Via Spluga and Lake Como Hike

This gem of a settlement is undeniably a beauty encompassing elegant chalets typical of the Graubünden Canton. It is named after two brothers who signed a peace treaty in the region. A few decades later in the 1290s, the Germanic Walser peoples waltzed into the area with their cattle. There is still a traditional part of the village that reflects their building style. It lies west from the historic centre with its typical network of cobbled alleys known as "Bsetzi". Splügen flourished with the important pass trade and the gaining of a market license in the 1400s. It is worth visiting the Rheinwalder Heimat Museum exhibiting the history of centuries of transit through the valley. Accommodation: In Splügen our 3* hotel is a traditional structure with a lot of exposed beams and stonework. Parts of the building date back to 1375 when it was a packhorse hostel. Most of it was rebuilt in 1716 after a town fire and was converted into a hotel 1998-2001. Numerous doors, windows and panelling from the early 18th century have been preserved in the rooms. The former open driveway for the pack animals now serves as the entrance area. The hotel has a garden, bar, restaurant and a lovely terrace area. Several rooms have mountain views. Continental breakfast. *Optional extra day in Splügen: Bus to Andeer and walk to Splügen - 14.5 km, 7 hours: In the morning, take a bus from Splügen to Andeer. You will then undertake a magnificent walk to the Roffla Waterfalls then climb along a path which cuts across the bends of the old road; taking you beyond a motorway which introduces you the the calm of spruce woodland with huge trunks guiding you through alternating up and down paths.

Make sure to spend some time exploring the village of Splügen before you head off, the village's conservation is definitely impressive. Today's walk will take you through Alpine pastures with breath-taking panorama of the surrounding peaks. Avalanche barrier tunnels and well-maintained, cobbled/paved mule-tracks are all set to feature along this high-altitude and expansive walk. The hike is enhanced by the heady fragrance of blooms as we move up from the village on the northern slope of the pass prior to the descent on the southside into Italy and on to the village of Montespluga. Breathe in the atmosphere of times past. A packed lunch is provided for today. Accommodation: our normal 2* town hotel has been used as a refuge for travellers since 1496. It is a homely place, only having 8 rooms and is just 50 metres away from Lake Montespluga. There are very many traditional features in the hotel including furniture.

From Montespluga the route follows a reservoir in order to reach one of two dams. From this viewpoint you can appreciate some spectacular views over the Cardinello Gorge, guaranteed to linger long in the memory. The gorge walking route was carved from the rock taking considerable exertion over the years. There are imposing rock faces to the left and up above and there is the steep gorge plunging away to the right where the torrent itself courses. The descent requires a certain amount of caution but it’s not demanding and leads you gently towards the typical wooden mountain dwellings (baite) of Sosta, Mottaletta and finally to Isola di Chiavenna. Accommodation: In the hamlet of Isola, our small Albergo has been operating more or less since 1722, for travellers who pass on the Via Spluga. It has a lovely little Trattoria (restaurant) with meals available typical of the region. Rooms are beautifully constructed with much wood panelling giving a very cosy outlook with free wifi.

A hiking section which is mostly downhill in nature, following the route of the Liro torrent and introducing the you to the joys of the Val San Giacomo. You will be wandering along pathways between well-tended dry-stone wall, meadow and through chestnut groves. Take in places of considerable historical and religious interest today. From the small town of Campodolcino take the local bus to Chiavenna where you'll spend two nights. Full of corners, narrow lanes and aging stone walls, Chiavenna is a beguiling spot, no matter how many times you meander through its charming historical centre. Be sure to cross the ancient bridge over the Mera River and enjoy the storybook views of the town. Accommodation: Stay in a clean looking 3* modern hotel for two nights. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with a TV, free wifi and tiled floors. The bathroom is complete with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms have a balcony or mountain view. Breakfast is served in the bar room. The restaurant serving local Italian cuisine is open every day. Special menu for vegetarians is available on request.

Today you have a relaxed day in Chiavenna. We have prepared a circular walk for you to the imposing Acquafraggia waterfalls located in Piuro. The site of these dramatic falls left Leonardo da Vinci mesmerised during his visit to Valtellina. Visible from the roadside, these are considered the area’s most important natural monument and an undisputed symbol of Valchiavenna. In addition to the waterfalls, Piuro is also famous for its archaeological treasures and is dubbed ‘the Pompeii of the Alps’; in 1618 the village suffered one of the worst landsides in recorded history. It destroyed the entire village and 1000-2500 lives were lost.

A short transfer will take you to Dervio or Dorio, right on Lake Como for another unique hike along the coast to the charming lake town of Colico. From Dervio, the path climbs up the mountain on a steep cobblestone stairway and then descends gradually towards Colico. You'll be following the East side of the lake along the “Sentiero del Viandante” (the Wayfarer’s path). Experience breath-taking views of the lake and the snowy peaks of the Alps appearing in front of you. In Colico you have the chance to go for a refreshing swim at the beach in the middle of the town. Accommodation: For two nights we stay at a 3* hotel directly on the north shore of Lake Como. It is a 19th century building, but with modern furnishings and with air conditioning. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and serves classic Italian cuisine. In the morning you can enjoy a varied continental breakfast. For the day that you leave, the bus and train station is just 500 metres away. *You might like to take a extra day in Colico to experience the panoramic Bernina red train, which departs from Tirano (aprx. 1 hour train ride from Colico). This route was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008.

Start the day with a short train ride to Bellano. It's worth visiting the “Orrido di Bellano”. This is a natural gorge created by the Pioverna River, over the centuries the river cut out gigantic potholes and fascinating caverns. Its dark ravines and the hollow rumble of gushing water have inspired many authors and made this one of the most popular spots on Lake Como. Your hike then follows a well-beaten mule track to Varenna; a jewel full of history and unique character. In Varenna you have some time to relax and enjoy the town. Perhaps you want to hike to the castle in Vezio village from where you can enjoy a 180-degree view of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The Vezio Castle has stood for more than a thousand years. Or you can opt to take the ferry to Bellagio, known for its cobbled streets, elegant buildings and the Villa Serbelloni Park; an 18th-century terraced garden overlooking the lake. In the afternoon, take the local train back to Colico.