📍 Italy

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES OF LOMBARDY: LAKES AND MOUNTAINS

Peaks plunging into turquoise lakes, stone villages crowning ridges, medieval towers piercing alpine sky. Lombardy, woven beauty.

≈ 13
Days
582
Km
12
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Discover Crespi d'Adda and its industrial heritage frozen in time, then reach Soncino and its mighty ramparts. Stop at the sanctuary of Grazie, stroll through Castellaro Lagusello by the water, breathe in the lemon trees of Limone, climb to Bienno and reach Bormio before following the calm shores of Varenna. Lombardy connects lakes and mountains with elegance.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Crespi D Adda

industrial heritage village innovation

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4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the workers' village of Crespi d'Adda and its aligned workers' houses
2
Visit to the historic collective buildings: school, church, theater, public baths and other services of the industrial village
3
Walk through the workers' cemetery and the pyramidal mausoleum of the Crespi family
🎯

Activities

→
Stroll along the Adda river around the UNESCO-listed industrial village
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Next stop
Distance: 44.7 km
Travel time: 1h29
2
Day

Soncino

fortress tradition medieval stronghold

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10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Wandering through the medieval historic center of Soncino
2
Visit to the Sforza fortress (Rocca di Soncino)
3
Discovery of the ancient historic printing house linked to the printing of the first Talmuds
🎯

Activities

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Free tour through the alleyways and on the ramparts of Soncino, a major pilgrimage site for Jewish history
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Next stop
Distance: 90.8 km
Travel time: 1h31
3
Day

Grazie Mantoue

sacred shrine pilgrimage sanctuary

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4 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the sanctuary of Beata Vergine delle Grazie
2
Discovery of the village of Grazie and its central square surrounded by rural houses
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the countryside and marshes around Grazie, at the gates of Mantova
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Next stop
Distance: 32.2 km
Travel time: 1h04
4
Day

Castellaro Lagusello

lakeside village water embrace

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the fortified medieval village of Castellaro Lagusello
2
Viewpoint over the small heart-shaped lake at the foot of the village
3
Climb to the castle tower to admire the morainic countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Tour of the ramparts and cobbled streets of Castellaro Lagusello
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 65.9 km
Travel time: 1h06
5
Day

Limone Sul Garda

lemon groves citrus soul

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the picturesque center of Limone sul Garda and its harbor
2
Visit to the lemon tree gardens and ancient lemon houses above the village
🎯

Activities

→
Walking or cycling on the panoramic footbridge suspended above Lake Garda
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 52.5 km
Travel time: 53min
6
Day

Bienno

mountain smithies artisan heritage

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4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the medieval center of Bienno and its cobblestone streets
2
Visit to the ancient forges and wrought iron workshops along the canal derived from the Grigna stream
3
Discovery of the mill-museum of Bienno
4
Stop at the statue of Christ the Redeemer dating from 1929
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Route along the canal of the valley of hammers to discover the industrial heritage
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Next stop
Distance: 77.1 km
Travel time: 1h17
7
Day

Bormio

alpine sanctuary mountain refuge

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9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Walk through the historic center of Bormio and on Piazza Cavour
2
Moment of relaxation in the thermal baths of Bormio, between hot baths and alpine panorama
🎯

Activities

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Skiing day on the slopes of Bormio or alpine hiking depending on the season
→
Excursion to Stelvio Pass or mountain biking outings in the surrounding valleys
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 117.1 km
Travel time: 1h57
8
Day

Olgiasca

valley village hidden gateway

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8 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the hamlet of Olgiasca on the heights of Lake Como
2
Visit to the abbey of Piona on the Olgiasca peninsula
🎯

Activities

→
Easy hiking loop on the Olgiasca peninsula with views of Laghetto di Piona and the Alps
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Next stop
Distance: 15.5 km
Travel time: 31min
9
Day

Varenna

waterside charm lake gem

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6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Stroll through the historic center of Varenna and along the lakeside promenade
2
Visit to Villa Monastero and its terraced botanical gardens
🎯

Activities

→
Free time to enjoy the lakeside cafés and small squares of Varenna
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 4.6 km
Travel time: 9min
10
Day

Bellagio

promontory luxury elegance escape

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6 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the cobblestone streets and staircases in the center of Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como
2
Walk through the villa gardens and viewpoints around Bellagio
🎯

Activities

→
Boat crossing between Bellagio and the neighboring villages of Lake Como
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5.5 km
Travel time: 11min
11
Day

Menaggio

lakeside gateway resort charm

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4 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Strolling along the lakefront and in the center of Menaggio
2
Walking on the hiking trails around Menaggio with views of Lake Como
🎯

Activities

→
Free time to enjoy the gardens and historic villas of Menaggio
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 75.7 km
Travel time: 1h16
12
Day

Angera

fortress tower water crown

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6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Walk in the center of Angera and on the shores of Lake Maggiore
2
Visit to the Rocca Borromea of Angera overlooking the lake
3
Discovery of the doll and toy museum housed in the Rocca
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to the viewpoints of the Rocca to admire the panorama over Lake Maggiore and the Alps

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 16 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

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