Summer is the perfect season to spend time outdoors. Good weather and long, sunny days inspire us to spend more time outside, with day trips to enjoy the wonders that Lombardy has to offer. Even without the sea, the many lakes, rivers, and mountains that enrich the region provide breathtaking views and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.

In this article, we therefore suggest 10 ideas for excursions and trips to take in our region, Lombardy, during the summer.

1. Excursions in Val Brembana
2. A refreshing dip in a waterfall
3. Mountain Biking in Val Seriana
4. Walking or cycling along the Adda cycle path
5. Hiking in Val di Mello
6. Monte Isola on Lake Iseo
7. Salò on Lake Garda
8. Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Rocca di Angera
9. Brunate–Torno hike on Lake Como
10. Naquane Rock Engravings Park in Val Camonica

1. Excursions in Val Brembana

Best Time: June–September

Val Brembana is one of the main valleys in the province of Bergamo. With wild nature and over 300 peaks exceeding 2,000 meters, it offers routes suitable for all levels. From easy hikes to mountain huts, such as Calvi or Longo, to climbs to more challenging summits, like Mount Aga, Cancervo, or Pizzo del Diavolo di Tenda, which at 2,914 meters is the highest peak in the valley.

We have written an article with the ten best hiking routes in Val Brembana, which you can find in this dedicated post.

2. A Refreshing Dip in a Waterfall

Best Time: June–August

Is the scorching summer heat of Lombardy giving you no respite? Then there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in one of the many waterfalls in our region. Surrounded by the greenery of forests and valleys, they are stunning to see and wonderfully cooling. A plunge into their waters helps beat the heat and keeps you feeling refreshed for hours even after you return home. From the Cenghen waterfall to the Vò waterfall, just to name a few, there are plenty to be found in every province.

We’ve written a great article featuring the main waterfalls of Lombardy, which you can find in this dedicated post.

If gorges and streams fascinate you and you’d like to try something more adventurous with a touch of adrenaline, at BergamoXP we organize numerous Canyoning and River Trekking experiences throughout the summer. Accompanied by an expert guide who will make the adventure safe and unforgettable, you’ll dive, swim, slide, and abseil along some of the most beautiful routes in the province of Bergamo.

3. Mountain Biking in Val Seriana

Best Time: June–September

Riding a mountain bike is a great way to explore the area, surrounded by the stunning landscape of Val Seriana. There are several routes to choose from, with the most classic being the Clusone plateau—a trail of about 35 km winding through cornfields and green forests, passing through the villages of Rovetta, Songavazzo, Onore, Fino del Monte, and of course Clusone.

Higher up, you can follow the route starting from Passo della Presolana and reach the Salto degli Sposi, Colle Vareno, and Monte Alto, enjoying a stunning balcony view over Lake Iseo.

If you feel you’re not fit enough, you can always opt for an electric bike with pedal assistance.

4. Walking or Cycling along the Adda Cycle Path

Best Time: May–September

From Lecco to Cassano d’Adda stretches a beautiful cycle path of over 50 km, following the gentle flow of the Adda River and immersed in the greenery of the Adda Nord Park. The route is mostly flat, making it suitable even for families with children or less experienced riders, and can be pleasantly enjoyed either on foot or by bike. Bucolic river views alternate with glimpses of man-made landmarks recognized as industrial archaeology, such as the Esterle power plant, Leonardo’s ferry, and the Crespi d’Adda industrial village.

Looking for fun and refreshment along the Adda? BergamoXP offers Soft Rafting on the Adda, a playful activity suitable for everyone, especially families and groups of friends, for an experience that will let you fully enjoy nature. And of course, there will be dives and fun games with the rafts!

5. Hike in Val di Mello

Best Time: June–September

Val di Mello is a side valley of the lower Valtellina, in the province of Sondrio. Impressive granite rock towers rise above the vibrant, lush greenery of the valley floor. The valley is also crossed by the stream of the same name, which forms beautiful crystal-clear pools, perfect for cooling off in summer. The trail that runs along the valley floor, starting from the village of San Martino Valmasino, is easy and flat, making it suitable for families. Along the valley, you’ll also find numerous mountain huts where you can rest and recharge your energy.

6. Monte Isola on Lake Iseo

Best Time: June–September

Lake Iseo, also known as Sebino, may be less famous than its “siblings” Garda and Maggiore, but it offers a more relaxed, slower-paced, and less crowded atmosphere. At its center rises Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy, which can be visited with a pleasant day trip. After taking the ferry from the mainland, you can choose either to walk the 9 km loop around the island or to hike up to the Sanctuary of the Ceriola, located at the island’s peak, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings.

We’ve covered in detail what to do and see on Lake Iseo in this dedicated article.

For an original visit and a unique perspective on Monte Isola, BergamoXP organizes a pleasant half-day kayak trip every week. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll explore the southern shore of Monte Isola and the small private island of San Paolo.

7. Salò on Lake Garda

Best Time: June, September

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and marks the border between Lombardy and Veneto, while its northern tip falls under the autonomous province of Trento. Salò is one of the most renowned tourist destinations on the Lombard shore, along with Sirmione, Desenzano, and Limone. During the summer, especially on weekends in July and August, it is literally packed with visitors. It’s therefore better to plan your visit in June or September, or set off early in the morning and expect traffic on the way back.

Along Salò’s pebble beach, you can swim and cool off in the lake’s waters, in a peaceful, sheltered, and green bay. Not far away, in Gardone, you can also visit the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani, the mausoleum of Gabriele D’Annunzio.

8. Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso and Rocca di Angera

Best Time: June–September

The Hermitage of Santa Caterina del Sasso, on the Lombard shore of Lake Maggiore, is a truly evocative destination. This place of worship, whose original core dates back to the 12th century, is perched like a balcony over the lake. It can be easily reached both from land and from the water via stairways, but it is also accessible by elevator, designed for those with mobility issues.

In the same day, you can also combine your visit with the Rocca di Angera. This impressive castle, dating back to the year 1000, overlooks the southern part of Lake Maggiore. Owned by the Borromeo family, it served for centuries as the western stronghold protecting the territory of Milan, and today it is open to the public and can be visited.

9.Brunate–Torno Hike on Lake Como

Best Time: June, September

A renowned and internationally recognized destination, Lake Como attracts millions of visitors and tourists every year. It’s no surprise, then, that the area is often crowded and packed, especially on July and August weekends. To avoid the crowds, an interesting option is to walk part of the Strada Regia, a historic route connecting the city of Como to Bellagio via ancient mule tracks, now converted into a hiking and cycling path. The classic section runs from Brunate to Torno. After reaching Brunate with the funicular from Como, you walk along the hillside, immersed in vegetation, until Monte Piatto, where there is also a “crotto” (traditional tavern) for lunch. The trail then descends to the village of Torno, from where you can return to Como by ferry, completing the loop.

Looking for an alternative way to explore Lake Como? With BergamoXP you can admire the village of Varenna, the famous Villa Monastero, and the Fiumelatte River on an original and enjoyable guided kayak tour.

10. Naquane Rock Engravings Park in Val Camonica

Best Time: June–September

We close this article with a historical and cultural suggestion: the Naquane Rock Engravings Park in Val Camonica. The Naquane site in Capo di Ponte is the most famous of the archaeological sites in Val Camonica and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1979. Inside, there are 104 engraved rocks, dating from the 4th to the 1st millennium BC, which can be visited along a 3 km route immersed in a beautiful 14-hectare forest.

BergamoXP

BergamoXP is the first aquatic sports center in the province of Bergamo. We are a team of nature enthusiasts, outdoor and adventure lovers, connoisseurs of our territory and professionals specializing in the disciplines of Kayak, Canyoning, Rafting, Hydrospeed, River Trekking.

Choose BergamoXP, adventure is waiting just around the corner!