Lake Como Rambling

Make your own way to Como. Visit the very interesting historic town centre which includes palaces, the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio and beautiful public gardens. Maybe stroll along the lake to soak up the tranquil old world atmosphere.
You may wish to book an extra night in Como. There are many villas and estates to visit. Go and see Villa Olmo and Villa D’Este as well. Travelling by boat to some other lake side villages in this southern part of the lake is also a worthwhile experience.
Accommodation: Two nights are spent in a centrally located hotel, only a short distance from the train station.

Take the Funicular up to the village of Brunate and begin a wonderful panoramic walk along a well kept path along the ridge, high above Lake Como, with views on both sides. Have a panoramic coffee break in Brunate, and there are also many great viewpoint spots for a good picnic, especially if you choose to walk to the summit of Monte Boleto (1238m). At the ruins of a medieval castle descend towards the lake again and continue down to the pretty village of Torno and then take the boat back to Como.

The first part of the day is dedicated to the old town of Como, renowned for its Romanesque churches, its wonderful Duomo, medieval town walls and frescoed churches. It is also known for its impressive villas, its fine ‘fin-de-siècle’ hotels and its rationalist and even fascist architecture along the lake shore. Stroll through the alleys and along the lake to get the real feel of the city. Just after lunch, travel by ferry with your luggage from Como to Menaggio, admiring all the charming villages from the lake. After settling into the hotel, take a first stroll to Madonna di Breglia, a ‘church with a view’, and then on to San Domenico, a shrine with an even better one! Return to your hotel to relax on the terrace and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Distance today varies due to the options taken.
Accommodation: In this small hamlet, you stay for two nights in a comfortable hotel high above the lake, in the mountains above Menaggio.

Directly from your hotel in Breglia you take a circular walk which brings you up to a mountain hut above Menaggio. The walk is relatively easy, but nonetheless offers unforgettable views of the lake! First you walk through the old part of the village, then beautiful forests and of course you come across a number of spectacular viewpoints over Lake Como. A last steep section brings you up to the mountain hut where it is possible to have lunch. A short walk brings you to the saddle of 'Pizza Coppa' from where you can admire the whole region, from Lake Como to Lake Lugano (Switzerland). An optional detour takes you to the top of Monte Grona (1736m), but this is steep, scrambly and above the general grading level of this tour. Taking a gradually descending path, with still spectacular views on Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, you return to Breglia.

Taxi transfer to Menaggio, from where you take the boat (taking your luggage with you) to the charming village of Varenna, deemed ‘Italy’s most romantic village’, catch a taxi (own expense) up to your hotel, where you can leave your luggage but unlikely able to check in so be prepared to start the walk when you arrive, or spend some time in the village. Varenna has inspiring views of the lake and the distant mountains and brightly painted houses adorned with flower-filled balconies, a bustling waterfront and a maze of meandering cobble-stoned streets. It is a delightful place to explore. Take a walk on one of the historical pathways of the area, the so-called ‘Sentiero del Viandante’, which brings you to the curious ‘Fiumelatte’, Italy’s shortest river. This was researched by Leonardo de Vinci. Continue if you wish on steeper paths to Lierna, a quiet town on the lake shore, before returning by train to Varenna. Or perhaps you’ll just want to relax and eat in a trattoria somewhere in the village.
Accommodation: Your last three nights are spent in a lovely hotel, overlooking one of the most beautiful views of the lake.

Today you walk the northern stretch of the ‘Sentiero del Viandante’. There are several options: you can either walk a shorter or longer stretch. From Varenna you walk to Bellano, which has an optional short gorge section (admission fee), from there on to Dervio which has a small medieval quarter. From here you can take a train back to Varenna, or take a short there and back walk further on along the lake to the romantic medieval village of Corenno Plinio, sitting on Lake Como with its castle and tiny harbour. Views over the water from this path are marvellous and you move through a pretty terraced landscape. Those who wish can combine the walk with a visit by train and bus to the abbey of Piona, one of the most intriguing places by Lake Como. This can be increased by visiting the abbey or reduced by returning to Varenna from Bellano by train or ferry.

Today you can visit the whole central section of the Lago di Como by boat. Buying a ferry pass for about 15E gives you all day access. According to your interests there are several spots where you just ‘must’ go such as the splendid Villa Carlotta, with its beautiful gardens overlooking the lake, charming Menaggio and of course Bellagio, 'The Pearl of the Lake', situated on Punta Spartivento, where the two arms of Lake Como meet. Here you can take an incredibly scenic walk through delightful countryside and to the charming fishing village of Pescallo and up to the scenic hamlet of Visgnola. Down at the lake you walk back along the wonderful gardens of Villa Melzi. Then there is time to explore any number of the local villages by boat, or relax with a drink somewhere on the lake shore, before returning to the hotel.

Depart Varenna after breakfast.