Lake Como Walk

On arrival at the delightful town of Menaggio on the shores of Lake Como, make your way to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore the town and take in the views of the rugged mountains across the lake. Over the following days, you can explore the small towns, viewpoints and forests on either side of Lake Como as well as the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo and Villa Melzi in Bellagio, enjoying walks of differing lengths and difficulty around Monti Lariani (Lario being the ancient name of Lake Como).

Start the trip with an easy lake-side warm up walk. After breakfast, take the boat that crosses the lake to Varenna. Following the east side of the lake, take the 'Sentiero del Viandante' (the Wayfarer's Path) and experience a rich and ancient cultural landscape with traditional architecture and outstanding views of Lake Como and its surrounding mountains. Just above Varenna, make a short detour to visit the castle in Vezio - it's worth it! Return to Menaggio by boat. Distance 12km/7.5mi, Ascent 637m/2090ft, descent 624m/2047ft Surf/Unsurf 51/49%

A morning private transfer takes you to the hill top village of Cavargna from where a spectacular climb takes you to the Church of Saint Lucio, right on the border between Italy and Switzerland. A superbly panoramic footpath leads you through woods and meadows 1550m down to Porlezza, situated at the northeast end of Lake Lugano and very close to the border. This rural farmland and forest walk with imposing views is one of the area’s highlights. Return to Menaggio by public bus. Distance 16.5km/10.2mi, Ascent 600m/1968ft, descent 1300m/4265ft Surf/Unsurf 45/55%

There is a choice of walks today: A - This loop walk starting in Menaggio takes you to the Val Sanagra, an unknown area rich in historical and cultural traces. From Menaggio you reach Loveno, a noble village with many Villas, then on to Pianuro, a vast pasture still used by the local shepherds. The trail then follows the Sanagra stream, a typical alpine water course that through time has formed impressive gorges. We walk past ancient mills and iron foundries and through Barna, a lovely hamlet where time seems to have stopped. Distance 15.5km/9.6mi, ascent/descent 695m/2265ft. Surf/Unsurf 54/46% B - Walk to Rezzonico on the Antica Strada Regina, a Roman road along the west coast of Lake Como that linked the Po valley with countries north of the Alps and was used until the end of the 18th century when the current road was built. From the top of the hill, there are great views of the lake and surrounding mountains Distance (9km/5.6mi, ascent 330m/1086ft, descent 350m/1148ft) Surf/Unsurf 51/49% C - The walk starts in Breglia, a small village above Menaggio reachable by bus. From the top of Monte Grona (1.736 m) you have one of the best views of the Pre Alps; from here you can see the three lakes (Como, Lugano and Piano), and the peaks of Monte Bregagnino, Legnone, Pizzo di Gino, Grigne. On clear days you can see the Alps from Monviso to Bernina. The route passes Rifugio Menaggio, one of the most famous mountain huts in the area, situated on a natural terrace from where you have an exceptional view on the southside of Lake Como. There are three different ways to get to the top of the Monte Grona from the Rifugio Menaggio, including an alpine ascent using the “via ferrata”. Distance (14km/8.7mi, ascent/descent 1000m/3280ft) Surf/Unsurf 20/80%

Trip concludes after breakfast.