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Lake Como Rambling
Lakeland Walking Holiday in Northern Italy
 Lake Como is a gorgeous blue ribbon of postglacial lake
stretching for 50km squeezed within the constraints of its surrounding mountains. The southern end forks into
two long 'legs', with the picturesque town of Bellagio situated on the promontory between them.
Visitors have been coming to the area for over 2000 years and for good reason: the accessible alpine beauty. The best way to experience the region is to combine walking the trails and using the ferries to access many of the chic and charming
villages.
Once in Como, visit the historic town centre and stroll along the lake to soak up the tranquil old world atmosphere. Como is renowned for its Romanesque churches, its wonderful cathedral, medieval town walls and impressive villas. The walks commence by taking the cablecar up to Brunate from where you walk along a high ridge above the lake, with views to both sides. Walk down to the lakeshore village of Torno, and take the boat back. Otherwise return through the forest to Brunate and travel back by cablecar to Como. From Como, travel by boat and taxi to the charming village of Breglia. Fill the day with a short walk to Madonna di Breglia, a 'church with a view'.
From Breglia a circular walk to a mountain hut provides spectacular views across Lake Como. A short extension to this walk brings you to 'Pizza Coppa' for views as far as Lake Lugano in Switzerland and dedicated walkers can make the summit of Monte Grona (alt. 1736 m.).
Moving on by boat arrive in the charming village of Varenna, deemed 'Italy's most romantic village', (quite a claim). Varenna has inspirational views of the lake and the distant mountains, brightly painted houses adorned with flower-filled balconies, a bustling waterfront and a maze of meandering cobblestone streets. An afternoon visit from Varenna to the small village of Bellano provides a short walk into the canyon of the River Pioverna. From Varenna you can also complete a walk on the northern stretch of the 'Sentiero del Viandante', a relatively easy lakeside path from Dervio or Bellano back to Varenna. Views over the lake from this path are marvellous as you walk through a terraced landscape and visit the abbey of Piona, a most intriguing place. Varenna is a good place to embark on a day's boat tour of the lake. There are several places you could visit or start a walk, including the splendid Villa Carlotta, with its beautiful gardens, and Bellagio, ''the pearl of the lake''. Recommended is an incredibly scenic walk through the delightful countryside, passing the fishing village of Pescallo, climbing to the charming hamlet of Visgnola, then descending to the lakeshore and the wonderful gardens of Villa Melzi.
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8 days |
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detailed dossier
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Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Tour Code: JCO
Grade: Easy-Moderate
Day Stages:
Min 5 km, max 17 km
There are some different options for extending or shortening days and increasing the level of difficulty to include some longer sections up or downhill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Most of the trails are well maintained. |
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SELF-GUIDED Dates 2008 |
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February to July, late August to late October |
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Accommodation
7
nights/8 days - The first two nights are spent at Como, the capital of the Lake, in a welcoming and comfortable 4* hotel, it is centrally located within walking distance of all the main monuments of the medieval town centre. The third and fourth nights are spent in a comfortable 2* (deserves at least one more star) hotel in the small hamlet of
Breglia, high above the lake, in the mountains above Menaggio. The last three nights are spent in a very good 3* hotel in the wonderful little village of
Varenna, the 'most romantic village of Italy'. Some people say that
Varenna is even more beautiful than Bellagio. Halfway up the Eastern shore this town is a cool spot in the heat of summer with overhanging trees and foliage. Almost devoid of the usual tourist offerings, it does have waterside cafes, with the town located up steep and narrow alleys.
Sherpa
Notes
Accommodation &
Meals
2, 3 and 4* hotels in attractive locations, bed and breakfast throughout.
Way Marks
Only a part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps
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