Holidays in Lake Iseo

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Lake Iseo

From 'Giant Bench' instalments to the natural phenomenon of the pyramids of Zone, there are so many hidden gems to discover when walking around Lake Iseo and walking for all abilities is on offer. If you want a more challenging but rewarding walk then go in search of the pyramids which are 30 metre high vertical slabs of rock, surrounded by boulders, in the middle of a nature reserve. On the other hand, if you're wanting something more relaxed there are plenty of flatter lakeside walks, and even more opportunities for tasting the local Franciacorta wine!

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Tourist office

The tourist office can also provide more information locally on walks in the area, in addition to our guided walks. 

Getting around Lake Iseo without a car, you must be happy taking various forms of public transport. If you're looking to expand your walking portfolio on the lake, then there are so many beautiful routes that can be accessed using the public transport links in the area.

Ferries

The ferries are a great way to get around Lake Iseo in the summer, you can check the timetables and prices on the Navigazione Lago Iseo website, this is also where you'll find the list of ferry stopping points from Iseo town. There are two electric ferries running on the lake, which help keep the water and surrounding environment cleaner. If you're visiting Monte Isola for the day, take the ferry from Sarnico; it's an easy and scenic way to get around. Ferry timetables will be amended and may be running on a reduced service from 1st September in line with late-season demand.

Trains & Buses

Lake Iseo has trains and buses linking to most of the main towns around Lake Iseo. These are useful if you want to hop over to a nearby town relatively cheaply. All of our hotels are within walking distance or have nearby bus links to Iseo train station.

Why not hop on a train to the village of Sulzano (approx. 7 mins) where you can hop on a ferry to the famous Monte Isola! If you want to go slightly further to the North of the lake, take the train to the town of Pisogne (approx. 30 mins), first documented in the 13th Century. This ancient town is home to the hidden gem, Church of Santa Maria della Neve; it's walls are covered in frescoes by Romanino! Or, head over to Sarnico on the bus (approx. 15 mins) and admire the 15th Century Church of San Paolo or gaze at some fantastic art in the Gianni Bellini Picture Gallery.

Inghams guided walks are included on your holiday in Lake Iseo

We’ve included one full-day and one half-day walk per week in Lake Iseo, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The full-day (Moderate-Challenging) walk will run every Monday and the half-day (Easy-Moderate) walk will run every Friday. Walks will run on the 26th of May and then from 06th June-26th Sep 2025 and 16th May-25th Sept 2026. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us.

Panoramas of Franciacorta & South Iseo

Heading up to the old church of Madonna del Corno to a fantastic viewpoint where you can gaze over the Franciacorta region and the Torbiere Nature Reserve, wonderful for bird watching. The walk heads past the ruins of an ancient castles and takes you all the way to Provaglio, where you'll come across an old monastery, San Pietro in Lamosa.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 6km
• Duration: Half Day
• Ascent/Descent: 250m
• Terrain: paved road, forested paths, single track paths
• Useful Information: You'll meet at the Iseo train station where the walk begins and at the end of the walk you'll return to Iseo on the train (approx. €1 one way, payable locally). There are a few places along the way to stop for a comfort break or to grab a snack along the way.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 13th, 27th Jun, 11th, 25th Jul, 8th, 22nd Aug, 5th, 19th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Fridays: 15th, 29th May, 12th, 26th Jun, 10th, 24th Jul, 7th, 21st Aug, 4th, 18th Sept

Corna Trentapassi

Starting from the town of Zone, you'll set off in search of historical landscapes, where dinosaurs once roamed the area. Climbing up to 1429 metres above sea level you'll find yourself in awe of the 360° view all the way from the Appenine Alps to the Po Valley.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 9.5km
• Duration: Full Day
• Ascent/Descent: 590m
• Terrain: paved road, forested paths, single track paths, ascents and descents
• Useful Information: Meeting at Iseo train station you'll hop on a train to the nearby town of Marone (approx €4.80 return, payable locally) where you'll catch a bus to the starting point of the walk in the town of Zone (payable locally, approx. €3 return). Along the walk you'll stop to have a picnic, so make sure you come prepared with a packed lunch. There'll also be the option to buy some food from a local bakery at the start of the walk. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you, as there aren't any places to fill up during the walk.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 26th May, 9th, 23rd Jun, 7th, 21st Jul, 4th, 18th Aug, 1st, 15th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Mondays: 11th, 25th May, 8th, 22nd Jun, 6th, 20th Jul, 4rd, 17th, 31st Aug, 14th Sept

Monte Isola 

After reaching the main stop in Monte Isola, Peschiera Maraglio, by ferry from Iseo, you’ll walk up to the top of the island to Santuario della Madonna della Ceriola. This vantage point offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. You'll then descend via a beautiful path, passing through old small villages, to reach Peschiera Maraglio and take the ferry to return to Iseo where the walk ends.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 9km
• Duration: Full Day (walking time approx. 6 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 420m
• Terrain: Paved road, forested paths, single track paths, ascents and descents
• Useful Information: You'll meet at the Iseo Ferry Point where you will take the ferry to Peschiera Maraglio at 8.50am (round-trip ticket approx. €8.70, payable locally). You'll stop along the walk for a picnic. You can bring your own packed lunch or decide to buy something in one of the many bars along the way (payable locally).

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 16th, 30th Jun, 14th, 28th Jul, 11th, 25th Aug, 8th, 22nd Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Mondays: 18th May, 1st, 15th, 29th Jun, 13th, 27th Jul, 10th, 24th Aug, 7th, 21st Sept

Along the Ancient Trails of the Valerian Route

Discovering part of the ancient Valerian route which in total runs all the way up to Pisogne. This walk takes you on the trail between Pilzone and Sala Marasino taking in some beautiful old villages and hamlets on route such as Tassano, Maspiano with its narrow cobbled lanes and old gates and providing some beautiful lake views also along the way.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: Half Day (walking time approx. 3.5 hours) 
• Ascent/Descent: 180m
• Terrain: Paved roads and mule track
• Useful Information: You'll meet at the Iseo train station where you will take the train to Pilzone (single ticket approx. €1.50, payable locally) and you will return from Sala Marasino to Iseo by train (single ticket cost approx. €1.90, payable locally). Tickets for the return journey from Sale Marasino can be bought at the nearby bar to the station.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 6th, 20th Jun, 4th, 18th Jul, 1st, 15th, 29th Aug, 12th, 26th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Fridays: 22nd May, 5th, 19th Jun, 3rd, 17th, 31st Jul, 14th, 28th Aug, 11th, 25th Sept

For every walk you will need:

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun-cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Pyramids of Zone

This is a circular route between 400m and 600m allowing you to observe and admire the famous Pyramids of Zone which became a protected nature reserve in 1984.

• Grade: Moderate 
• Distance: 2.5km
• Duration: approx. 1 hour

Torbiere Nature Reserve

The Riserva Naturale Torbiere del Sebino offers an enchanting experience for nature enthusiasts and walkers alike. 

• Grade: Easy
• Distance: 12.6km
• Duration: approx. 3 hours, 30 minutes 

Giant Bench Walk

From Pilzone, heading up to the church of St. Fermo and onto the Giant bench (one of many that is part of the “Big Bench community project”) where you will experience some stunning views over Lake Iseo from the Giant Bench and on route. 

• Grade: Moderate
• Distance: 6km
• Duration: approx. 2 hours, 30 minutes 

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

For a paper map we'd recommend the Lago d'Iseo- Valle Trompia - Franciacorta Kompass 106 (1:50,000).

Walking guidelines

The Lake Iseo landscape is a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.