Italian Lakes, Portofino & Cinque Terre

Being in Como is like being on the set of a movie. It exudes glamour from every corner. Discover Como's old town with its Romanesque churches, 15th century Duomo, medieval town walls and lush villas. Board a boat for Villa del Balbianello and stop for a drink at the lakeside village of Lenno before arriving in Bellagio, your home for the next two nights.

Walking time: 3 hours

Punta Spartivento offers views across most of Lake Como. Head here in the morning to get acquainted with your surroundings. Wander Bellagio’s maze of cobblestone streets and ramble into the countryside for lunch at a local trattoria. Feel the wind in your hair on a boat ride on Lake Como, stopping at the manicured gardens of Villa Carlotta, the lakeside village of Tremezzo and Varenna ~ deemed by many as Italy’s most romantic town. A short walk takes you along the Vesio Castle to Bellano, and finally into the canyon of the Pioverna River.

Walking time: 4 hours

St Catherine's Hermitage clings to sheer cliffs above Lake Maggiore in Switzerland. Discover this monastic retreat before walking through the gardens of Palazzo Borromeo on the famous Borromean Islands.  Settle into your beautiful hotel at the lakeside town of Stresa before dinner.

Walking time: 2 hours

Start the day with a mountain ridge walk between Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Give your legs a rest on a cable car up to the Mottarone Botanical Gardens, before a visit to Orta San Giulio.  Follow the pilgrim’s trail along a cobbled pathway to the Sacro Monte monastic complex. A short ride to Isola San Giulio takes you to the renowned and beautifully frescoed Basilica di San Giulio.

Walking time: 3 hours

Farewell the Italian lakes and travel to Liguria. Explore the Portofino Peninsula on foot, including the fishing village of Camogli, San Nicolò church and peninsula of Punta Chiappa. Cruise to a secluded cove and visit the 11th century Abbey of San Fruttuoso. Celebrate our arrival on the shores of the Mediterranean with a seafood dinner.

Walking time: 3 hours

Walk through the historical centre of Santa Margherita Ligure before a hike into the hills. Enjoy stunning bay views before continuing on foot to Portofino. Enjoy a drink at the harbour or shop in the exclusive boutiques before returning to Camogli by boat.

Walking time: 5 hours

Levanto is our base for exploring the Cinque Terre. Get your walking shoes on and discover the rugged coastline stretching to Monterosso. Ascend to Punta Mesco, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before taking the steep path down into Monterosso. You’ve earned a break, so kick back with a drink before boarding a boat back to Levanto (optional walk back also possible).

Walking time: 4 hours

Take a short train ride to Riomaggiore, the most southerly of the five villages of the Cinque Terre to embark on the famous Sentiero dell’Amore (Lover’s Walk) followed by a hike to the colourful village of Manarola, set high above a rocky port. Pass the prettiest section of the area up to Corniglia before heading down into the village of Vernazza for an aperitivo. Stretch your legs on the train or boat back to Levanto (option to walk the two hours to Monterosso). Toast this wonderful day with dinner at a local restaurant in Levanto.

Walking time: 4 hours

Today’s walk takes you to Portovenere, at the end of the Peninsula. Pass the abandoned village of Campiglia and stop for lunch before continuing to Portovenere with its 16th century castle perched high on a cliff. We’ll take a walk to the top, where you might see the distant peaks of the Alpi Apuane before enjoying some well deserved free time.

Walking time: 5 hours

Explore the beautiful Renaissance town of Lucca, with an amble through the Piazza Risorgimento and into the maze of old streets, then enjoy lunch on the stunning town walls. In the afternoon either relax at the hotel, take a stroll through the countryside, or take the short train ride to Pisa to see the famous Leaning Tower followed by a wander through the historical centre of this university town. Tonight a farewell dinner is held in one of Lucca's finest restaurants.

Walking time: 4 hours