Northern Lombardy
Vineyards, Valleys and Mountain Villages
This new Level 4 itinerary for 2025 starts in the UNESCO listed medieval town of Bergamo, lying north east of Milan. We explore its charming old town before heading to the vineyards of Franciacorta, home of Italy’s prestigious sparkling wines. We hike with fabulous views of the vines and have the chance to visit the cellars of a local producer. We explore Lake Iseo, one of the lesser-known lakes of Lombardy, and take a boat trip to the magical Monte Isola. We visit the town of Lovere on its north shore, one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy. We finish in the high valleys of the Valtellina, close to the border with Switzerland, basing ourselves in the mountain town of Tirano. We taste fabulous Nebbiolo wines, visit churches and palaces and see UNESCO listed rock engravings. On our return to Bergamo, we make a stop at the celebrated Storico Ribelle cheesemakers. At the end of the tour guests have the option to continue their holiday on the awe-inspiring Bernina Express train from Tirano into Switzerland.
Cost: €3,675 per person
Single supplement: €350
Our tours are genuinely all-inclusive - learn more about what we offer.
What is included?
• 8 nights’ accommodation in three wonderful hotels
• Two experienced and knowledgeable guides to look after your every need and bring this stunning area to life
• All meals including excellent wines
• Gourmet picnic lunches each day and snacks en route
• Support vehicle, enabling you to walk as much or as little as you please
• Transport in air-conditioned minibus
• All museum entries, tastings and cultural visits as per the itinerary
• Comprehensive pre-trip information
Your Health and Safety
See our new protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our guests and HH staff.
Tour Highlights
Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites throughout the region
Taste the wonderful wines of Franciacorta and the Valtellina
Visit the beautiful island of Monte Isola on Lake Iseo
Walking/Terrain
There are 6 days of walking on the trip. We walk on cobbled mule tracks, mountain trails, through vineyards (which can be muddy after rain) and along quiet tarmac roads. There are some steep ascents and descents, 600m-800m on most days, and a 1200m descent on the the final day, so a sound level of fitness is required. The mountain trails are rocky in places, and on Day 5 there is no van access at lunchtime. Since some of the walking is in the mountains it is important to be prepared for adverse weather conditions. Sturdy walking boots, with good grip and ankle support, are essential. Walking poles are highly recommended, especially on steeper sections.
Shortest day: 10km/6.2 miles / Longest day: 18km/11.2 miles
We have graded this hike a Level 4. Some of our tours are more challenging than others, so see how we grade our hikes to make sure you choose the right one for you. If you are interested in this tour, then you might also like to take a look at Slovenia and Friuli, The Italian Lakes or The Wilds of Abruzzo
Accommodation
Hill Colle: A hotel with modern, spacious rooms in the heart of the Franciacorta wine region
Vulcano Village: In the tiny village of Castro on Lake Iseo, this hotel has an enchanting location on the lake shore
Curt di Clement: An eco-friendly hotel in the centre of Tirano, converted from an historic house
