Walking Vacation in Liguria and Lake Como, Italy
Join us for 7 nights exploring Italy’s Ligurian Coast and Lake Como.
Book This TourOverview
Join us for a seven-night walking vacation across northern Italy, an evening in Milan, three nights on the Italian Riviera in Rapallo, and three nights on the shores of Lake Como. Days move by rail, ferry, and on foot between coastal villages, mountain funiculars, and lakeside towns. From Rapallo, Cinque Terre and Portofino wait in either direction, and from the lake, Bellagio, Varenna, and Lenno each offer their own reason to stop.
This is an authentic, lesser-visited Italy, walked at an easy pace along coastal paths and ancient Roman trails. We stop often for a view, a gelato, a glass of wine. By the end of the week, you’ll have walked the Riviera and the lake the way locals do, unhurried, on foot, one village at a time.
This Vacation Includes
- Blue Walk Tour Program: Unique daily walks and experiences
- Milan Hotel: 1 night at our 4 star hotel in Milan
- Rapallo Hotel: 3 nights, 4-star seaview room
- Lake Como Hotel: 3 nights, 3- or 4-star lakeview room
- Transfers: All transfers per itinerary
- Daily buffet breakfast: Daily buffet breakfast at all hotels
- Welcome Dinner
- Farewell lunch
- Gelato!
- Wine Tasting
- and more!
What's Not Included
- Airfare
- Porterage of Luggage
- Tips
- Meals not mentioned
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
Day by DayYour Itinerary
Programs are subject to change. Actual daily schedule may differ.
Day 1 · Arrive at our hotel in Milan
Arrive at the hotel in Milan, near Centrale Station, for a welcome meeting and overview of the week. A metro ride to the famous Piazza del Duomo follows, with a stop for aperitivo or gelato before returning to the hotel.
Day 2 · Orientation & lunch
An early train to Rapallo, followed by an orientation walk that ends with a panoramic funivia ride. A walk through the woods reveals a family-run pension, where the group gathers for a welcome meal overlooking Portofino, before returning to Rapallo for the evening.
Day 3 · Cinque Terre
A day in the Cinque Terre, exploring the coastal villages by foot and by rail. For the adventurous, self-guided hikes between villages offer sweeping views. The included pass allows a return to Rapallo with the group or at your own pace.
Day 4 · Santa Margherita Ligure and Famous Portofino
A walk along the spectacular coastline between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino, followed by a scenic ferry ride back to Rapallo. The evening brings a food and wine tasting of local specialties.
Day 5 · Lake Como
A transfer to Lake Como, at the foot of the Italian Alps, followed by an orientation walk of Varenna, your home for the next three nights. The rest of the day is free to explore town or the lakeshore promenade.
Day 6 · Bellagio
An early ferry crosses the lake to Bellagio. Some join an optional hands-on cooking class, while others take an orientation walk before wandering the village at leisure, or use the day’s ferry pass to explore nearby towns.
Day 7 · Lenno & Varenna
A ferry to Lenno, then a walk along the ancient Roman footpaths of the Lake Como Greenway to Sala Comacina, ending with a farewell lunch at a favorite restaurant on the lakeshore. The group returns to Varenna in the late afternoon.
Day 8 · Departure Day
Breakfast, then depart at your leisure. No group activities are planned.
A Note on Pace
View MapWhere in the World?
The trip begins in Milan and ends on Lake Como. Malpensa Airport (MXP) generally offers the best connections and is the most convenient for both arrival and departure, given its proximity to Lake Como and frequent train service.
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Traveled, Created, Loved It
“Spain was our second walking vacation with The Blue Walk, and it was delightful. Suzy and Jeannette are very organized, knowledgeable and friendly. They guided us for an overview of old Barcelona, and then onto Callela de Pallafrugel, the most beautiful fishing village. We walked along the coast and through farming areas to two medieval towns. Suzy and Jeannette are excellent tour guides, and we will join the Blue Walk again soon.”
Jackie and Mark Curley“They are INCREDIBLE!!! I’ve loved everything we’ve done together! An art journal workshop and a private tour with friends I met on the Art Walk & everything has been better and more fun than I ever dreamed! 5 Stars is only a beginning of how great they are!”
Sue Cogins“What a great way to get exercise and see the most incredible coast of the French Riviera with guides that cater to every personality and whim! My husband and I will definitely be on another walking tour in the near future. Thank you for an amazing experience!”
Chris & Julie Sochin“I love traveling with The Blue Walk. Our time is so special, and I’ve made wonderful friends. And your art teachers are the best! Thank you for the care you put into every aspect of our time. I can’t wait until my next trip.”
Norina Morris