Day 1 Orta
Try to arrive early in Milan (map), Capital City of Fashion. Visit the marvelous cathedral. There’s also opera at La Scala, great shopping and dining, and even the architectural gem that is the rail station. We transfer to our lakeside hotel for an introductory talk and welcome dinner.
Climate in this area

Day 2 Stresa
Take in fantastic views of lakes and mountains as we start our downhill trek through a forest of beech and birch to the picturesque village of Coiromonte. We lunch at a farm and learn about the making of the local cheese. We walk on to Gignese - famous for its umbrella museum - and end our day at elegant Stresa and our hotel overlooking Lake Maggiore.

Day 3 Stresa
Begin with a cable car ride to the summit of Monte Mottarone from where, on a clear day, you might see Milan Cathedral. A circular walk with stunning views in every direction brings us to the Giardino Alpina to wander its collection of 2,000 alpine plants. We descend to lunch on a terrace overlooking the lake. In the afternoon, we can choose to shop in Stresa or cruise the lake to visit the Borromean Islands of Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

Day 4 Lugano (map)
Leave Stesa by ferry and van for a morning’s walk in the mountains between the two great lakes of Maggiore and Lugano, following paths known only to shepherds. After lunch we continue across the border into Switzerland and lovely Lugano, “The Queen of the Ceresio,” with time to stroll the shady lakeside promenade before dinner at our hotel overlooking the waters.

Day 5 Menaggio
Walk on Monte Generoso, which we reach by private boat across the lake to Capolago and by cog railway, with views across the Plain of Lombardy and the peak of Monte Rosa. We lunch at a mountain hut and descend to Argegno and our hotel on the western shore of Lake Como.

Day 6 Menaggio
Hike the shoreline of Lake Como known as the “Looking Glass of Venus.” Stopping at the18th-century Villa Carlotta, we admire the villa’s splendid garden and romantic sculptures. We sail across the lake to dock straight on the jetty of a 14th century inn, for our lunch under a pergola. This afternoon we have the choice of walking to the gardens of Villa Melzi or shopping in the old town of Bellagio.

Day 7 Departure
We catch the ferry to Como for a walking tour of the bustling town at the head of its eponymous lake, with its marble cathedral, old quarter and shops specializing in the local silk, before saying “arrivederci.”