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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, 2024Duration
11 daysPrice
From $11,195 per person
Trip size
32 participantsMinimum age
18 yearsFaculty 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.
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.
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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: DinnerDusano / 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 dinnerMalcesine
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 dinnerLake 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 dinnerMonte 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 dinnerSulzano / 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 dinnerLake 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 lunchMenaggio / 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 dinnerMottarone 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 lunchBorromean 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 dinnerStresa / Milan / Home
Drive from Stresa to Milan’s Malpensa Airport for outbound flights.
Included meal: Breakfast
Trip details
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“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
Pricing
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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.
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