Images: Porter Teegarden
If Lake Como, Italy is best known for its lavish Villas, authentic Italian cuisine and romantic lakeside views, then its best kept secret is the accessible alpine beauty of the dramatic surrounding mountains. Glacially carved over 10,000 years ago and forming the shape of an upside-down Y, Lake Como’s “Middle Lake” offers exquisite accommodations, genuine cultural and historical perspective and surprisingly remote and beautiful day hikes at the foot of the Alps.
Our lake-centered point-to-point hiking route begins in the southern-most town of Como, and then circumnavigates the spectacular middle of the lake, offering waterfront views by night and incredible scenic vistas by day. Transfers by water ferry allow us to enjoy the tranquility and calm beauty of the Lake, while adventurous day hikes access the ridges and mountain tops that form the stunning backdrop around the lake. From the winding streets and decadent villas of Bellagio, to the Roman footpaths, olive groves, and medieval villages that pepper the landscape, this hike offers a wonderful opportunity to sample old Italy while enjoying views of the Alps most notable mountain ranges and peaks.
Itinerary
Day 1 Travel independently by rail to the lakeside town of Como, Italy. Treat yourself to a tranquil walk along the water and enjoy the evening lakeside breeze. Overnight in an upscale hotel in the center of town.
Day 2 Grab a boost by funicular, then ramble along ancient Roman paths offering breathtaking views across Lake Como. Enjoy lunch at a mountain refuge before descending through scenic hamlets enroute to Bellagio. Overnight in the center of Bellagio, just a few minutes walk from the waterfront.
Day 3 A calm boat ride offers a relaxing transfer to the medieval harbor town of Lenno. HIke back in time as you follow medieval roads to an 11 century Benadictine monastery, then choose between easier and more challenging options for the afternoon. Descend through a UNESCO World Heritage Site and overnight in an old world hotel on the Lake.
Day 4 Today's hike to the Roman town of Menaggio begins with an ascent to the tiny hamlet of Narro, where you'll join the Grandola Menaggio trail, a trail used frequently by the Italians during WWI. Picnic in a Roman-planted Olive grove high above the Lake, and pass through a hidden WWI tunnel to the magnificent ridgeline descent to your overnight in warm Menaggio.
Days 5-6 Head into the hills and visit the Italian mountain hamlets that time forgot. Sample regional Italian cuisine, including artisan goat cheeses, and enjoy the most impressive views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Hike up to remote ridgelines to view the Matterhorn, the Monte Rosa and the multitude of peaks that form the border between Italy and Switzerland. These days offer the most impressive views of the European Alps. Overnight in a lovingly restored 15th century villa, surrounded by magnificent gardens, in the waterfront town of Varenna. We'll offer easy and challenging options on these days.
Day 7 Depart.
