Italy Walking Tour Liguria and Lake Como
Explore Rapallo, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Bellagio and more by foot, ferry and rail
Wonderful Walks, Unique Destinations, and Lots of Laughter
Dates:
September 25 – October 2, 2023 1 space available
April 21-28, 2024
Duration: 7 nights
Start: Milan, Italy
End: Lake Como, Italy
Sites: Milan, Rapallo, Portofino, Cinque Terre, Bellagio, Varenna, and Lenno
Cost: from $3095 USD based on double occupancy
Single Supplement: $595
Max Group Size: 12
All prices in US dollars, land only. Solo traveler roomshares available.
Italy Walking Tour on the Italian Riviera and Lake Como
Overview
Italy walking tour & walking vacation
Milan and The Riviera
Our Italy walking tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Milan. First we will visit Milan’s famous Piazza Duomo and the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There we’ll christen our time Milanese-style with the Italian ritual of aperitivo (It’s similar to the American happy hour, but so much more.) or artisan gelato.
Next, we travel together by rail to Rapallo on the lovely Italian Riviera. Rapallo is a charming harbor town with a sunny promenade, sea views, and historic city center. Lovely on its own, Rapallo is the perfect base to explore the five coastal villages of Cinque Terre in one direction and gorgeous Portofino in the other. The options for sightseeing are plentiful. We offer guided as well as additional self-guided coastal walks and wanders. Our Italy walking tour Rapallo hotel is a family-owned 4-star perfectly situated in the center of it all.
Lake Como and Villages
After Rapallo, the next stop on our leisurely walking tour is Lake Como. Via private transfer we arrive at the posh village of Bellagio, referred to as the “Pearl of the Lake”, or the laid-back village of Lenno. Both offer tranquil lake views surrounded by the wooded, towering pre-Alps. At our handsome lakefront hotel we will enjoy a welcome aperitivo on the terrace.
Colorful centuries-old buildings and an array of artisan shops and restaurants make up the many villages dotting the lakeshore. We will visit Bellagio, Varenna, and Lenno, stopping here and there to stroll the promenades. You will have time to visit the stately Villa del Balbianello (as seen in the James Bond film Casino Royale) or picturesque Villa Monastero. The ferries that criss-cross the lake make hopping between villages a breeze.
Our lakeside walks allow you to discover quiet paths and unique views. If you’d prefer to raise your elevation, professional mountain guides may be hired to lead the way. On our final evening we will gather for a farewell dinner to enjoy a final glass of wine and recall adventures achieved.
While on Lake Como, we have a very popular Italian cooking class option. Here you can try your hand at making some of the wonderful dishes you’ve enjoyed along the way. Of course you’ll have to save room for a tasty gelato.
Join us for a fun, relaxing, and delicious vacation in beautiful Italy!
Thank you for such an amazing tour. We loved it – every walk, every hotel, and every meal. You did a great job and went way beyond.
What You’ll Love
Italy walking tour & walking vacation
1. Planning with Care
We take care of the details. You enjoy your vacation.
2. Small groups
With a maximum group size of 12, we travel places large tour groups can’t.
3. Unique Itineraries
Visit destinations exclusively chosen for their beauty, charm, and authenticity.
Inclusions
Italy walking tour vacation
Milan:
- One night at our 4-star hotel in Milan
- Buffet breakfast
- Guided travel via metro to Piazza Duomo
- Guided travel by train to Rapallo
- Welcome aperitivo or gelato
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Rapallo:
- Three nights at our 4-star waterfront family-owned hotel in Rapallo
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome dinner
- Seaside orientation walk in Rapallo with time to ride the funicular for spectacular coastal views (weather permitting)
- Stunning guided coastal walk from Rapallo to Portofino
- Return from Portofino back to Rapallo by bus or coastal ferry
- Round-trip train from Rapallo to Cinque Terre to visit the towns
- Optional self-guided hikes between its famous seaside towns
- All hotel taxes and service fees.
Lake Como:
- Private transfer from Rapallo to Lake Como
- Three nights in our favorite central lakefront hotel in Bellagio or Lenno
- Buffet breakfast daily
- Welcome aperitivo
- Orientation walk to get to know your neighborhood
- Optional cooking class
- An all day mid-lake ferry pass
- Guided walk to town of Argegno
- Optional funivia ride for outstanding views of the lake
- Optional visit to Villa Carlotta and/or Villa del Balbianello
- Assistance of your host / guide throughout the program
- Farewell dinner
- All hotel taxes and service fees
Onward travel and airfare is not included, and all programs are subject to change.
Example Itinerary
Italy walking tour
Program subject to change
Day 1
Arrive at our hotel in Milan near Centrale Station. First, a welcome meeting gives an overview of the week. Then we take the metro to visit the famous Piazza Duomo. Before heading back we’ll cristen our time together with an aperitivo or gelato treat.
Day 2
Begin the day early with a train ride to Rapallo. Then, an orientation walk ends with a panoramic funivia ride. A walk through the woods reveals a family-run pension. There we’ll share our welcome meal looking over Portofino. Finally, return to Rapallo for an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Our Italy walking tour will spend a day in the Cinque Terre. Together we will explore the coastal villages by foot and by rail. If you are feeling ambitious self-guided hikes between the villages offer amazing views. With your included pass you may return to Rapallo with the group or at your leisure.
Day 4
First your Italy walking tour follows the spectacular coastline between colorful Santa Margherita Ligure and famous Portofino. Then, when you are ready, return to Rapallo by a scenic ferry ride. Later, we’ll gather for a food and wine tasting of local specialties.
Day 5
Begin the day with a transfer to Lake Como at the foot of the Italian Alps. Next, an orientation walk of Bellagio will introduce your new neighborhood. Afterwards stretch your legs with a walk around town or along the lakeshore promenade.
Day 6
An early ferry takes us across the lake to Lenno. Some may take part in our popular hands-on cooking class. Others may choose to travel back in time with walk along the Roman footpaths included in the Lake Como Greenway. Return to Bellagio in the afternoon.
Day 7
In the morning a short ferry ride carries across the lake to Varenna. First a stroll through the village to the stunning Villa Monastero. After, wander the grounds and village at your leisure. Later enjoy our farewell meal at an intimate lakeside trattoria.
Day 8
Finally it is time to say goodbye. There are no group activities planned on this day. You may depart at any time. The hotel will hold your bags if your depature is after checkout.
Italy Walking Tour in Liguria and Lake Como
Discover Italy’s lesser known gems
We use the regional trains to travel between the villages of Cinque Terre. If you’d like to earn the views, there are also optional self-guided hikes between the villages.
Where in the World?
Italy has left a powerful mark on Western culture and cuisine while remaining utterly true to its traditions. Our walking or art workshop vacation will tour Italy's northern regions. First, our small group meets in Milan, the center of global fashion and design. Next, we explore the sunny Italian Riviera in Liguria. Finally, our vacation ends in the serene foothills of the Alps and stunning Lake Como.
Airport Information
Three international airports serve Milan: Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo. Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the largest. It usually has the best connections for North American cities. Also, MXP is well connected to Milano Centrale Station by both train and airport busses. You may find information on how to get to Milan from the airport on our blog.
Linate Airport (LIN) is the closest airport to the city. It is located just 7km away from Milano Centrale. From LIN an airport bus can bring you directly to the station.
Bergamo Airport (BGY) is a great choice for anyone traveling on low cost, regional airlines. Specifically, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air offer regular flights to and from Bergamo. Bergamo is also served by shuttles and public transport to Milan’s center.
For departure, Malpensa is located closer to Lake Como than Linate. From Como, Malpensa enjoys more frequent and better connections than Bergamo.
Generally speaking, you will find it most convenient and cost effective to fly in and out of Malpensa Airport.
Important Notes
Italy Walking Tour / Walking Vacation
Solo travelers and single supplements
For our guests who are traveling solo... We offer a single supplement for an additional fee if you wish to guarantee a private room.
You may share a twin room with another trip participant of the same sex (Roomshare) if you do not request a private room. When you sign up, if no Roomshare is available, a 50% single supplement will be included on your invoice due at final payment. However, if a roommate is found before your trip departs, you will be matched and the single supplement will be removed or refunded.
A single supplement guarantees a private room. Whenever possible singles will be placed in the same room type as our double or twin rooms.
Twin / Double Rooms
Please be aware twin beds in Europe may have very little or no space between beds. Also, instead of a king or queen mattress, double beds are often adjoining twin mattresses secured together and made with double bedding.
Fitness
Walking is a part of this program. It is both a means of visiting locations and a way to immerse yourself in a place. Our scheduled walks are usually 1-2 hours long at a casual pace. We provide a general description of our walks here. It is your responsibility to know your own physical and medical condition with respect to the advisability of participating in a chosen trip. We suggest you prepare by doing at least 1 hour of walking several times per week, and a longer walk at least once per week. Ideally, include walks with elevation change and stairs. (There are always stairs.)
As with any exercise program, we recommend you consult with your physician prior to your arrival regarding the suitability of a walking tour.
Some of our guests find trekking poles helpful on steep or uneven terrain. In Europe they are quite common. Before using them on a vacation, please practice at home. We strongly advise you get comfortable using trekking poles on familiar paths first.
For additional information on these topics and more, please see our FAQ page.
Choose Your Walking or Art Vacation
Walking Tours
Are you looking for a leisurely European walking vacation or a travel journal-based art vacation? To book, select your program type or destination below. We will take you there!
To learn more about The Blue Walk difference please read our About The Blue Walk page.
France
Greece
Italy
Switzerland
Blue Walk
Walking Vacations
Art Walk
Art Workshop Vacations & Retreats