A leisurely journey of discovery around Lake Como: where historic villas meet the golden hues of October, amidst wild trails and picture-perfect views…
DAY ONE: In the footsteps of history. We begin where history has left its mark: in Dongo, amidst the memories of the end of the Second World War. We follow the lake towardsPianello(with its fascinating Museum of the Lariana Boat) and the ancient tower ofRezzonico. Then, the landscape changes: we climb through olive and chestnut trees that are beginning to take on their autumnal colours, up toCarcente, a rural village that seems frozen in time. The day ends inBreglia, our panoramic ‘nest’ between lake and mountains, for a restorative dinner far from the world
- TRANSPORT: Bus leaves Tavernola at 9.30 am for Dongo, arriving at 10.55 am – change at Menaggio at 10.26/10.30 am.
- Elevation gain: 710 m – Distance: 12 km
- Lunch: Packed lunch
DAY TWO: From the woods to la Dolce Vita. From Breglia to Lenno. A descent scented with moss and wood through the woods above the Chiarella spring. We cross the picturesque square inBarnaand the noble hamlets of Menaggio, on toVilla Mylius Vigoni. After a picnic in the lively heart of Menaggio, we change our perspective:we boarda boat to admire the shores from the water and disembark atVilla Carlotta, amidst breathtaking botanical gardens and masterpieces of art. We finish our journey along the famousGreenwayto the welcoming Albergo Lavedo for a sumptuous dinner.
- TRANSPORT: boat from Menaggio to Villa Carlotta for a visit – departure at 1.15 pm, arrival at 2.15 pm – followed by the final stretch on foot
- Elevation gain: -770 m (down) – +70 m (up)
- Distance: 12 km
- Lunch: AL SACCO market in Menaggio
DAY THREE: Film sets and spirituality. From Lenno to Laglio. The morning begins with the elegance ofVilla del Balbianello, a Hollywood icon (fromStar Warsto007). But a short climb is all it takes to find silence: we walk along theSacro Monte di Ossuccio(a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Soccorso. Amidst the legends of Isola Comacina and hidden Romanesque churches, we descend towards Colonno, where a traditional ‘curiera’ will take us toLaglio, the lake’s most glamorous village.
- TRANSPORT: Balbianello/Madonna del Soccorso/Spurano/Colonno. Bus from Colonno to Laglio.
- Elevation gain: +400 m – Distance: 8 km
- Lunch: AL SACCO market in Lenno
DAY FOUR: The Green Way and the Grand Finale. From Laglio to Tavernola. From George Clooney’s famous villa, we follow theGreen Way: a natural balcony set amongst exotic gardens and waterfalls that enchanted the composer Bellini in Moltrasio. We pass byVilla Passalacqua, voted the most beautiful hotel in the world, before reachingCernobbio. We stroll with our rucksacks amidst the luxury of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba, feeling part of this splendour. A final spritz with a view of the lake will be the perfect finishing touch to this adventure.
- LOGISTICS: Laglio/ Carate Santissima Trinità/ Moltrasio Cascata/ Rovenna Bassa/ Cernobbio/ Tavernola.
- Elevation gain: 500 m – Distance: 12 km
- Lunch: Sandwiches or other options at Bar Centrale Moltrasio
TECHNICAL & LOGISTICAL INFORMATION. Your comfort comes first:you’ll only be carrying a light rucksack! A trolley containing your personal belongings will be transported directly to the hotel each day. Difficulty:Hiking (E). Paths and tracks with no technical difficulties, at a leisurely pace. What to bring:Hiking boots, layered clothing (October can be mild or cool), waterproof jacket, walking poles and a water bottle.
Meeting point: Friday 9 October at 9.00 am at BAR ESSENZAinside the Gran Mercato in Via Sebenico, Como (Tavernola district) – Please park in the multi-storey car park next door. Return scheduled for around 4.00 pm.
Participation fee: Special price:€640 (with promo codeREGINA26, reserved for HIKEandBIKE customers)
(Standard price: €675)
Includes: Bed and breakfast for 3 nights in hotels, admission and guided tours of two villas in Tremezzina, luggage transport for the 4 days, organisation by the travel agency, a qualified hiking guide, insurance, and travel by public transport (buses, boats). Not included: Lunches (packed lunches or at cafés), drinks and extras during dinners, tourist tax (approx. €8 in total), anything not listed under ‘includes’.
For information about the route:
Leo: +39 377 307 4350 –Leolovati67@gmail.com
Gabriele +44 328 774 5508 – Cortigabriele@yahoo.com
To register, visit info@OrizzontiLakeComo.com – Isabella +39 3333256120
LIMITED PLACES!
Registration is confirmed upon payment of a deposit of €250