Bellagio hiking tour: Lake Como villages and Villa Melzi Gardens

Eight kilometers through Bellagio's alleys, woods and lakeside villages, ending in an English garden

An 8 km guided hike around Bellagio on Lake Como takes you through the town's steep stone alleys, past Pescallo and Aureggio, into San Giovanni, then up through woods to Villa Melzi Gardens. You stop for Italian lunch with local wine partway through, and a professional guide leads groups small enough to keep the pace relaxed and personal.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike through Bellagio and nearby villages

• Walk Bellagio's steep stone alleys
• Visit the authentic village of Aureggio
• Stroll San Giovanni alleys and dock
• Hike up to I mulini del Perlo woods
• Lunch at panoramic restaurant with wine
• Walk Villa Melzi English gardens

The experience

The route starts in Bellagio itself, where you walk the picturesque steep alleys lined with elegant boutiques before the path opens toward the lake. From there you move through Pescallo, a village beloved by poets and writers, then Aureggio with its small dock and traditional fishing boats. The terrain climbs into San Giovanni, a characteristic fishing village south of town, where a steep path called "I mulini del Perlo" takes you through enchanted woods with views over the water.

Partway through the hike you stop at a panoramic restaurant for Italian lunch and a glass of local wine: the moment to rest and talk with the other travelers before the final push. The walk ends at Villa Melzi Gardens, one of Bellagio's most iconic landmarks, where you stroll the English gardens and their lush surroundings. The whole day runs about six hours from start to finish.

A professional local guide leads the group in English and keeps numbers small so the atmosphere stays friendly and personal. You'll need moderate fitness and comfortable walking shoes. The route involves a fair amount of walking and climbs through the hilly terrain around Bellagio. Bring a reusable water bottle. The operator is working to reduce single-use plastic on the tour.

What’s included

• Professional local hiking guide leading in English.
• the 8 km scenic hike around Bellagio.
• Italian lunch with one glass of local wine at a panoramic restaurant.
• entrance to Villa Melzi Gardens with tickets provided on opening days.
• small-group experience designed for a relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Before you book

Lasts 6h, runs every day at 10:00, from € 195 per person, with a live guide in English and in groups of up to 10.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

AgesAdult (12 to 64 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Taste & Travel Italy

Is this one for you?The hike involves a fair amount of walking and steep climbs through hilly terrain, so you'll need moderate fitness and comfortable shoes, but the small-group pace and the lunch break halfway through make it rewarding rather than punishing, and the guide adjusts the speed to keep everyone together.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What is Villa Melzi Gardens like?

Villa Melzi Gardens is an English garden with lush surrounding scenery, located at the end of the hike. It's one of Bellagio's most iconic landmarks and a true paradise for nature lovers, with plenty of space to walk and take photos after the morning's hike.

How steep is the walk up to I mulini del Perlo?

The path to I mulini del Perlo is steep and climbs through enchanted woods with spectacular views over the lake. It's the most demanding section of the route, but the guide sets the pace for the small group and you'll have already rested at lunch before this final stretch.

What villages do you actually walk through?

You walk through Bellagio's steep stone alleys first, then move through Pescallo, Aureggio, and San Giovanni. Each village has its own character: Pescallo is known for its literary history, Aureggio has traditional fishing boats, and San Giovanni is a characteristic fishing village with a small dock.

Is lunch included, and what if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes, Italian lunch with one glass of local wine is included and served at a panoramic restaurant partway through the hike. You should advise any specific dietary requirements at the time of booking so the operator can arrange accordingly.

What's the minimum age for this hike?

The minimum age is 12 years old. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. You'll need at least a moderate level of physical fitness because of the walking and the hilly terrain.