picnics organized by your guide, prepared with local products. Feel free to accompany him later in the day to go shopping and participate in the choice of foods.
During meals, in addition, you can taste sunny and scented wines that are also part of discovering this country. Each region has its own "terroir" (soil) that your guide will explain to you.    
Drinks
Mineral water provided, coffee provided at the restaurant.

To taste, absolutely...
-  In Tuscany, "Bruschette" (slice of bread with oven roasted tomatoes), "Cantucci" (biscuits), Gallo Nero wines.
-  In Southern Italy, "Arancini" (marinated octopus salad with olive oil and lemon), "Canolli", and the famous "Limoncello" (lemon liqueur).
-  Some specialties of the Genoa gulf: "Pesto" (basil, sesame, olive and garlic)
-  Rome: "Carciofi alla giudea" (artichokes), "Caponata di melanzana" (ratatouille tart).
Not to mention tomatoes and Roman salads, Italian cheeses, seafood and meats.
Remember that Italians claim to have the best food in the world!

Although we are an experienced adventure travel company doing our best to respect the itinerary schedule as presented on this detailed itinerary, there is always the possibility that we may need to modify it for different reasons beyond our control. Please read the Registration Conditions: Terms and Booking conditions - Limitations of Liability.

• International flights in/out Milano
• All services mentioned in Services +/extensions/options
• Medical & Travel Insurance
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

• Drinks (except mineral water, coffee during meals)
• Personal expenses.
• Tips for guides
• All items not expressively mentioned in "What's included".

As airfare is NOT included in our adventures, please check if your trip is "a guaranteed departure" before confirming your own airline travel arrangements. You can check your trip status at the Mountain World Travel website or contact the Mountain World Travel office at 1 888-MWT-TREK (698-8735).

Our preferred airlines to fly to Milano:
-      Alitalia, the national airline, flies daily from Boston, Miami, New York to Milano
-      Skyteam (Delta, Nortwest), in cooperation with Air France / Alitalia, flies from anywhere in the States to Milano.

Formalities for US, Canada, UK, Australia, NZ passports travelers: a passport valid at least 6 months after the supposed return date of your journey; no visa needed for a stay up to 90 days.
For other nationalities, please contact the Italian embassy of your country.
Please check with
US Department of State

No vaccine is obligatory. We advise you, however, to be up date for traditional vaccinations: Diphtheria - Tetanus - Poliomyelitis, Typhoid fever. Vaccination against hepatitis A and B is recommended.
Dentist and doctor: A check up before departure is recommended.

LEVEL 2
2 months prior:  Hike 7 to 9 miles every weekend or on two consecutive days.  

 

Basic equipment
- A warm fleece hat
- A cap or a hat to protect from the sun
- Sun glasses (minimum index 3 or 4 for high mountain)
- Thermal top and bottom, short and long) underwear (fast drying).
- Fleece turtle neck top
- A warm fleece jacket (light weight/well insulated).
- A waterproof/breathable shell jacket (Gore-Tex).
- A pair of gloves
- A rain poncho
- Hiking shorts
- Lightweight hiking long pants
- A Camelback or a water bottle.

Shoes and technical material
- Hiking socks
- Light ventilated hiking shoes with a good traction on different type of terrain, for people with fragile ankles: waterproof ankle hiking boots and a sole offering good traction.
- A pair of telescopic walking poles

Luggage
- A back pack equipped with broad straps, with an adjustable anatomical back reinforcement, and a capacity of 7 to 9 gallons, for your daily belongings
- A soft travel bag, which can hold between 18 to 23 gallons that will be transported by the porter team or by vehicle during the day.

Miscellaneous
- A change of clothes.
- A pair of replacement shoe laces
- A dop-kit and a bath towel.
- Toilet paper.
- A pocket knife (not in carry on luggage).
- Some plastic bags to protect your belongings.
- A bathing suit.
- A small pocket anti-theft protection device, to always keep on yourself, along with your identity papers, money, certificate of insurance.

Some advice
During your flight your back pack should contain fragile and useful items that you might need while on the plane (camera, memory cards, jacket, books, magazines, medication, dop-kit etc).