Walking at Lake Como

Walking at Lake Como

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Walking at Lake Como

5 Days Starting and ending in 22016 Lenno, Province of Como, Italy

Visiting: Lenno, Bellagio, Bellano, Varenna

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

901

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Low, Moderate

Age range:

18-90

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

A quick dip into the dramatic beauty of this iconic region of Italy, with trails that include some of the region’s great villas, as well as the rolling hills overlooking the lake. Enjoy boat transfers across the lake on several days, disembarking in some of the prettiest lakefront towns and villages, such as Bellagio and Bellano, followed by walks along ancient mule tracks, through olive groves and orchards, and to traditional villages enveloped by vineyards. There are various accommodation upgrades available for this tour

Highlights

  • Italian Alps and Riviera

  • Carlotta and Balbaniello Villas

  • Bellano

  • Bellagio

  • Lake Como

  • Boat trips on Lake Como

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Lenno

Location: Lenno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Locanda Grifo or similar in Lenno Upgraded accommodation: Apartment Balbianino (comfort option), Albergo Lenno (superior option) or similar in Lenno

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive in Lenno and take the time to stroll through the town where, in summer, the small pebble beach by the lake is perfect for a swim. If you arrive in the morning, a visit to the gardens of the Villa Balbianello is a must. This elegant 17th-century residence was one of the settings chosen for both Star Wars and Casino Royale films. Lenno is your base for the entire walking holiday.

Day 2 : Azalea Riviera And Villa Carlotta

Location: Lenno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Locanda Grifo or similar Upgraded accommodation: Apartment Balbianino (comfort option), Albergo Lenno (superior option) or similar in Lenno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s walk takes you through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. The walk celebrates the contrast between rugged olive groves and the immaculate gardens of glamorous villas, as well as between medieval villages and Renaissance churches. Take the time to visit Villa Carlotta, famous for its gardens and Neoclassical interiors. End the day with a boat transfer back to Lenno.

Walking for the day: 9km, ↑200m ↓200m

Day 3 : Bellagio Loop Walk

Location: Bellagio, Lenno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Locanda Grifo or similar Upgraded accommodation: Apartment Balbianino (comfort option), Albergo Lenno (superior option) or similar in Lenno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Begin the day with a boat transfer to Bellagio, where the walk begins. Often called the Pearl of Lake Como, it’s famous for being the junction where Lake Como splits into three branches. The walk heads to the village of Pescallo, a fishing community built into the hill, before crossing Villa Giolia’s park and then ascending to Perlo. The journey back to Bellagio takes you through the famous gardens of Villa Melzi, followed by a boat trip back to Lenno.

Walking for the day: 12km, ↑250m ↓250m

Day 4 : Bellano - Varenna

Location: Bellano, Varenna, Lenno

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Locanda Grifo or similar Upgraded accommodation: Apartment Balbianino (comfort option), Albergo Lenno (superior option) or similar in Lenno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a boat transfer to Bellano, sailing to the eastern shore of the lake. Today’s walk above the lake heads for Varenna. Part of the walk takes place on a section of the Sentiero del Viandante, a historic mule track, dating back to Roman times. It features a gentle climb past Orrido di Bellano, an impressive canyon which we recommend exploring if you have time. The path then passes through the village of Gittana with Vézio Castle dating back to the 12th century. The walk concludes in the town of Varenna, known for its colourful hillside houses, and we recommend visiting Villa Monastero gardens (payable locally). For garden enthusiasts there is also the Villa Cipressi, dating back to the Renaissance era. Finally hop on the boat back to Lenno (40mins).

Walking for the day: 10km ↑395m ↓690m

Day 5 : Departure

Location: Lenno

Meals Included: Breakfast

Departure after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 nights accommodation

  • Meals

    4 breakfasts (standard and superior options only)

  • Transfer day one from Lenno pier to B&B (Standard option)

  • Boat tickets

  • Detailed digital holiday information pack

    Including GPS-checked and regularly updated route notes and GPX tracks. Please note that the info pack is emailed to you prior to departure, and no printed documents are mailed or provided locally

  • 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Flights and airport transfers

  • Lunches and dinners

  • Land transfers and other public transport

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.

  • Entrance fees for attractions, villas and museums

  • Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme

Check out our Q&As

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)

  • Difficulty and terrain

    This holiday is appropriate for walkers with a moderate level of fitness; average walking distance is 9 to 12km per day on marked trails and cobbled streets with some elevation gains (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road descriptions, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can, please contact us for details

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, international flights are not included

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All guides are English Speaking

  • When to go?

    This trip is available departing any day of the week from March till October. The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season – so please indicate desired beginning date when booking

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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