Walking Tours
The comfort of a self guided centre based holiday is there is no need to live out of your suitcase or any pressure to get to your next hotel, which gives you complete flexibility to choose how you spend your Italian short break. We you have 3 self guided walks that you can do in the order that you wish. Easy access (1 hr from Milan Airport) just a couple of hours from Milan, the region offers a fantastic network of trails and ancient mule tracks, leading you from pretty villages to spectacular villas and gardens. We have specially designed this trip with flexibility in mind, providing you with a selection of walks and Villa entrances including Carlotta and Balbianello, which can be undertaken in any order, allowing you to make the most of your time in the area. Your walks will take you cruising across the lake to panoramic views and meandering through orchards and olive groves all at your own pace. Each night you'll stay in the small charming village of Lenno with its glistening waters, colourful villages and manicured vineyards, all wrapped up in a dramatic mountain backdrop. Lake Como is a gem you are sure to fall in love with. Lake Como has been the holiday destination of choice for the rich and famous since Roman times, when aristocrats were seduced by the lavish villas and magnificent gardens. Today it remains a holiday favourite of George Clooney and Richard Branson who are drawn to its beautiful scenery and exquisite location.
Upon arrival, stroll through the peaceful Village of Lenno. In summer, you can enjoy the small pebble beach by the lake and jump in for a swim. If you arrive in the morning, we recommend starting your walking holiday in Italy with a visit of the Gardens of the Villa Balbianello (not included), which is an elegant and romantic XVIII Century residence and one of the settings chosen for the the Star Wars and Casino Royal films. Overnight stay in Lenno.
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Today, you will walk from Lenno through the hills of the Azalea Riviera providing stunning panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. Along the way you can witness the fantastic contrasts between olive groves and immaculate gardens of the glamourous villas and Medieval Villages and stunning Renaissance Churches. Enjoy a visit of the famous Villa Carlotta (not included), which is famous for its beautiful garden. This terraced garden includes Italian lemon and carved boxwood, an English garden with voluptuous perspectives and a rich interior decorated with Neoclassical works. Enjoy a boat transfer back to Lenno for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
Called 'The pearl of Lario' Bellagio is known as 'one of the most beautiful sites of the Earth and the most voluptuous of Italy', as quoted from the composer Gabriel Fauré. Today, you will reach the picturesque Village of Pescallo, cross the park of Villa Giulia and climb to Perlo before returning to Bellagio by the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi (not included), both rented by Stendhal. Overnight stay in Lenno. Meals: Breakfast
This morning take a boat transfer (30 minutes) to Bellano from Lenno, which is on the eastern shore of the lake. Today, enjoy a lovely walk above the lake all the way to Varenna a splendid coloured village known as the pure 'dolce vita'! The 'sentiero del viandante' was traced by the Roman legionaries who reached the great passes of the Alps. It is a gentle climb past the 'Orrido di Bellano' (visit is possible) and natural gorges formed in the antiquity. The path then offers panoramic views, passing through the Village of Gittana and the Vézio Castle (not included), which dates back to the 12th Century. End the walk in the pretty Village of Varenna, known for its colourful hillside houses. In Varenna, you must visit the Villa Monastero Gardens (not included). The villa is surrounded by a botanical garden home to rhododendrons, glycine's, magnolias and citrus fruit trees. For the garden enthusiasts you can also visit the Villa Cipressi, which dates back to the Renaissance era. Afterwards, take the boat back to Lenno (40 min) for your overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, if you did not have a chance to visit the gardens of Villa Balbianello on the first day you will have some time to visit them today. Afterwards, take the boat from Lenno to Lake Como where your trip will end. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (wi)
