Alta Valle Intelvi walks

This stage is entirely in Italy but very close to Switzerland, particularly at Erbonne. You will walk along the Sentiero delle Trincee, a historic trench trail dating back to the First World War. This will also be your last opportunity to look out over Lake Lugano.

After a bus transfer to the other side of Lake Lugano, you will gradually enter the Val d'Intelvi, which is very popular with Italians. In Lanzo d'Intelvi, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the lake, the city of Lugano and Monte Salvator.

Hike starting from Aldesago, near the Airbnb apartments, towards and around Monte Bré with several breathtaking views of Lugano and its lakes. Short hike with a nice elevation gain.

An ideal walk on a hot day, mostly through woodland, with some lovely views of the surrounding countryside. This route starts and ends in Muggio (easily accessible by post bus). Refreshments are available at Rifugio Prabello (Italy).

This fifth stage will take you to the shores of Lake Lugano in Italy, to the small village of San Mamete. You can even swim in the lake at the Albergo Stella del Italia. This route offers several panoramic viewpoints, particularly from the "Denti della Vecchia" massif, where the lake plays hide and seek with the teeth. In Castello, from the Oratory of San Martino, you can enjoy a splendid view of the lake.

This last stage will take you to the shores of Lake Como, the final destination of this tour. A pleasant, almost flat path will take you from the Binate refuge to the magnificent viewpoint of Monte Bisbino. The descent offers several panoramic views of Lake Como.

During this fourth stage, Lake Lugano will only be visible from a distance. From Monte Gazzirola to Bocchetta di San Bernardo, you will follow the ridge and border between Ticino, Switzerland, and Italy. At lunchtime, you will probably be in San Lucio, a great place to take a break. You can choose between the Italian refuge and the Swiss hut. You will also have a cultural moment with the San Lucio Chapel, a former 15th-century Romanesque oratory.

A truly unique and breathtaking panorama, embracing the three arms of Lake Como. On the left, the Como arm with the island of Comacina and Dosso di Lavedo with Villa Balbianello; opposite, the tip of the Lario Triangle with Bellagio; and on the right, the Lecco arm at the foot of the Grigne mountains.

This third stage offers several more viewpoints over the lakes. On this route, you move away from Lake Maggiore and closer to Lake Lugano. At Davrosio, you will recognise Monte Tamaro and Menéra with its antenna. At the Motto della Croce viewpoint, looking south, Lake Lugano is clearly recognisable by the peak that towers above it: Monte San Salvator. A glance to the west allows you to catch a last glimpse of Lake Maggiore.

During this second stage, you will climb the majestic Monte Tamaro. From the summit, heading west to north, you will discover the Monte Rosa massif in the distance, as well as both ends of Lake Maggiore. To the south, Lake Lugano comes into view. At Capanna Tamaro, you can admire the magnificent ridge stretching from Monte Tamaro to Menèra, topped by a huge antenna.

A magnificent route through the Swiss canton of Ticino and the Italian province of Lombardy. Over the course of eight days, you will discover three lakes and three different atmospheres. You will climb several peaks overlooking these lakes. The ridges you will walk along often form the geographical border between Switzerland and Italy.

This first stage begins on the left bank of Lake Maggiore, shortly after the Ticino River flows into the lake. From Vira to Alpe di Neggia, gradually gaining altitude, you will discover the towns of Locarno and Ascona, separated by the Maggia River delta. In the distance, you will see the imposing dam on the Verzasca River, made famous by the James Bond film "Goldeneye". At Alpe di Neggia, far from the hustle and bustle of the lake, you will appreciate this very relaxing place.

Sights: The Verzasca dam, the village of Corripo and the Ponte dei Salti. From the centre of Locarno, head for the church in Brione sul Minusio. Follow the road towards Mergoscia for 50 metres and, at a small square on the left, take the steps leading to a small chapel. Follow the signs for Viona and Monti di Lego. This small peak offers a magnificent view of Lake Maggiore. Descend towards the village of Mergoscia, where you will see Lago di Vogorno and the Verzasca Dam, made famous by the James Bond film "Golden Eye". Continue towards Corripo, where a viewpoint overlooks the Verzasca and the village of Vogorno. The trail then runs alongside the Verzasca to Lavertezzo, a popular destination thanks to its famous old Roman bridge (Ponte dei Salti).Markings: White-Red-White.

A beautiful walk in the forest overlooking Domaso. The actual starting point is at the beginning of Via Paradisio. If you are coming from the church, the sign will be hidden. On the way back, pay particular attention to take the path behind the church in Peglio.

Locarno, the lowest point on the route (200 metres). From Capanna de la Cimetta, follow the path towards Alpe de Cardada and then Cardada. Take the path behind the Ristorante Colmanicchio and follow the signs for San Bernardo. Continue towards Orselina. The long path through the woods passes the 15th-century Renaissance-style convent of Madonna del Sasso, then wide steps run alongside the funicular railway and descend to the old town of Locarno. This lively town in Ticino, on the shores of Lake Maggiore, hosts the International Film Festival in the first half of August. This short stage offers the opportunity to visit the town and enjoy Lake Maggiore (swimming, boat trips, etc.).Markings: White-Red-White.

La Cimetta: a superb viewpoint over Lake Maggiore. From the old village of Gordevio, go to the church of Gordevio and follow the signs for Pii. In Pii, the chalets of Piano and Pianosto are signposted. From Piano, directions to Cimetta and Avegno are indicated. The imposing relay transmitter antenna is already visible well before Alpe de Vegnasca. Near Capanna de la Cimetta, a platform with an orientation table offers a magnificent panorama.Markings: White-Red-White.