Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak
Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike & Kayak
8 Days Starting in Como and ending in Garda
Visiting: Milan, Como, Bellagio, Lake Garda, Riva del Garda, Malcesine
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ZGXI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Indulge your appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite active journey through Italy’s Lakes district. Hike the forested paths around Lakes Como and Garda, cycle through the Dolomite highlands and simply admire the stunning views at every turn. Ferry to and fro between lake villages and charming villas, clamber about the crumbling ruins of medieval castles and spend a day experiencing the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Milan. Idyllic in setting, laid-back in lifestyle, and a gastronomist’s delight, this jaunt through one of Europe’s most charming regions shouldn’t disappoint. And if it somehow does, take the issue up with one of the local residents – like Sting or George Clooney.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Lake Como
Location: Milan, Como
Accommodation: Hotel,
Meals Included: No Meals
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Please make your own way to the hotel. No activities are planned for today until tonight's important welcome meeting at 6 pm, so you can arrive at any time. If you arrive early why not take a wander around the historic town of Como and enjoy a drink in the main square or along the lake shore. After tonight's group meeting the evening is free, so perhaps go for dinner at one of the nearby traditional restaurants with your new travel companions.
Day 2 : Kayaking & Hiking In Bellagio / Lake Como
Location: Bellagio, Como
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lake Como (Lago di Como) is an area of stunning beauty full of unique and evocative landscapes. Discover the central part of Lake Como by boat. You’ll head ashore in Bellagio, the 'pearl of the lake', situated on the Punta Spartivento, where the two arms of Lake Como meet. Embark on a scenic hike through the delightful countryside, past the charming fishing village of Pescallo and other scenic hamlets. Back down at the lake discover the grand estate of the Villa Melzi, which is set into gardens filled with rare and exotic plant life. Next is a kayaking adventure which brings you all around the headland of Bellagio. Back in Como take a stroll through the medieval town centre, before enjoying a drink in the main square or along the lake shore, if you’d like.
Included Activities:
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Day 3 : Lake Como
Location: Como
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a free day for you to explore the area. There are many options to spend a day in Como: Explore Villa Olmo or Villa D’Este. Travelling by boat to other lakeside villages in this southern part of the lake is also a worthwhile experience. Cernobbio is surrounded by beautiful villas and has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. For the hikers there are several nice walks in the near surroundings such as the trail network in the state park of Spina Verde. Another possibility is to travel into Switzerland and hike Monte Generoso. This is an amazing walk which includes a train ride on Europe's oldest tourist train. Views stretch from Lake Lugano to Lake Como – bellissimo!
Optional Activities:
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Day 4 : Milan / Lake Garda
Location: Milan, Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, take a train to one of Italy’s major hubs: Milan. You’ll stop here for a few hours to explore; you will be able to store your luggage at a locker room at the railway station. Take the metro into the city centre, where your leader will offer an orientation walk to get your bearings. Then, it is up to you to explore Milan at your own pace. Explore the city's historic centre, visit the city's most famous building, the Gothic Duomo, and walk between its rooftop sculptures, admiring the views and the stunning Gothic terrace. If you would like to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper, be sure to organise tickets well in advance. Your group will have a designated meeting time and place in the afternoon to regroup, then catch a train to the southern end of Lake Garda. There, you will transfer to a bus and arrive in the township of Garda. With a charming classic feel, this will be your base for the next few nights.
Optional Activities:
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Day 5 : Hiking At Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Good morning from idyllic Lake Garda. Complete with its rocca (rock), a monastery and the remains of a medieval castle, the town of Garda is an enchanted place to explore on foot. Take a walking tour through the town before climbing up towards the rocca and the abbey, and after a steep ascent, be wowed with beautiful views over the lake. The rest of the day is as clear as the crisp air of the Italian Lakes. Being on the southern end of the lake and in one of the major villages, there is so much to see and explore In Garda. Perhaps book into one of the watersports on offer – this is a common holiday destination for locals, with sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding all on offer.
Included Activities:
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Day 6 : Biking In Riva Del Garda / Malcesine / Lake Garda
Location: Riva del Garda, Malcesine, Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a bus to the northern and more alpine side of the lake to Riva del Garda, passing many photogenic villages en route. On arrival, embark on a bike ride along the shores of Lake Garda, taking in the glorious scenery of the glistening lake in front of you and the towering Alps behind you. Depending on weather, fitness and interest of the group several rides are possible. The ride out of Riva del Garda is mostly flat. Explore the remains of WWI in a place which until 100 years ago was the border between Austria and Italy. In the afternoon hop on a boat to the beautiful town of Malcesine with time for you to explore or just take in the lake views. Return to your accommodation in Garda by local bus in the late afternoon.
Included Activities:
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Day 7 : Hiking At Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast head down to the lake and follow the lake shore to Punta San Vigilio and on to Torre del Benaco. Return to Garda by public bus. You may wish to spend your afternoon relaxing by the lake. Otherwise, get on the water by taking the ferry to another one of the picturesque towns dotted around the lake. Sirmione is a good choice – a small peninsula that juts out of the southern end of the lake, full of restaurants, bars and spas. Inland from Garda, there are a selection of wineries which are also an ideal place to visit today.
Included Activities:
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Day 8 : Lake Garda
Location: Lake Garda
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast this morning you are free to leave the Italian Lakes district at any time. From Garda you can travel by bus to Verona, from where it is easy to reach other destinations in Italy by train. If you'd like to stay in the Italian Lakes region, we can organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Punta Vigilio & Torri del Benaco Hike
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Villa Melzi
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Kayaking on Lake Como
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Lake Como Boat Trip
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Lake Garda Bike Ride
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Rocca Abbey Hike
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Lake Garda Boat Trip
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Meals
7 breakfasts
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Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
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Transport
Train, Boat, On foot, Kayak, Bicycle
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Accommodation
- Hotel (7 nights)
Transport
- Train , Boat , On foot , Kayak , Bicycle
Included Activities
- Kayaking on Lake Como
- Villa Melzi
- Lake Como Boat Trip
- Rocca Abbey Hike
- Lake Garda Bike Ride
- Lake Garda Boat Trip
- Punta Vigilio & Torri del Benaco Hike
Check out our Q&As
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Are international flights included in this tour?
No
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Is this trip right for you
This multi-activity trip requires a decent level of fitness, as you will be doing some kayaking, cycling and a fair amount of walking. Some of the treks involve steep hills and steps that you'll need to be able to climb, although sometimes there are easier, alternative routes you can take. Daily walking times vary between 3 and 6 hours, but the rewards are worth every step.
Don’t let the heat keep you from exploring the world! Summer temperatures can be very high in the Italian Lakes district (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water.
As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. Please note that a single supplement is available on this trip (subject to availability). Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. -
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes if aged 15+ and accompanied by an adult
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
No
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
No
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.
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