The alpine peaks, shimmering waters, enchanting villages and storied romance of glamorous Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake – is the setting for a new self-guided walking holiday just unveiled by European walk operator, On Foot Holidays.
The new, week-long hiking trip, complete with stays each night in charming, family-run hotels near the lake, brings to 41 the number of self-guided walking holiday On Foot Holidays now offers in 11 countries in Europe, and the eighth walk the company has in Italy.
The walk is designed for intrepid, independent travellers keen to fully experience the essence of a destination slowly, authentically and sustainably. Luggage is transferred between accommodation every day so hikers can enjoy the trail with just a light day pack.
The new seven-night Lake Garda walk takes hikers along the quieter western shores of the beautiful lake away from the tourist crowds on the eastern side. The route begins at the emerald waters of Lake Ledro and heads into stunning alpine scenery through Vesio and on through vineyards and lemon groves to the shores of Lake Garda where a night is spent in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages – the historic, cliff-top hamlet of Pieve di Tremosine.
Walkers then meander along the lake to Gargnano where the final two nights are spent in a romantic, family-owned inn by the lake.
The route entails three to seven hours of walking per day and is graded medium in effort, with availability each year from April to June, and in September and October.
The Lake Garda walk includes seven nights’ accommodation in hotels and inns – some with pools -along the route, daily breakfasts, local transfers, daily luggage transfers between hotels, and all directions, information and maps – printed or in digital version on On Foot Holidays’ new Companion App. The walking holiday costs from £1360 (British pounds) per person, twin-share (about A$2601 depending on exchange rates). A shorter five-night option is also available.
* On Foot Holidays offers a 10 per cent saving when two of its hikes are booked for the one European holiday (discount applies to the cheaper holiday). A discount of £40 per room is also offered for walkers opting to use a digital walking guide on their phones without printed materials.
