The Italian Lakes Explorer

Grade

Moderate

Duration

9 days

Type

Lodge-Based

Season

June

Cost

From €4195.00 PP

Region

Europe

hotel-based kayak adventure in the italian lakes

Embark on a kayaking adventure exploring the stunning beauty of the Italian Lakes. This journey offers a close-up view of a region rich in history, culture and natural splendour.

Glide through crystal-clear waters, encircled by mountains, vineyards and picturesque towns. Our trip covers the enchanting Lakes Orta, Maggiore and Como, nestled in the Italian Alps’ southern foothills and extending into Switzerland.

Beyond kayaking, embrace the landscape on scenic trails and relish the opportunity for a refreshing swim!

Each day concludes in comfort at local hotels, where we indulge in the region’s exquisite cuisine and celebrate the day’s discoveries. Experience the essence of la dolce vita, immersing yourself in the serene ambiance and captivating views of the Italian Lakes.

Grade

Moderate

This trip is suitable for active people with some previous paddling experience and an interest in walking.

Trip Grading

Dates

2026
15-23 Jun

Cost

2026
From €4195.00 per person

Trip costs are in Euros, per person and based on twin share or double rooms. Enquire for the single room supplement cost.

Includes

Eight nights of accommodation in hotels (based on twin share or double rooms), all meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9, all transfers as specified in the itinerary, expedition kayaks, paddles, sprayskirts, and life jackets, a small dry-bag for your personal gear while kayaking, professional guides and a group first aid kit.

Excludes

Flights, entry fees into historic sites or museums, items of a personal nature such as WIFI charges and laundry, alcoholic beverages, single room hotel supplement, travel insurance, and tips.

Day 1

Meet your guides at Milan-Malpensa Airport.
After an introduction and trip briefing the group will enjoy their first dinner together at an organic farm on the banks of the Ticino River.
Overnight airport hotel.

Day 2

Transfer to Lake Orta, about an hour’s drive.
After gear fitting and a safety briefing, we’ll launch the kayaks and discover this magical lake. Set in the middle of Lake Orta, and dominated by its 13th-century basilica, is the small islet of San Giulio, which we’ll explore by foot. In the afternoon we head to
Orta san Giulio, our base for two nights.

Day 3

We have a land based day planned today to Varallo, west of Lake Orta.
Overlooking Varallo is the UNESCO heritage site of Sacred Mountain (Il Sacro Monte) consisting of one basilica and 45 chapels filled with historically significant statues and frescoes. We’ll take a walking tour of the site and enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.

Day 4

We leave Lake Orta and head to Lake Maggiore, the second largest lake in Italy.
We explore the Borromean Islands, a group of three small islands and two islets in the western arm of Lake Maggiore. The palazzo and extensive gardens are spectacular! Our base for two nights is the town of Stresa.

Day 5

We continue our paddling explorations of Lake Maggiore, with many places to explore such as the lovely town of Levano and the hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, perched on a sheer cliff overlooking the lake. As an alternative, we can hop over to Lake Mergozzo, whose waters are among the cleanest of Italy’s sub-alpine lakes. Fed by mountain streams, the lake is perfect for swimming.

Day 6

Leaving Lake Maggiore, we head east to Lake Como, the third largest of the Italian Lakes at 47 kms long. After lunch, we start our paddling outings on Lake Como and enjoy the stunning vistas of villas and gardens located along the shore. Our hotel base for three nights is near the resort town of Bellagio.

DayS 7-8

We spend two days exploring Lake Como by kayak, and the towns and villages by foot. We paddle to the town of Varenna and hike up to the 1000 year old Vezio castle for sweeping views of the three branches of Lake Como. Another highlight is kayaking to the town of Lenno to see Villa del Balbianello, famous for its’ gardens and picture-perfect views. Before dinner in Bellagio each evening, there’s time to wander the town.