Skip to main content
Stanford Alumni AssociationTravel/Study
Travel/Study
A scenic walk through the Italian Lake District

Italian Lakes Walk

Stroll through verdant pastures and along mountain ridges and sail across deep, indigo lakes stopping along the way to dine on fresh, local cuisine .

Overview

A truly unforgettable adventure

Revel in northern Italy’s exquisite Lake Country on this walk from the majestic alpine peaks and luxuriant olive groves of Lake Garda in the east to the intimate charm of tiny Lake Orta in the west. In between, take in the Renaissance splendors of Bergamo, the villa-lined shores of Lake Como in Bellagio and the lush gardens of Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands.

Join trail expert Peter Watson as we ferry across sparkling lakes, walk through peaceful pastures and hike amid glorious mountain scenery. Sample the tasty regional specialties, dining at fine restaurants and trattorias by night and pausing for picnic lunches by day.

Dates

September 14–24, 2024

Duration

11 days

Price

From $11,195 per person

Trip size

32 participants

Minimum age

18 years
Reserve(opens new window)

Faculty leader

A different kind of classroom

With renowned Stanford faculty and scholars leading the way, every Travel/Study trip is a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Christophe Crombez

Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies

Christophe Crombez, PhD ’94, has been at The Europe Center (TEC) at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies since 1999 and specializes in European Union (EU) politics and business-government relations in Europe.

Learn more about Crombez

Itinerary

A scenic walk through the Italian Lake District

Crisscross our way through the Italian Lakes from Verona to Stresa, hiking the rocky mountain scenery and taking in spectacular views. Along the way, visit small port towns and ancient cities. Gaze at the red and white marble exterior of Bergamo’s Colleoni Chapel, wander the gardens of Bellagio’s magnificent villas and dine on local specialties, from local Alpine goat cheeses to delicate polenta e osei cakes, covered with marzipan and filled with fresh apricot preserves.

  • Verona, Italy / Lake Garda

    Upon arrival in Verona transfer to our country hotel east of Lake Garda. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where we dine for the first of three evenings.

    Accommodations:

    Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais

    Included meal: Dinner

  • Dusano / Sirmione

    This morning take a private boat from Lazise, across Lake Garda to the tiny port at Dusano. Choose one of two short walks around Rocca di Manerba National Park followed by a picnic lunch. Reboard our boat and travel to Sirmione to view the Scaliger Castle and the ruins of a 1st-century-BCE Roman villa.

    Accommodations:

    Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Malcesine

    Head north today to the charming alpine setting of Lake Ledro. Our walks lead along the valley and to our picnic, tucked away at the base of a steep mountain which borders Austria. After lunch continue our walk before returning to our hotel by road.

    Accommodations:

    Villa Cordevigo Wine Relais

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Lake Garda / Lake Iseo / Sulzano

    Today cross Lake Garda by ferry and opt for one of two walks. Our more rigorous full-day hike between Lake Garda and Lake Idro takes us through wild, mountainous landscapes. Our gentler walk leads through rocky mountain scenery and back toward Lake Garda. After our picnic lunch descend to the port of Gargnano and travel by road to Lake Iseo and our hotel in Sulzano, located across from Monte Isola, southern Europe’s largest lake island.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Rivalago

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Monte Isola

    Today take a short boat ride to Monte Isola and opt for either a ride up the mountain by minibus or a more strenuous climb to the sanctuary of Madonna della Ceriola at the summit, from where we descend for a lakeside lunch. In the afternoon take one of two short walks back to the ferry port to return to our hotel. This evening return to the island by boat for dinner.

    Accommodations:

    Hotel Rivalago

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Sulzano / Bergamo / Bellagio

    We depart for Lake Como today, stopping at Bergamo en route. Spend the morning discovering the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage—most notably two Renaissance-era masterpieces: the Colleoni Chapel and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. After lunch continue on to Bellagio and our lakeside hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Villa Serbelloni

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Lake Como

    Today choose from two options to traverse the stunning scenery of the Triangolo Lariano high above majestic Lake Como. Stop for a picnic lunch before opting for a longer descent back to Bellagio or a shorter walk and a return by road, allowing free time to explore this charming town. Dine independently tonight at one of Bellagio’s fine restaurants.

    Accommodations:

    Villa Serbelloni

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Menaggio / Lake Piano / Lake Maggiore / Stresa

    Sail northwest from Bellagio to Menaggio on Lake Como’s western shore. Hike west from Codogna to Lake Piano above Lake Lugano, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way. This afternoon drive from Lake Piano to Laveno-Mombello on Lake Maggiore and cross by ferry to the west side of the lake to reach our hotel in Stresa.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel des Îles Borromées

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Mottarone Mountain / Armeno

    This morning drive to the top of the great Mottarone mountain massif that looms between Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore to take in the splendid vistas. Then hike south to a picnic lunch at a little farm above Lake Orta. This afternoon either return to our hotel by road or continue to hike down to Armeno and return by bus to Stresa.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel des Îles Borromées

    Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • Borromean Islands

    A gentler final day is spent on the magnificent Borromean Islands, discovering the grand Palazzo Borromeo on Isola Bella and the botanical gardens on Isola Madre. This evening join fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner at our hotel.

    Accommodations:

    Grand Hotel des Îles Borromées

    Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Stresa / Milan / Home

    Drive from Stresa to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for outbound flights.

    Included meal: Breakfast

Trip details

Start preparing for the trip of a lifetime

From top to bottom, we’ve taken care of all the details, so you can enjoy a no-stress, worry-free travel experience.

Meals and Accommodations

On our walking programs, lunches usually take the form of picnics on the trail, showcasing the local produce and offering healthy options. In the evenings we enjoy Italian specialties, either in the form of fine dining or more traditional restaurant fare. The hotels on this program have been chosen for their location along our walking route and are all four- and five-star establishments.

“Stanford hiking in the northern Italian lakes was an immersion in Italian history with top rate intellects as teachers, combined with a delightful indulgence in the best food and hotels Italy has to offer.”

—Cynthia Cannady, ’72

Activity Level

The terrain of northern Italy includes high mountain ridges, steep hills and valleys with open farmland and small paths. Participants must commit to walking with the group for the entire day as there is often no support vehicle or opportunity to otherwise deviate from the excursion. Additionally, travelers must be comfortable making use of a bush, tree, rock or whatever else the terrain might provide when “nature” is the only restroom available.

For most days when walks are scheduled, we offer options at two different activity levels. Our scenic walks range from 4 and 8 miles, or approximately 2.5 to 4 hours of walking. The trails undulate over varied and sometimes muddy, rocky and uneven terrain that has altitude gains and losses of up to 900 feet.

Our strenuous walks range from 6 to 13 miles, or approximately 3.5 to 6 hours of walking. These walks and hikes allow more adventurous walkers to explore the higher areas and to see the wilder parts of the countryside where trails are often rugged, rocky and steep, and have altitude gains and/or losses of between 1,000 and 1,800 feet. Additional time on the trail may require skipping a site visit or spending less time in a stop on our itinerary.

All walks are led by experienced leaders.

Pricing

Secure your spot today

The price of your trip covers a comprehensive educational program in addition to meals, accommodations, tours and excursions. Continue reading for a full list of what’s included.

Price

Double occupancy:
$11,195 per person

Single occupancy:
$14,195 per person

Stanford Alumni Association nonmembers add $300 per person.

What’s included?

  • Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including an education resource list and travel information

  • Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

  • All meals, tours and excursions as described in the itinerary

  • Gratuities to guides and drivers for all group activities

  • 10 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations

  • Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days

  • Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance (for U.S. residents only)

You are responsible for your personal travel expenses, including flights to and from the program.

Deposits, payments and cancellations

A $1,000-per-person deposit is required to reserve space on this program. Final payment is due 120 days prior to program start. Deposits and any payments are refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to program start. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and we resell your place(s), in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply.

Join us in Italy!

Make your reservation now

Have a question for us?

Get in touch with someone at Travel/Study.

Contact us
Subscribe to our emails (external link)