Lake Garda 2026 – An Alpine Adventure
£1,495.00
🏔 A Classic Alpine Adventure with a Laid-Back Italian Twist
📅 Dates: 7th – 14th September 2026
📍 Lago di Garda, Italy
🥾 Walking: 6–8 hours on walking days | Flexible programme | Moderate to Moderately Challenging
This is mountain walking at its most rewarding — dramatic ridgelines, historic First World War trails, and wide-open views across one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes.
Based high above Lago di Garda at a traditional Italian agriturismo, this week blends proper alpine walking with the slower pleasures of Italian life. Expect satisfying days on the hills, followed by relaxed evenings dining al fresco as the lights of lakeside towns sparkle below.
The programme is varied and flexible, with a mix of classic mountain walks, ridge routes, and scenic trails. Some days are more challenging, but there are always options built in. The via ferrata day is entirely optional and has a guided walking alternative, and there is also an optional vineyard e-bike day for those who’d like a change of pace.
Nothing on this trip is about pushing beyond your limits or proving anything. It’s about choosing the right level of challenge for you, walking well, and enjoying the journey in good company.
Good to Know
Grade: Moderate to Moderately Challenging – Full walking days on mountain paths and historic tracks, with expert guides, supportive pacing, and alternative options where needed.
Accommodation: Traditional Italian agriturismo, based on two people sharing. All meals are also included – breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and 1/2 bottle of wine per night.
Who it’s for: Ideal for walkers who enjoy being active in the mountains, value flexibility and support, and want a rewarding adventure balanced with comfort, choice and great food.
✨ If you love big scenery, meaningful walking days, and adventures that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your boots, Lago di Garda is something truly special.
6 in stock
Overview & Summary
Join us for a seven-day mountain adventure on the shores of Lago di Garda, where dramatic Alpine landscapes meet
laid-back Italian living.
This trip is based at Scuderia Castello, a characterful agriturismo perched high above the lake near Toscolano Maderno.
Expect rustic charm, friendly hosts, and unforgettable evenings dining al fresco with the lights of the lakeside towns
glittering below.
Over the week, we’ll explore a stunning mix of mountain trails and ridge routes, many following historic First World War
paths. The walking is graded moderate–strenuous (4/5), with most days involving 6–8 hours on rocky mountain paths, old
military tracks and higher-level viewpoints. It’s challenging in a satisfying way, with huge rewards: panoramic ridgelines,
sweeping lake views, quiet forests, and that wonderful sense of “I did it”.
The programme is flexible and adjusted to the weather and group energy, with options built in, including an optional via
ferrata day with a guided walking alternative, plus a relaxed e-bike vineyard day with winery lunch (optional). There’s also
time for simple pleasures along the way — café stops, gelato, and the chance to dip in the lake when the moment is right.
You’ll be guided throughout by Ken Hames (Lead Guide), supported by Sam Armstrong (Mountain Leader), with expert route choice,
calm leadership and plenty of encouragement. This is a proper Adventure Geek week: big landscapes, great company, and memories
that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked your boots.
Dates: Monday 7th to Monday 14th September 2026.
What’s Included
- Accommodation for the duration of the trip, based on two people sharing
- All meals are included, Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner and 1/2 bottle of wine per night
- Two professional guides throughout the week
- Lead Guide with extensive local knowledge of the Lago di Garda region
- Mountain Leader support, group care and day-to-day coordination
- All Adventure Geek management, planning and logistics costs
- An Adventure Geek technical t-shirt for the trip
- Full support before and during the adventure
What’s Not Included
-
Flights to and from Italy
We’ll provide recommended flight details once the trip is confirmed, but flights are booked by you directly to give
flexibility and control over timings and costs. -
Car hire and fuel
Approx. £150 per person, plus fuel. We’ll advise on how many cars are needed and help coordinate car sharing within
the group. -
Ferries and cable cars
Approx. £32 in total (payable locally, price may vary on the day). -
E-bike hire and winery lunch
£80 per person, only if you choose to take part in the optional vineyard cycling day. - Tips and gratuities (entirely at your discretion)
- Personal travel insurance (required)
- Personal equipment and kit, including walking boots, clothing, poles and any specialist personal gear
Payment Terms
To secure your place on this trip, a non-refundable deposit of £100 is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure, which is Monday 15th June 2026.
Please note that we require a minimum of 8 people for this trip to go ahead. We’ll confirm once numbers are met, and
only then will we give you the go-ahead to book flights.
If spreading the cost would be helpful, just let us know and we can chat through a payment plan.
All bookings are subject to our standard terms and conditions, which can be viewed here:
Is This For Me?
This trip is for people who enjoy walking, adventure and being outdoors — and who like good company without pressure or
pretence.
You don’t need to be a mountaineer, but you do need to be comfortable with full walking days and uneven mountain terrain.
Most walking days are 6–8 hours and include steady climbs on rocky paths, ridges and historic tracks. It’s graded
moderate–strenuous (4/5), challenging in a satisfying way rather than fast or competitive.
Many people join Adventure Geek trips on their own, and this week is no different. The group is friendly, supportive and
welcoming, with plenty of time to chat as well as space to enjoy your own thoughts. There’s no expectation to be loud,
fast or fearless — just a willingness to give things a go.
If you enjoy:
- Big landscapes and proper walking days
- Being active without rushing
- A supportive group environment
- Evenings spent eating well and sharing stories
- A balance of challenge, choice and comfort
…then this trip is very likely for you.
There are options built into the week, including an optional via ferrata day with a guided walking alternative, and an optional
e-bike vineyard day. Nothing is compulsory, and decisions are always made with the group’s wellbeing in mind.
If you’re feeling excited but slightly nervous, that’s completely normal. Most people feel that way before their
first Adventure Geek adventure — and almost always say afterwards that they’re glad they said yes.
If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to get in touch and have a chat before booking.
Let Me Introduce Your Guides
One of the best parts of an Adventure Geek trip is knowing you’re in safe, capable hands — and this week you really
are. You’ll be supported by two professional guides who bring calm leadership, deep experience, and a genuinely caring
approach to the mountains.
Together, Ken and Sam create the perfect balance: expert local knowledge and route choice, with friendly group support and
steady encouragement. The aim is always the same — to keep things safe, enjoyable and memorable, while helping you feel
confident every step of the way.
Sam Armstrong
Mountain Leader
Sam Armstrong is the Mountain Leader for this trip and brings a warm, supportive presence to the group throughout the week.
Sam is the WALX Master for WALX Derwent and Dales and has worked in the outdoor fitness and wellbeing space since 2008. With a
background in personal training and sports massage therapy, she recognised early on the powerful benefits that moving outdoors
can have on both physical and mental health.
Inspired by this, Sam built a thriving walking and wellbeing community, delivering regular outdoor sessions to people of all
abilities. Her approach is inclusive, encouraging and quietly confidence-building, helping people feel capable and supported,
whatever their starting point.
On this trip, Sam’s role is to provide Mountain Leader support, look after group wellbeing, and ensure everyone feels
safe, settled and at ease. She has a natural ability to put people at ease, especially on longer or more challenging days, and
is known for her calm reassurance, good humour and genuine care for the group.
Ken Hames
Lead Guide
Ken Hames is the Lead Guide for this trip and brings over 25 years of experience guiding in the mountains around Lago di Garda.
Ken’s knowledge of the region is exceptional. He knows the classic alpine routes, historic First World War military
paths, high ridges and quieter valleys that make this area so special. His deep understanding of the terrain, local conditions
and weather patterns allows the itinerary to be adapted carefully, ensuring the best possible experience for the group.
Ken’s guiding style is steady, thoughtful and confidence-inspiring. He has a strong ability to read both the landscape
and the people he’s guiding, choosing routes that feel adventurous and rewarding without unnecessary risk. Along the way,
he shares stories of the area’s history, geography and culture, adding depth and meaning to each day’s walk.
For many walkers, time in the mountains with Ken becomes one of the highlights of the trip — not just for the scenery,
but for the trust and reassurance that comes from being guided by someone who truly knows these mountains.
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