Lombardy walks

A very beautiful hike in the forest, but the path is very steep from the starting point to the finish. Follow the path marked 302. The route starts at the car park of the cemetery and the Chiesa San Lorenzo and crosses the village to the church in the centre. Turn left as you pass the Locanda di Matt bar. From there, go straight up towards the mountain. Continue to follow the path marked 302 Forte di Orino. The path is initially paved with round stones, then turns into a forest path for a distance of 1 km. It then becomes steeper and narrower. There are no flat sections until you reach the top, but once you get there, you will be rewarded with a magnificent 360-degree view. To the north, you can see the Alps with the main massif of Monte Rosa. In the foreground are the lakes of Varese and Maggiore. There are two panoramic tables where you can sit and enjoy the view.This route is ideal in spring and summer when the leaves on the trees provide shade.Return to the starting point via the same route. The descent takes less time.

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.

Lake Idro is a little gem that flies completely under the radar, wedged between its famous neighbours, Lake Iseo and Lake Garda. Not only are its banks easily accessible, but the rugged terrain surrounding it offers countless opportunities for walks in the hills. Although it is quite short, this route is recommended for experienced hikers who are not afraid of sore thighs and knees: it's a steep climb up and down!

The Sentiero del Sole (Sun Trail) starts in the centre of Limone sul Garda and offers magnificent panoramic views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. You’ll begin on a paved path from the town centre and then walk along the famous suspended cycle and footpath.

Easy (although long) route to the Refuge Ombrega from the Alpe di Paglio, which also includes the Cima di Olino (1781 m). During the walk, you will have a stunning panorama of the Valsassina valley, and also of Monte Rosa and the Pennine Alps. You can also spot the Como Lake.

This route takes you from Balisio Hill to San Calimero via Cornisella. The terrain is not difficult, but it becomes quite steep from Cornisella onward, so some preparation is required. The panorama of the Valsassina valley and also of the Valtellina Alps is wonderful.

Along the Via del Bitto, this route leads you steadily uphill from Introbio to the Tavecchia refuge. It isn't a difficult ascent, but it's long. The route itself isn’t particularly scenic, but the Val Biandino panorama is worth the effort.

This route takes you all around Monte Muggio, in an anti-clockwise direction. All the track is on gravel/dirt. A large part of the path is in the forest, with a wonderful view of Monte Legnone and the Swiss and Valtellina Alps.

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.

A beautiful round trip hike above Lake Como. There are magnificent views throughout the route and at the summit. There are lots of ibex and a few chamois, all of which are quite tame. The hike is quite physically demanding, with a steep climb all the way! But the trails are well marked, with a few sections where you need to use your hands, but no major difficulties and no exposed sections. This hike should be done in dry weather (and on dry ground). The access roads to the starting point are very narrow.

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.

A quick and easy walk to admire the Cascade de la Froda: a huge waterfall!

This short walk, full of legends, brings you to an incredible waterfall. It's best to do this walk in spring or after a lot of rainfall so you can enjoy the impressive drop. This is a holy place for some local people. It used to be a place for druids to process some sacrifices. The legend says a ghost lives here.

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.

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.