Travel independently to Varenna, a picturesque village overlooking beautiful Lake Como.

Today’s hike is a pleasant ramble through the high alpine environment of the Gringa Massif. Traverse beneath the Piancaformia ridge to the Rifugio Bietti for lunch and stunning views. For a truly challenging return, climb to the Bocchetta Guzzi behind the refuge. Return to your hotel in Varenna via taxi.

Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain: 1500 ft.

Begin today’s hike with a water ferry ride to Menaggio and a short bus transport to the small town of Breglia in the hills above Menaggio. Hike to a fine lunch of regional Italian cuisine at the rifugio, served with some of the best views of the lake. Overnight in a beautiful grand hotel in Menaggio.

Distance: 5 – 8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2000 – 3000 ft.

Start the hike from Menaggio by transferring by bus or ferry to Cadenabbia to begin the infamous Greenway del Lago di Como, a nice walkway going through the villages of Tremezzo, Mezzegra, Ossuccio, Sala Comacina, and Colonno. We recommend visiting Villa Carlotta and the intriguing Villa Balbianello once you arrive in Lenno.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: n.a.

Today starts with a boat transfer to Bellagio, the “Gem of Lake Como.”  Your walk begins at the pier and takes you through Bellagio’s narrow, picturesque streets, past charming stone houses, and churches until you enter the lush chestnut forest. As we ascend, the views over Lake Como, Bellagio, and the surrounding mountains grow more spectacular. Picnic or plan to have a traditional lunch on the scenic terrace of Baita Belvedere trattoria before continuing to the Belvédère Macallè to enjoy panoramic vistas. Afterward, you descend back to Bellagio where you have time to explore downtown, shop, or relax at a café in Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini before taking a boat back to your hotel in Lenno for another night.

Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1700 ft.

Embark on a stunning loop hike starting from Bocchetta di Orimento, just a 40-minute taxi ride away. This trail meanders through lush meadows and ascends into a beautiful forest, revealing spectacular views of rocky ridges and, if we’re lucky, wild Bisbino horses. After a gentle uphill, you traverse beneath the impressive rocky walls before reaching the summit of Monte Generoso. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Monte Rosa on clear days. The descent follows a gentle route back to Orimento, with options to enjoy lunch at either the Swiss hut, Fiore di Pietra, near the summit or the cozy Italian hut in Orimento.

Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 200 ft.