How Fit do I need to be? What is the Terrain like?

Some of the stages are more strenuous, with many ascents and descents, while others are easier or optional. A good basic level of fitness and hiking experience is generally an advantage, and you should be sure-footed and have a head for heights. You also have the option of travelling with the luggage transport (please contact the driver the day before) or using local public transport to skip or shorten stages. There are ascents and descents, but optional walks to avoid this. The footpaths and tracks are not technically difficult. Paths consist of footpaths, greenways, ancient mule trails and some minor quiet roads. This tour is graded moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty, with some steeper sections, especially climbing up from the lake, though many sections can be shortened or skipped if preferred.

What is the accommodation like?

Accommodation is in hand-picked, family-run properties around Lake Como, offering a warm Italian welcome throughout your stay.

Can I have a single room? Can I travel on my own (solo)?

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Which meals are included, and what are my options for the others?

Breakfast is included every day. Lunch and dinner aren't included, keeping things flexible so you can make the most of the cuisine of the Italian Lakes and wines from Lombardy. You'll always be close to somewhere you can pick up a packed lunch or enjoy a traditional dinner along the way.

When is the best time to go?

This tour is available to start any day between April and mid-October, and given how popular Lake Como is, it's best to book as far in advance as possible. Midsummer, in July and August, can get hot for walking, with temperatures sometimes reaching into the 80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C), though an afternoon breeze is nearly always on hand, along with the option of a dip in the lake. If you prefer cooler conditions, May and September tend to be particularly pleasant, with the region's famously mild climate. The Italian Lakes also get especially busy around major Italian public holidays, including May 1st, June 2nd and August 15th.

How do luggage transfers work?

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person. It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

How do I navigate the route?

The route isn't waymarked for most of its length, aside from some official trail sections and the Greenway path. Hikes usually begin and end at a central point in town, such as a church or bus stop, and the short routes to your accommodation aren't included in the daily distance figures, though our app will guide you there. Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Getting to the start Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport, then catch a train from Milan city centre to the town of Como (approximately 1 hour). Most trains or buses to Como run via Milan. From Como you can catch a ferry (15 minutes) or bus (30 minutes) on to Cernobbio, or we can arrange a transfer for a supplement. Getting from the end To return to Milan from Menaggio, you can take the ferry back to Como and then a train on to Milan, or take a ferry to Varenna on the east side of the lake and catch the train from there to Milan (approximately 1 hour).

What personal equipment do I need to bring?

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

What happens if I can't complete a stage?

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport. On this tour, with advance notice, you can also simply join the taxi that's transferring the luggage between hotels if you'd prefer not to hike on a particular day.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation

Italy

Lake Como Trails

4.6(35)

Lake Como is the most elegant of the Italian Lakes, its shores lined with grand villas, gardens and pastel-colored villages beneath wooded mountains. Hiking here mixes panoramic mountain paths with lakeside strolls, linked by ferries across the water.

Pick the self-guided hiking tour that suits your pace. A relaxed shorter trip pairs gentle hikes with plenty of free time, while the longer trip adds mountain walks above the Intelvi Valley and a stay at a panoramic agriturismo.

Highlights

Ride the cable car to Pigra and hike down to Cadenabbia with views across the lake
Visit Villa del Balbianello, famed for its gardens and as a James Bond film location
Hop on ferries between charming villages, with time to stroll Bellagio's promenade
Unwind with a spritz on a lakeside terrace while you people-watch

No guides, no groups - just you and the trail. We book your accommodation, transfer your luggage each day and you navigate at your own pace with our award winning app.

Route details

6 daysMost popular

8 days

Difficulty:: Moderate
Total distance:: 65 km
Longest day:: 15 km
Accommodation:: Standard
Available months:: April–October
Start/Finish:: Cernobbio, Menaggio

A week hiking around elegant Lake Como & the Intelvi Valley, with its panoramic mountain paths

Night 1
Hotel Centrale
Cernobbio
Hotel
Nights 2–3
Agriturismo Al Marnich
Marnico
Farm
Nights 4–5
Alberghetto La Marianna
Cadenabbia
Hotel
Nights 6–7
Hotel Garni Corona
Menaggio
Hotel

What’s included?

What’s always included

Same on every route and duration

Accommodation in carefully selected accommodations
Breakfasts
Daily luggage transfers unless otherwise specified
Included
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via our app
24/7 telephone support

Specific to this itinerary (included)

Changes with your selected itinerary

Taxi transfers as per itinerary

What’s always excluded

Same on every route and duration

Travel to start and from end of the trip
Any meals, snacks and drinks not listed as included
Taxi transfers or public transportation should you need to skip a stage
Entrance fees (eg. Villa Carlotta)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Local tourist tax if applicable (charged locally at hotels)

Specific to this itinerary (excluded)

Changes with your selected itinerary

Public transportation (eg. cable car, buses and ferries)
Local hotel tax (up to EUR 5 per person per night)

Optional Extras

Need extra nights before, during or after your trip? Call us or visit our Help Centre and we’ll arrange it.

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Lake Como Trails

Route details

Day 1Arrive in CernobbioOvernight: Cernobbio

Day 2Transfer to Monte Bisbino and walk to Marnico/Posa9kmOvernight: Schignano Area

Day 3Intelvi Valley walk12kmOvernight: Schignano Area

Day 4Transfer to Argegno, cable car to Pigra, and walk to Cadenabbia15kmOvernight: Cadenabbia

Day 5San Martino Chapel walk or visit Villa Carlotta or Bellagio6kmOvernight: Cadenabbia

Day 6Walk Cadenabbia to Menaggio11kmOvernight: Menaggio

Day 7Sentiero del Viandante 1 walk, or visit Lugano12kmOvernight: Menaggio

Day 8Onward travel

Where you could stay

Hotel Centrale

Agriturismo Al Marnich

Alberghetto La Marianna

Hotel Garni Corona

What’s included?

What’s always included

Specific to this itinerary (included)

What’s always excluded

Specific to this itinerary (excluded)

Optional Extras

Hear from our travellers

Know before you go

How Fit do I need to be? What is the Terrain like?

What is the accommodation like?

Can I have a single room? Can I travel on my own (solo)?

Which meals are included, and what are my options for the others?

When is the best time to go?

How do luggage transfers work?

How do I navigate the route?

Getting To and From

What personal equipment do I need to bring?

What happens if I can't complete a stage?

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Routes you may also like

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Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Walking Portofino and the Cinque Terre

Via Francigena

Walking in the Heart of the Dolomites

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Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort

The E5 Alpine Crossing