The Lakes District of Northern Italy highlights the beauty and history of the Lombardy region as it travels through a variety of historical population and cultural centers. Our Italian experts hope to stun your senses with outstanding hiking, food, and cultural experiences.

Photo by: Chip Henderson

This trip brings you to the shores of Lago di Como, Lago di Lugano, and Lago Maggiore for seven days of spectacular scenery, hiking on established trails, and dramatic, historical architecture. Connecting together a string of hotels and rifugi (backcountry huts) will allow the group to travel with lighter backpacks and spend time on the trails and promenades that surround dream destinations.

Photo by: Karen Matson

Starting in Turin, the home of car manufacturer Fiat and many other quintessential Italian hallmarks, you will be immediately immersed in Italian culture and food. Public transit will take the group out of Turin and connect other sections of the route as well.

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After leaving Turin, our first stop is the town of Como on Lago di Como’s southern tip. Lago di Como boasts dramatic mountains, historic towns, opulent villas, and tranquil waters. We’ll explore the lake from above by hiking the ridge line of the Larian Triangle. You will stay in a backcountry hostel- rifugio- for one night as you make your way towards the lakeside town of Bellagio, known as the “Pearl” of Lago di Como. Bellagio sits at a unique position on the lake where it splits like an inverted ‘Y’. You will have time to wander the streets and enjoy an espresso or gelato before taking a ferry across the lake to Lenno.

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From Lenno, you’ll spend a cultural day visiting Villa Carlotta’s famous gardens and art collection, as well as take an optional hike on the Linea Codorna, part of the region’s World War I defensive line. Folks who don’t want to go on the optional hike can explore the streets of charming Menaggio

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You’ll say arrivederci to Lago di Como as you take a bus to Lugano, Switzerland in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. As you arrive in Lugano, you’ll notice palm trees lining the shore of the lake. Lugano’s Mediterranean/ subtropical climate is due to its position next to the lake, as well as the surrounding valleys. Enjoy a brief stop in Lugano for a walking tour and short hike with views of Lake di Lugano. After one night in Lugano, you’ll leave early in the morning to catch the train and cross the border back to Italy towards the eastern shore of Lago Maggiore.

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The town of Maccagno is divided by the Giona stream into a quaint, older district and a more contemporary upper part. It’s a cultural hub, home to the Parisi Valle Museum, tucked between the lake and surrounding mountains. In Maccagno, you will hike to the village of Agra and explore the lakeshore. The next morning, a shuttle will take you to a ferry to cross Lago Maggiore to Stresa. In Stresa, you will explore the ornate Baroque art museum, Palazzo Borromeo, and then take the same shuttle back to Turin.

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Hikers flock to the Italian Lakes District for its stunning panoramas of the Alps rising above deep, blue glacial lakes, with trails offering both challenging climbs and leisurely strolls through varied landscapes. On this trip you will travel ancient trails created by farmers and traders but now dedicated to recreationalists, while taking time to appreciate the region’s history and cultural traditions. NOLS will help you navigate the complex web of roads and trails to create a seamless excursion on this special alumni trip.

Overall Difficulty*:

*Enjoy light packs, challenging hikes, and comfortable living, but the hiking can be strenuous.