Lake Como Rambling

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~~$1582~~

$1532

Lake Como Rambling

8 Days Starting in Como, Italy and ending in Varenna, Italy

Visiting: Como, Lake Como, Breglia, Varenna, Lago di Como

Tour operator:

Walkers' Britain

Tour code:

JCO

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1582 $1532 Tourhub's Big Adventure Sale: -$50

NB: Prices correct on 10-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the enchanting beauty of Italy's Lake Como with our "Lake Como Rambling" tour. Immerse yourself in the chic charm of picturesque villages, classic alpine scenery, and scenic ferry trips. Enjoy lakeside and mountain trails with a selection of walks each day, perfect for savoring a coffee or gelato by the shore. Explore impressive villas, castles, and churches while staying in three different hotels over seven nights. This self-guided holiday includes 7 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and convenient luggage transfers. From the historic town of Como to the romantic village of Varenna, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure amidst stunning landscapes.

Highlights

The Chic & Charm of ‘Bellisimo’ Villages
Classic Alpine Scenery & Scenic Ferry Trips
Lakeside and Mountain Trails
Enjoying a Coffee or Gelato by the Shore of Lake Como
Impressive Villas, Castles and Churches
Visit the historic town centre of Como, including the Duomo and Basilica of Sant'Abbondio
Panoramic walk from Brunate with views of Lake Como
Explore the charming village of Varenna, deemed ‘Italy’s most romantic village’

Itinerary

tourhub | Walkers' Britain | Lake Como Rambling | JCO | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrival In Como

Location: Como

Accommodation Name: centrally located hotel

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.

Day 2 : To Torno, Optional Ascent Of Monte Boleto 9.5-13 Km/6-8 Miles, 3.5-5H

Location: Lake Como

Accommodation Name: centrally located hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3 : Como To Breglia. Town Walk Approx 2 H, Then Short Circular Walk 2.5 Km/1.5 Miles, 1H

Location: Breglia

Accommodation Name: comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4 : Breglia To Rifugio Menaggio Circular Walk 10.5-13 Km/6.5-8 Miles, 3.5-5.5H

Location: Lake Como

Accommodation Name: comfortable hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5 : Ferry To Varenna, Walk 'Sentiero Del Viandante' 8.5 Km/5.2 Miles, 4.5 H

Location: Varenna

Accommodation Name: lovely hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6 : Northern Stretch Of The ‘Sentiero Del Viandante’ Up To 19.5 Km/12 Miles, 4.5 H

Location: Lake Como

Accommodation Name: lovely hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 7 : Lago Di Como 7-11Km/4-7 Miles, 2.5-4H (Various Options)

Location: Lago di Como

Accommodation Name: lovely hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast

Location: Varenna

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart Varenna after breakfast.

What's Included

Accommodation
7 nights in 2-3* hotels
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners included in your stay.
7 nights 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Stay for 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.
2 transfers Menaggio-Breglia (on day 3 and 5)

Transfers from Menaggio to Breglia on days 3 and 5 are included.
Information pack including route notes and maps

Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
GPX files

Access to GPX files for navigation.
Luggage transfer

Luggage transfer services are provided.
Entrance fees

Entrance fees to various attractions are included.

What's Not Included

5 dinners, all lunches & beverages

5 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
Travel insurance

Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip

Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls

Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip

Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
City Tax 2-4 Euros per day, per person locally payable to the accommodations

City tax of 2-4 Euros per day, per person is payable directly to the accommodations.
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

A supplement will be charged if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
Guide - this is a self guided holiday

This is a self-guided holiday, so no guide is included.

Accommodation

7 nights in 2-3* hotels. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis in 2-3* hotels. All rooms have en-suite facilities. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with en-suite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. A City tax is payable directly to each hotelier and varies between 2-4 Euros per person per day.

Grading

Moderate. Most of the trails are well maintained. Some of these walks have shorter versions, which include only the sections on easy, mostly paved paths, clearly visible and easy to follow. Longer options are available for some of the walks (e.g. days 2, 4, 5 and 6), with some steeper climbs and descents on rougher surfaces. Fitness: Clients should have a reasonable level of fitness and should be able to walk for up to 4½ hours during a day for easier options and longer for moderate grade walks. Snow may be encountered especially early in the season and up to late June at the highest levels.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes ferry transfers from Como to Menaggio and from Menaggio to Varenna, as well as a taxi transfer to Menaggio. Additionally, there are options for boat and train travel to explore various locations around Lake Como.

Check out our Q&As

What type of accommodation is provided during the Lake Como Rambling tour?

The tour includes 7 nights in 2-3 star hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. All rooms have en-suite facilities. If the usual choice of hotels is not available, alternatives will be used, and you will be informed if these are of a different standard at the time of booking.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of during the tour?

Yes, a city tax of 2-4 Euros per person per day is payable directly to each hotelier. Additionally, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room are not included in the tour price.
Is this a guided tour?

No, this is a self-guided holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, as well as GPX files to assist you during the tour.
What meals are included in the tour package?

The tour package includes 7 breakfasts and 2 dinners.
What kind of walks can I expect during the tour?

You can choose from a selection of walks each day, ranging from easy, mostly paved paths to more challenging routes with steeper climbs and descents on rougher surfaces. Some walks have shorter versions for easier options, while others offer longer, more strenuous alternatives.

What is the level of fitness required for this tour?

Participants should have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to walk for up to 4.5 hours during a day for easier options, and longer for moderate grade walks. Snow may be encountered, especially early in the season and up to late June at the highest levels.
What are some of the highlights of the Lake Como Rambling tour?

Highlights include the chic and charm of 'Bellisimo' villages, classic alpine scenery, scenic ferry trips, lakeside and mountain trails, enjoying a coffee or gelato by the shore of Lake Como, and visiting impressive villas, castles, and churches.
What happens on the first day of the tour?

On the first day, you will make your own way to Como. You can visit the historic town center, including palaces, the Duomo, the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, and beautiful public gardens. You may also stroll along the lake to soak up the tranquil old-world atmosphere. Accommodation for the first two nights is in a centrally located hotel, a short distance from the train station.
What is the itinerary for the last day of the tour?

On the last day, arrangements end after breakfast, and you will depart from Varenna.
Self-guided holidays - inclusions

We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Trip Grading & Preparation

Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
Route notes

While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
How our self-guided holidays work

Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

H. Warton(Ashfield, NSW)

Lake Como Rambling

06 May 2018

Lake Como and the walks in the hills and mountains beyond was fantastic in April. We found the accommodation was good and all hotel staff friendly, especially in Breglia. The villas and gardens on the Lake were wonderful, and the ferry trips were beautiful. The highlight was climbing Mount Grona, which is visible from everywhere in the Upper Lake.

Helen P.(, UK)

Lake Como Rambling

21 Oct 2021

The trip was amazing and really well organised by Walkers Britain. It was perfect, and we’re looking forward to booking our next trip as soon as possible!

B. Martin(Terrey Hills, NSW)

Lake Como Rambling

05 Oct 2018

A brilliant variety of walking day trips covering the lake and mountains.

H. Preston(UK)

Lake Como Rambling

20 Oct 2021

The trip was amazing and really well organised. It was perfect, and we’re looking forward to booking our next trip as soon as possible!

Stephen Manning(UK)

Lake Como Rambling

15 Sep 2022

Lake Como is stunningly beautiful and the trip takes the walker to a pleasing variety of locations around the lake. The walking is very challenging in places, notably the day 1 walk from Como. Walking poles are a must. And a lot of the restaurants in Varenna close on a Wednesday, so be aware!