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

The walks include stone steps and some ups and downs, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of practice before you set off. Starting a few weeks in advance with regular strolls, perhaps on uneven terrain or gentle inclines, will help build your confidence. If you’re already a regular walker, you’ll find the routes very manageable. And even if you’re not, taking your time and walking at your own pace will ensure success. While the distances are manageable, please note that the terrain can occasionally present challenges, such as cobblestones and some elevation changes. Most walking in on forest trails or meadow paths. The greatest elevation gain is approximately +570m (1900ft), with descents of up to -815m (2700ft). We’ve made every effort to minimise these climbs and descents, but the hilly nature of this beautiful Italian region means some effort is needed to reach those incredible views! This tour is graded easy to moderate. Within the tour individual days may vary in difficulty - some might be a bit tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

What is the accommodation like?

You'll stay in hand-selected, charming accommodation across the three locations on this tour. It's easy to add an extra night at any point in the itinerary, or at the start or end, so just let us know when booking if you'd like to build in some extra time.

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 each morning, typically a traditional European-style spread of coffee, tea, yogurt, granola, meats, cheeses and baked goods, with a hot dish such as eggs or pancakes sometimes available too. Lunch and dinner aren't included - you'll find cafés and restaurants in the towns and along the route, or you can pick up a picnic lunch from a local supermarket or market.

When is the best time to go?

This tour is available to book from early April to the end of September. Spring (April, May and June) brings warm, gentle sunshine and ideal walking conditions, with vibrant flowers and lush greenery along the trails. September is equally delightful, with cooler, more comfortable weather and striking autumn colour starting to appear toward the end of the month - the Chestnut Trail is especially scenic at this time. July and August can still be enjoyable, but are typically warmer and less ideal for walking - if you travel then, it's best to start early, carry extra water and wear a wide-brimmed hat. The towns are lively at this time of year, and a dip in the lake is a great way to cool off after a walk.

How do luggage transfers work?

This tour doesn't include the usual daily luggage transfer service. You'll stay in three different locations and need to bring your luggage with you on the ferry between Stresa and Luino, and on the bus or train between Luino and Lugano - so it's worth packing light and in a bag that's easy to carry on public transport.

How do I navigate the route?

While many of the trails on this tour are waymarked, signposting isn't always consistent. 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.

For the easiest and most convenient journey, we'd recommend flying into Milan Malpensa Airport, which has flights from most international destinations, and taking the direct bus to Stresa. From the airport, the local Alibus Lago Maggiore bus (No 35), or a taxi, runs direct from the terminal to Stresa in around 1 hour, and needs to be pre-booked at least a day ahead of travel. For train connections from other places, check the Trenitalia website for times, prices and bookings. Getting from the end, from Lugano you can take the direct S10 train to Milan Malpensa Airport, a journey of about 1 hour 30 minutes (take care which carriage you board, as the train splits en route). Check the SBB website for times, prices and bookings.

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.

At a few points on this tour you'll need to take a local train, bus or ferry to move between locations - this is a normal and easy part of travelling in this region of Italy and Switzerland, with services that are prompt, regular and often cheaper and more enjoyable than a private transfer. Full details for each connection are provided in the app and your tour information.

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

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Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lugano

Italy

Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lugano

Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano straddle the border between Italy and Switzerland, with elegant promenades, lush gardens and mountains rising from the water. This relaxed trip combines gentle walks with boat trips, from the Italian town of Stresa to Swiss Lugano.

This self-guided hiking tour suits hikers looking for short, easy walks and plenty of time to relax by the water and live 'la dolce vita'.

Highlights

Visit the lush gardens of the Borromean Islands
Walk the scenic Chestnut Trail above the lake
Take a boat to the lakeside town of Luino
Stroll the palm-lined promenades of Stresa and Lugano

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

Difficulty:: Easy - Moderate
Total distance:: 31 km
Longest day:: 9 km
Accommodation:: Comfort
Available months:: April–October
Start/Finish:: Stresa, Lugano

Relaxed, walking holiday in Swizerland and Italy on Lake Maggiore and Lake Lugano

Nights 1–3
Hotel La Fontana
Stresa
Nights 4–5
B&B La Corte Antica
Luino
Bed and breakfast
Nights 6–7
Hotel International
Lugano
Hotel

What’s included?

What’s always included

Same on every route and duration

Accommodation in charming and hand-picked B&Bs and hotels
Breakfasts
Ticino Card: Free public transportation and discounts on attractions
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via our app
24/7 telephone support

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
Ferry or train from Stresa to Luino
Bus/ train from Luino to Lugano
Luggage transfers (Stresa-Luino on the ferry, Luino-Lugano in the bus/train)
Travel insurance (recommended)
Local tourist tax if applicable (charged locally at hotels)

Optional Extras

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

Know before you go

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Relaxed Trails of Lake Maggiore & Lugano

Route details

Day 1Arrival in Stresa & stroll along the palm-lined promenade2.5kmOvernight: Stresa

Day 2Exploring the Borromean Islands2.5kmOvernight: Stresa

Day 3A Scenic Walk along the Chestnut Trail8kmOvernight: Stresa

Day 4Boat ride to Luino & Explore townOvernight: Luino

Day 5Fairy Forest or Scenic Hilltop Walk6.4kmOvernight: Luino

Day 6Travel to Lugano & Explore the city3.5kmOvernight: Lugano

Day 7Hiking Monte San Salvatore9kmOvernight: Lugano

Day 8Departure

Where you could stay

Hotel La Fontana

B&B La Corte Antica

Hotel International

What’s included?

What’s always included

What’s always excluded

Optional Extras

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?

Hints & Tips

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Routes you may also like

Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Walking Portofino and the Cinque Terre

Via Francigena

Walking in the Heart of the Dolomites

The Dolomites to Lake Garda

Lake Como Trails

Highlights of the Alta Via 1 in Comfort