Create an account sign-up-diamond

Start your adventure today.

Already a member? Login

Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta

Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!

Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta
From $850USDBook Now
Your itineraryDates & pricesReviews
6 Days from $850USD
Easy quote
Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta
Lifetime deposit
Never lose your deposit if you have to cancel your trip.
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta walking tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes region. You’ll explore panoramic trails with stunning views of the Italian Alps, walk through charming villages, and visit the Borromean Islands, famous for their historic villas and magnificent botanical gardens. Each day offers a unique experience, from the serene lakeside paths to the more challenging mountain trails.

A highlight of the tour is the overnight stay in a mountain refuge at the summit of Mottarone, offering spectacular 360° views of the Alps. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte, in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The combination of nature, history, and culture makes this an unforgettable walking adventure in the heart of northern Italy.

Italy, Europe
Happiness promise

Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta

Discover panoramic trails, charming villages, and beautiful lake views.
4.70
(null reviews)
6 Days from $850USD
Easy quote
Duration
6 Days
Season
Mar-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels & Mountain Refuge
Difficulty
Easy (2/5)
From $850USD (see prices for this tour)
Get a quote
Got any questions?
Ask a question
National Geographic
Guardian
FodorsTravel
Time
Backpacker
National Geographic
Guardian
Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta walking tour takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Lakes region. You’ll explore panoramic trails with stunning views of the Italian Alps, walk through charming villages, and visit the Borromean Islands, famous for their historic villas and magnificent botanical gardens. Each day offers a unique experience, from the serene lakeside paths to the more challenging mountain trails.

A highlight of the tour is the overnight stay in a mountain refuge at the summit of Mottarone, offering spectacular 360° views of the Alps. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte, in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The combination of nature, history, and culture makes this an unforgettable walking adventure in the heart of northern Italy.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Walk the scenic trails of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, surrounded by stunning alpine views.

Visit the Borromean Islands and explore their historic villas and lush botanical gardens.

Experience a night in a mountain refuge at the top of Mottarone, with panoramic views of the Alps.

Discover the charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio and its UNESCO World Heritage site, Sacro Monte.

We are Australian
We know Adventure
10Adventures only does Hiking, Cycling and Adventure Holidays. Its our mission to help you explore the world!

Trip map

Travellers love 10Adventures

View all
Day by day itinerary
Expand all days
Day 1
See more
Arrival at Lake Maggiore
Arrive on your own in Stresa, a charming lakeside town known for its elegant 19th-century hotels and picturesque narrow streets. Stresa offers a relaxing atmosphere with a vibrant Friday morning market. You can also enjoy the small beaches along the lake, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Stresa
Included Meals None
Day 2
See more
Explore the Borromean Islands
Take a boat transfer to the three famous Borromean Islands. The boat runs throughout the day, allowing you to explore each island at your own pace. Visit Isola Bella, known for its 17th-century palace, Isola Madre with its famous palaces, botanical garden, and terraced gardens, and Isola dei Pescatori, a picturesque fishing village with narrow streets and cozy restaurants perfect for lunch. After your island exploration, return by boat to Stresa.
Distance 2.5-3 hours
Overnight Location Hotel in Stresa
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
See more
Walk the Chestnut Trail & Mottarone Summit
Enjoy panoramic views on a scenic walking trail from Stresa to Belgirate, a charming village with traditional houses and flower-filled gardens. The trail follows an ancient Roman path, passing by old chapels. Afterward, you can return to Stresa by boat or train. At the end of the day, you’ll be transferred to the summit of Mottarone Mountain at 1489 meters where you’ll spend the night in a cozy mountain refuge, complete with a traditional Italian dinner and stunning views of the Alps.
Distance 3 hours, 8 km, +200m/-200m
Overnight Location Mountain Refuge in Mottarone
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
See more
At the top of the Mottarone mountain
Embark on a panoramic loop hike to the summit of Mottarone (1,491 meters), offering a breathtaking 360° view of the Alps, from Mount Viso to Mount Rose. In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Lake Orta, the smallest and most charming of the Italian lakes. Orta is a picturesque pedestrian village, renowned for its beautiful old stone houses and impressive mansions, and is listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Distance 3.5 hours, 10 km, +200m/-200m
Overnight Location Hotel in Orta San Giulio
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
See more
Exploring Orta San Giulio & Pella
Start your day with a walk to the lake pier and cross the lake by boat to the medieval village of Pella on the western shore. Enjoy a scenic walk with views of the lake, passing through forests and small hamlets. Upon reaching Ronco, you can take a refreshing dip in the lake! Afterward, take a boat back to visit the tiny island of San Giulio, home to a basilica and Benedictine convent. Stop for an Italian gelato before continuing by boat to Orta San Giulio.
Distance 3.5 hours, 10 km, +400m/-400m
Overnight Location Hotel in Orta San Giulio
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
See more
Departure day
The trip concludes after breakfast, marking the end of your unforgettable adventure.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

Why book with 10 Adventures?

We know adventure

Founded by experienced travellers, active and adventure vacations are all we do.

Experience the trip of a lifetime organized by a team of travel specialists who combine knowledge and passion for adventure travel.

Self-guided specialists

With over 600 tours across 30+ countries, we specialize in self-guided tours.

Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

Packed with value

Get everything you need for your next vacation with one easy booking.

We take care of accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - so you can focus on making memories.

World Class support

Get unbeatable support at every step of your journey.

Whether you are planning or travelling, no matter what your question, a real human is always a call or click away.

Hassle free bookings

Have peace of mind for when travel plans change.

Explore our flexible booking, payment, and cancellation options, as well as our Lifetime Deposits program.

Reviews
5
2
4
1
3
2
1
4.70 (null reviews)
Sort by: Newest
Dates and prices
👇 Prices below are per person

1

2-3

4-5

6

Dates12-34-56
Mar 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025$1,475USD$925USD$850USD$850USD
Mar 1, 2025 to Sep 15, 2025$1,550USD$950USD$895USD$875USD
Sep 16, 2025 to Oct 30, 2025$1,475USD$925USD$850USD$850USD
Optional Extras
Single Supplement – Mar to May and Sep 16th to Oct, 2025$275USD
Single Supplement – Jun to Sep 15th, 2025$295USD
Dates12-34-56
Mar 1, 2025 to Oct 30, 2025$1,595USD$1,025USD$975USD$950USD
Optional Extras
Single Supplement$325USD
*Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group
What’s included

Meals

5 breakfasts and 1 dinner (day 3) are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 5 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour as outlined in the daily itinerary.

Also included

  • Excursions mentioned in the itinerary
  • Road Book with detailed walking itineraries, including highlighted maps
  • All boat & taxi transfer listed in the program
  • 24/7 phone assistance

Not included

  • Transport to Stresa/from Orta
  • Entrance fees into villas & gardens, touristic sites
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Travel insurance
  • Day 3: Return ticket Belgirate/Stresa (by boat or train)

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Optional activities or excursions

Accommodation for Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta

This tour is based on hotels and mountain refuges. All the rooms have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure your best comfort.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Supplement is required for groups of 3 or 5 travellers. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta?

We rate this tour as a 2/5. This tour is suitable for walkers with a basic level of fitness. The daily hikes range from 2.5 to 3.5 hours with moderate elevation changes (+200m to +400m). Trails include well-maintained paths, old Roman roads, and lakeside trails. While there are some uphill sections, they are not overly strenuous.

Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta?

5 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Stresa to start this tour?

Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is the closest major airport. From there, take a train from Milan Central Station to Stresa, a journey that typically takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a direct shuttle or taxi from the airport to Stresa if you prefer a more convenient, though slightly pricier, option.

Is the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta in English?

This is a self-guided tour where guide services are not provided, however, you will be provided all the tour material in English, as well as a helpline phone number.

Where does the Scenic Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lake Orta end?

The tour ends in Orta San Giulio.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Back to top
Why travellers choose this tour
At 10Adventures, it’s easy to make memories with the following six optional inclusions on this tour:
We're Canadian
Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Get travel inspiration and discounts

Join our weekly travel newsletter