ITALY & SWITZERLAND
Lago Maggiore, Lago di Como & Lago di Garda

This magnificent walk extends from Piedmont to Veneto and from Switzerland to Trentino in the north. Narrow and long, these lakes are all of glacial origin and their banks are covered with varied and luxuriant vegetation. The numerous villas with attractive gardens on the lakeside, the great variety of flowers throughout the year and the small sailing villages add to the charm and originality of these pre-alpine lakes.

Late summer at Lago Maggiore! With its Mediterranean climate and fantastic food, it is an ideal region to begin our walk. Passing this majestic lake, our route takes us through the narrow gorges of the Verzasca, the romantic Val Maggia and the Centovalli. The grottos (restaurants) along the way offer fresh home-grown produce and such delicacies as minestrone, saffron risotto, and rabbit in red wine with rosemary potatoes.

At the enchanting Lago di Como we are surrounded by wooded hills below the majestic mountains. The lake consists of three long narrow arms and has a total length of 50 kms. We walk on old mule tracks through varied and lush Mediterranean vegetation with splendid views across the lake. The Panoramic Trail, which begins in the picturesque little village of Soglio, just across the border in Switzerland, offers some majestic mountain scenery.

Lago di Garda is the largest and perhaps the most beautiful of the northern Italian lakes. Sheltered by the Dolomites, it has a temperate climate and historically was the most northern locality in the world where citrus fruits could be grown commercially. Our itinerary includes a walk at Monte Baldo, the Sentiero Angelini and a walk to the Fairytale Meadow in the Selva Pezzi Nature Reserve. To catch a glimpse of the imposing private villas and gardens, take a ride on a steamer, which regularly ply the lake.

Our Hotels & Cuisine

Our first four nights are spent in a small, traditional village in Ticino, Switzerland in the hills behind Locarno. We stay in a very comfortable family run hotel where you will receive a warm welcome and enjoy delicious home cooked local cuisine. On our last two evenings you can truly experience the culinary delights in the famous "Da Agnese" Stazione Restaurant - a gourmet retreat converted from an old railway station !

Our hotel in Varenna is a romantic villa, right on Lago di Como. The big terrace is immersed in flowers and the blues and greens of the lake - an ideal spot to sip a glass of Prosecco and watch the sunset.

Our last five nights are spent in a splendid hotel at Lago di Garda. It offers magnificent views across the lake. It is situated in a lovely garden, complete with a wonderful swimming pool and wellness centre. Our restaurant offers a delicate flavoured cuisine. Risotto, homemade pasta, grilled or sauced meat and lake fish are well prepared and extremely tasty.