sdbikelady

I will be visiting the lake region (Maggiore, Como, Garda) with my son and daughter-in-law and we need help. We will start our trip from Geneva and travel by car. We have 7 days, and would like to do some day hike and stay in B&B's along the way. Sure would appreciate your thoughts in regards to this itinerary. Thanks for any suggestions you can provide. Simone

Doble_Vergasser

The best that I can do is some websites.

Club Alpine Italy
http://www.cai.it/index.jsp
They operate several mountain refugi in the area. The website is in Italian unfortunately.

For car route planning go to Viamichelin.com.

One source for B&B's is Karenbrown.com
(also this website).

On Lake Orta, Orta San Gulio is supoosed to be nice but I have not been.

Everything on Lake Como is nice and I have been there.

Lake Maggiore is popular.

The North end of Lake Garda is mountainous. We enjoyed staying in Riva De Garda.

Doble_Vergasser

I found this old post on hiking, by serching the Fodor's archive.

Author: Anne
Date: 11/16/2000, 11:17 am
La Via Dei Montini Lariani are the old tracks on the west side of Lake Como and are still used by locals to reach the Alpine pastures called 'Monti.' It stretches from Cernobbio to Sorico. The trail is 130 km. with an average height of 1000 meters with spectacular views of the lake and environs. We stayed in Lenno and walked from the town, past a monastery and found the trail. In any of the places you decide to stay, the local tourism office will have hiking information. It your'e interested in Lake Como, you can email the local tourism through the website of www.lakecomo.com.
Don't forget the water and listen for the cow bells.
Anne

nrpsydoc

stayed at the villa d'este with my family when i was a child. i don't know if the hotel still has that name. what a place! wow.

picky

The Villa D'este maybe the foremost hotel in the world. Yes, it still is in operation.Lake Como is gorgeous asnd the little towns that dot its shores are beautiful, especially Bellagio. The small boats that go up and down the lake, stop at various towns on their route and it is just a great place to visit.

roamer

We also will be in Italian Lake Country in October, staying near Lake Maggiore. I am planning our excursions with a book: Italian Lakes--car tours and walks.Authors: David Robertson and Sarah Stewart; publisherunflower Books. I bought it at my local book store, but I think it is probably on Amazon. Also have Insight Pocket Guide: Italian Lakes. It has a large pull-out map. I recommend both, but especially for hiking and driving, the first is the best. Enjoy!

RonH

The Como Tourist Agency have a publication called "By Foot in the Province of Como" which details 20+ walks in the vicinity of Lake Como.
The Menaggio Tourist Bureau also have a leaflet on walks in the vicinity of that town (and if you are in that area I can recommend the old "Roman Road" walk starting from Nobialo and heading north along the lake - it's a short easy walk but with some wonderful views)

nrpsydoc

picky, thanks for your post about the villa d'este. brings back childhood memories. the place was amazing. i remember looking out my room window and seeing snow covered swiss alps!