Two Italian Walks that each offers a completely different, equally captivating, way to explore Italy on foot.
In Cinque Terre, cliffside paths link vibrant fishing villages. Sweeping sea views and sunlit terraces create a lively, Mediterranean atmosphere. It’s energetic, colorful, and perfect for those who love dramatic coastal scenery.
The Italian Lakes, by contrast, offer a gentler rhythm. Trails meander past stately villas, forested hills. Quiet waterfront towns have the shimmer of mountains in the background. Cooler breezes, high, clear air and elegant landscapes set the tone.
These lofty Level 4 gems offer not only a decent work-out, but you don’t have to pick one or the other – they fit perfectly “back-to-back” for a wonderful Italian experience in 2026!
Cinque Terre – a collection of impossibly picturesque fishing villages connected by automobile-free trails that wind along the coast, offer breathtaking views of the azure waters below.
Nestled along the rugged coast, the “Five Lands” epitomize the charm and beauty of the Italian Riviera. Clinging tenaciously to cliffs, the vibrant homes of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso, painted in gelato-like hues, form a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserved in all its historic glory.
And there’s much more to Cinque Terre than just the “Famous Five”.
As we walk through olive groves, fragrant pine forests, and tranquil mountain pastures, we’ll be treated to spectacular sunsets over the Mediterranean each evening.
Portovenere, a gem on the Ligurian coast, is a captivating blend of history and natural beauty. Be enchanted by its pastel-colored houses, ancient churches, and medieval castle perched above the harbor. And the connections to poets Byron and Shelley add a rather romantic aura.
Just a short boat ride away, La Palmaria Island is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. This pristine island boasts lush Mediterranean vegetation, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters.
Sestri Levante, known as the “City of Two Seas,” is a picturesque coastal town where charm and elegance meet. Nestled between the Bay of Silence and the Bay of Fables, this enchanting destination offers golden sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a charming old town filled with historic buildings and quaint shops.
The jaunty harbor town of Camogli, is simply delightful and offers a rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning sea views.
And the food! Fresh seafood is a staple, with daily catches brought in by local fishermen. Savor a plate of trofie al pesto, a regional specialty pasta served with rich, aromatic pesto sauce made from locally grown basil. Pair it perhaps with a glass of the local dry white wine.
We cap it all with a taste of the high life in the jewel that is elegant Portofino. It exudes Riviera charm and sophistication. A boat ride takes us along the towering cliffs of the National Park, offering a unique perspective of the coastline. And there’s the rare opportunity to visit the wonderfully remote Abbey of San Fruttuoso.
The Italian Lakes have long inspired poets, painters, and travelers alike. Their beauty was first sketched into history by early nature-lovers in the 1800s, and the magic hasn’t faded since.
What sets the Italian Lakes apart from other regions of Italy is their unique blend of alpine and Mediterranean character. While much of the country is defined by rolling hills, sun-baked coastlines, or ancient cities, the lakes offer a rare meeting of snow-dusted peaks and palm-lined promenades. Here, grand villas and ornate gardens sit beside rustic fishing villages, and the rhythm of life feels slower, more reflective.
We begin at tiny, impossibly pretty Lake Orta. A private boat carries us across to San Giulio, where timeworn buildings rise almost unchanged through generations. The day closes with a gentle stroll through the ever-blooming gardens of Villa Motta.
On Lake Maggiore, the opulent Borromean Islands steal the show. Isola Bella dazzles with its grand palazzo and Italianate gardens, while nearby Isola dei Pescatori recalls its fishing-village roots with the scent of fresh seafood drifting through narrow lanes.
Crossing into Switzerland yet still unmistakably Italian in spirit, Lake Lugano nestles against a cool mountain backdrop. Venetian-style villages cling to the shoreline, and a scenic cog railway lifts us high into the peaks for a leisurely lunch with sweeping views.
Then comes the grande dame: Lake Como. Here, centuries of luxury are written into lakeside villas and silk-trade history. At Villa Carlotta, Baroque gardens invite us to step back in time. And just across the water, Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake”, welcomes with stone lanes, cobbled stairways, refined boutiques, and shaded terraces overlooking the water. It’s a place where elegance and charm meet at every turn.
Of course, no journey through the lakes is complete without tasting the region itself. Local cuisine celebrates both land and water: freshwater fish grilled or stewed in delicate sauces, risottos rich with saffron or lake perch, rustic polenta dishes from the mountains, and wines that bring each meal to life.