Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore

Green slopes & shimmering waters
 
Superb walking | Soak in ever-changing panoramas of mountains and lakes.
The enchanting gardens | Of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore.
Cannero | Its lakeside location, lovely hotel, and surrounding medieval villages.
Piedmont’s renowned wines | Including Barolo and Barbera d’Alba.
Time to sightsee | Travel by ferry to visit impressive gardens and palaces.
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 5 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • luggage transfers
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • boat Stresa to Cannero
  • transfer on day 2
  • Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore
    Green slopes & shimmering waters
  • Lake Orta
  • Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
  • Terrace in Cannero, Lake Maggiore
  • Gardens on Lake Maggiore
  • Isola dei Pescatori, Lake Maggiore
  • A selection of local cheeses
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 5 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • luggage transfers
  • route notes and maps
  • GPS navigation
  • boat Stresa to Cannero
  • transfer on day 2
 

Holiday information

 

A walking holiday to Lake Maggiore

Marvel at the dramatic fusion of mountains and lakes, as you walk self-guided from hotel to hotel from the shores of little-known Lake Orta to magnificent Lake Maggiore. Your luggage is transported ahead as you walk, leaving you free to focus on the far-reaching views.
Romantic, picturesque and enjoying a mild climate, Maggiore and its smaller neighbour, Orta, embody the very essence of the Italian Lakes. Pretty medieval villages and elegant resorts are dotted along the shores, behind which rise slopes clad in olive groves and peaceful chestnut and beech woods. This is a landscape dominated by blues and greens, enhanced by the pinks, yellows and oranges of mimosa, azaleas, camellias, citrus fruit and brightly painted villas.

Although the two lakes are just a spectacular day’s walk apart, they could not be more different: charming Orta is small and little-known, while famous Maggiore is five times longer, forging its way through ever more mountainous scenery as it stretches across the border into Switzerland. Both offer excellent walking, with ever-changing panoramas, but this holiday is about more than just walking – there is also time to explore the lakeside towns and villages in which you stay, to visit luxuriant gardens and Baroque palaces, to travel by ferry across the lake, and to sample Piedmont's renowned wines, including Barolo and Barbera d’Alba.

 

Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 5 7 11 15 19 23 26 25 21 16 10 6
    mm 64 70 91 117 148 132 105 129 111 121 109 60
  • Arrival in Pettenasco
    Night 1: at Hotel Ristorante Giardinetto (the first of two nights here).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking.
  • Linear walk to Orta San Giulio (return by boat/train): 9km, 3.5hrs; ascent / descent 370m
    This wonderful introductory walk explores the picturesque hillside villages to the east of Pettenasco – including Legro, where many murals by contemporary artists decorate the village walls – as it leads you to the charming lakeside village of Orta San Giulio. Take time to explore the medieval centre, where picturesque cobbled streets are lined with villas dating from the 16th to 18th centuries, before returning to Pettenasco by boat or train.
    Linear walk to Orta San Giulio (return by boat/train): 9km
    Orta San Giulio
  • Pettenasco to Stresa via Gignese: 8km, 3hrs; ascent 200m / descent 680m
    Today’s route entails a real sense of journey and adventure as you set off towards Lake Maggiore. First you are transferred along the Agogna Valley to Gignese, a panoramic village set between the two lakes, then from here you walk north towards the Giardino Alpinia in Alpino. Take your time to explore this botanical garden and to enjoy the spectacular views over Lake Maggiore before making your descent towards Stresa via a string of tiny hillside hamlets. In Stresa, you stay two nights at either Hotel Flora or Hotel La Luna Nel Porto.
    Pettenasco to Stresa: 8km
    Approaching Stresa
  • Linear walk to Belgirate: 7km, 3hrs; ascent / descent 360m
    We provide notes for a half-day walk through the foothills to the neighbouring village of Belgirate where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning by ferry.

    However, you may prefer to spend the day in Stresa, which is an intriguing place to explore. You can easily while away a couple of hours in the grounds of the Villa Pallavicino, with their flower-lined avenues, ancient trees and exotic birds which roam freely across the estate.

    Or why not take a boat to Isola Bella? Just a stone’s throw away across the water, this lovely isle is dominated by an elaborate Baroque palace set amid glorious terraced gardens planted with a wide variety of flowers and dotted with fountains and statues.
    Linear walk to Belgirate: 7km
    Gardens on Isola Bella, reached by boat from Stresa
  • Explore Stresa, then take the boat to Cannero
    You have the morning to further explore Stresa. You then travel across the water to your final base, Cannero, on the dramatic northern shores of Maggiore, enjoying a new perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains. On most days, you can catch a direct afternoon service, but on Wednesdays and right at the very start and end of the season you need to take a shorter ferry ride and continue by taxi. However you arrive, you are warmly welcomed at the Hotel Cannero, which is located right on the waterfront.
    View from the boat en route to Cannero
  • Choice of walks around Cannero: 7km or 9km

    Cannero to Cannobio: 7km, 3hrs; ascent / descent 505m
    Well-maintained paths on the hillsides immediately behind the town lead to Carmine Superiore, a beautifully preserved village of medieval origin, accessible only on foot. You continue north across the slopes to reach Molineggi, and then on to the lakeside town of Cannobio. The return to Cannero by boat makes a fitting end (please check latest timetable locally).

    Ancient rural villages of Upper Cannero: 7km, 3hrs; ascent / descent 445m
    From Cannero, you ascend directly into the hills behind the town to reach two characteristic mountain villages perched on panoramic slopes overlooking the lake.

    Across the border to Ticino: 9km, 4hrs; ascent / descent 640m
    After an initial bus journey over the border to Brissago in Switzerland – remember to take your passports! – you follow a delightfully relaxed route across panoramic and fragrant hillsides to reach the elegant town of Ascona. Return to Cannero down the lake by boat changing at Cannobio (the return boat to be checked locally before departure especially low season).
    Cannero to Cannobio: 7km
    Ancient rural villages of Upper Cannero: 7km
    Views across Cannero
    Across the border to Ticino: 9km
 

Accommodation

Two hotels are located right on the shores of the lakes, while the other is very close by.

In Stresa, we work with more than one hotel, as shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation.

Whichever hotel you stay at, we recommend extra nights in Stresa to enjoy a boat trip to the lovely isle of Isola Bella, where you can visit the fabulous gardens.
 
Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 04 April 2025 - 31 July 2025, 19 August 2025 - 19 October 2025, 04 April 2026 - 31 July 2026 & 19 August 2026 - 19 October 2026

    Start any day* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    4 - 30 Apr 2025 £1180 £475
    1 - 31 May 2025 £1330 £545
    1 - 30 Jun 2025 £1415 £585
    1 - 31 Jul 2025 £1435 £590
    20 Aug - 30 Sep 2025 £1390 £575
    1 - 12 Oct 2025 £1150 £480
    4 - 30 Apr 2026 £1250 £500
    1 - 31 May 2026 £1410 £575
    1 - 30 Jun 2026 £1500 £620
    1 - 31 Jul 2026 £1520 £625
    20 Aug - 30 Sep 2026 £1475 £605
    1 - 12 Oct 2026 £1220 £505
    3rd & 4th person discount -£80 to -£84
    Single traveller supplement £80 to £84

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes and maps, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    *Start dates: you can start any day, but be aware that at the very start and end of the season there is no direct boat service to Cannero on Day 4 (a shorter boat and taxi operates instead)

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

    7 nights: 04 April 2025 - 31 July 2025, 19 August 2025 - 19 October 2025, 04 April 2026 - 31 July 2026 & 19 August 2026 - 19 October 2026

    Start any day* | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price Single room
    4 - 30 Apr 2025 £1605 £475
    1 - 31 May 2025 £1845 £545
    1 - 30 Jun 2025 £1895 £585
    1 - 31 Jul 2025 £1920 £590
    20 Aug - 30 Sep 2025 £1860 £575
    1 - 12 Oct 2025 £1655 £480
    4 - 30 Apr 2026 £1695 £500
    1 - 31 May 2026 £1950 £575
    1 - 30 Jun 2026 £2000 £620
    1 - 31 Jul 2026 £2025 £625
    20 Aug - 30 Sep 2026 £1965 £605
    1 - 12 Oct 2026 £1750 £505
    3rd & 4th person discount £0
    Single traveller supplement £0

    Includes all elements in the 'walk price', plus standard-class travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, or Lille, with onward travel as described below.

    Included travel from the UK:
    Outbound: London–Paris - Turin** (Eurostar/TGV, 9h50). Turin – Pettenasco via Novara (regional rail, 2h30), plus hotel transfer (0h05).

    Home: taxi to Stresa station (1h), Stresa – Turin** via Rho Fiera Milano (regional/Italian rail, 2h), Turin – Paris – London (TGV/Eurostar, 9h).

    **An overnight stay in Turin is required for this rail route, in each direction. The holiday price does not include overnight accommodation in Turin but we can arrange an add-on stay in Turin for you.

    More about 'by rail' prices

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

    If you book your holiday less than 6 months in advance of your travel date, seats may no longer be available at the tariffs on which our prices are based, but we may be able to offer you seats on the same services at a supplement.

  • Room upgrades (£ per person per night)

    Hotel Ristorante Giardinetto, Pettenasco
    Superior with lake view and balcony: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2025 £14
    Superior with lake view and balcony: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2025 £14
    Superior with lake view and balcony: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2026 £15
    Superior with lake view and balcony: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2026 £15
    Hotel Cannero, Cannero
    'King' with balcony & partial lake view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2025 £23
    'King' with balcony & partial lake view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2025 £23
    'King' with balcony & partial lake view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2026 £24
    'King' with balcony & partial lake view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2026 £24
    'Queen' with balcony & pool view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2025 £23
    'Queen' with balcony & pool view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2025 £23
    'Queen' with balcony & pool view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2026 £24
    'Queen' with balcony & pool view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2026 £24
    Superior with lake view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2025 £38
    Superior with lake view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2025 £38
    Superior with lake view: 04 Apr - 31 Jul 2026 £40
    Superior with lake view: 19 Aug - 19 Oct 2026 £40

    Extra nights (£ per person per night) in a double or single room

    Hotel Flora, Stresa (B&B) Double room Single room
    04 Apr - 24 Apr 2025 £88 £113
    25 Apr - 16 May 2025 £97 £132
    17 May - 31 Jul 2025 £155 £239
    20 Aug - 28 Sep 2025 £155 £239
    29 Sep - 11 Oct 2025 £97 £132
    12 Oct - 20 Oct 2025 £88 £113
    04 Apr - 24 Apr 2026 £93 £119
    25 Apr - 16 May 2026 £102 £139
    17 May - 31 Jul 2026 £164 £253
    20 Aug - 28 Sep 2026 £164 £253
    29 Sep - 11 Oct 2026 £102 £139
    12 Oct - 20 Oct 2026 £93 £119
  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.

    Connecting travel options - flying via Milan Bergamo

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Bergamo to Arona (2h25), taxi Arona to hotel (0h35) £61-£64 1600
    rail Bergamo to Pettenasco (3h15-3h30), taxi Pettenasco to hotel (0h05) £21-£22 1200
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Stresa (1h), rail Stresa to Bergamo (2h45) £76-£80 1400

    Connecting travel options - flying via Milan Linate

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Linate airport to hotel (1h15) £130-£137 flexible
    rail Milan Centrale to Arona (1h10), taxi Arona to hotel (0h35) £57-£60 1600
    rail Milan Centrale to Pettenasco (2h-2h15), taxi Pettenasco to hotel (0h05) £16-£17 1600
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    direct taxi hotel to Linate airport (2h) £165-£174 flexible
    taxi hotel to Stresa (1h), rail Stresa to Milan Centrale (1h) £80-£84 1300

    Connecting travel options - flying via Milan Malpensa

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    direct taxi Malpensa airport to hotel (0h50) £87-£92 flexible
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    taxi hotel to Intra (0h20), bus Intra to Malpensa airport (1h30, pay locally) £30-£32 1300
    direct taxi hotel to Malpensa airport (1h30) £105-£111 flexible
Price from
£1150pp | 7 nights
Lake Orta to Lake Maggiore. 7 nights
Price from
£1150pp
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