The Italian Lakes – Lovely Lake Como

SUMMARY

Date: Saturday August 30th to Friday September 5th – 6 nights and 7 days 

Guide: Vania de Paoli

Walking Grade: Goat Level 2 . Walks are up to 12km with the maximum ascent of 550m. Walks are varied and give you spectacular views of the Lake. We will be travelling by boat, public transport and some private transfers to get you to the best spots. By the end of this trip you will have fully explored this magical,beautiful part of Italy.

Highlights: The stunning walks, staying at a luxury,traditional Villa hotel with its own private beach, the boat rides, evening meals overlooking the lake in the hotels own restaurant.

Base: Hotel Villa Aurora , a luxury family run hotel and Villa on the shore of Lake Como, Lezzeno. WalkingWomen has reserved 10 rooms at the Villa for our sole use. All rooms are with a lake view that is  known as one of the most beautiful in the world. This is a wonderful spot for swimmers with its own private beach. There are also boats to rent. The Hotel has been owned by the Gregorio Family since 1965 and they have lovingly restored this charming historic residence which provides all modern amenities that guest could want. This is a special place and quite a find.

The nearest train station is Como San Giovanni and we will arrange a pick up here around 17.00. The journey is approx 50 minutes.

The nearest airport is Milan with a train service that will get you to Como San Giovani Station in under 2 hours. We will arrange one group pick up from Milan Malpensa Airport at 16.00 – the journey time to Hotel Aurora is approx 1 hour 25 minutes.

Arrivals: Saturday August 30th for a 18.30 briefing with your guide. In time for a swim and orientation before your evening meal.

Departures: Friday September 5th after breakfast. The group transfer to the train station and airport will leave at 10am.

Price: £2700 for solo occupancy with a lake view like no other!

Includes :

• Your own deluxe villa room with private sun deck, terrace or balcony.
• A hearty breakfast
• Lunches on the 4 walking days
• Evening Meals at the hotel terrace restaurant. You eat overlooking the Lake. The chef is one of the family.
• Access to the Lake via the private beach
• Local guided walks by an english speaking Italian Guide ( she will be with you throughout your holiday)
• A group transfer picking up from Milan Airport and Como Train Station and return
• All local transport to your walks – bus,boat or private taxi
• Support from WalkingWomen with all your planning

Not included:

• Your travel to Milan or Como
• Lunch on your free day
• Wines/drinks not included in meals
• Additional excursions not on the itinerary

DETAILS

This is a very special holiday to bring our WalkingWomen Guests a unique experience of the Italian Lakes. You walk with our Italian guide, Vania, who has put together a fabulous programme of walks to explore the area.

This is also a holiday where you could bring a friend/partner who may not want to walk but does want to experience Lake Como. Our accommodation is right on the Lake and a beautiful,peaceful place to relax. There is swimming, boat trips and a superbly positioned restaurant. The soothing sound of the waves are all around you.

Some of the sights that you may have heard of and can visit:

Lezzeno – the local town with a population of just 2000 people. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops if you fancy a wander.

Bellagio villas and gardens. One of the 19th Century popular tourist destinations with its beautiful architecture and landscapes.

Villa Carlotta – a gift to the Prussian Princess Carlotta and open to the public. If you’re a garden lover you can walk amongst the magnificent garden with its array of rare plants. Visitors come from all over the world.

The easy access to boats makes our hotel a perfect base for exploring.

ITINERARY

The itinerary is to give you an idea of the walks. These may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of your local guide. You will be briefed each day about the next days walk.

DAY 1 – Saturday ARRIVAL day.

There will be a briefing around 18.30 at the hotel followed by dinner.

DAY 2 – Sunday BELLAGIO  10,7 km Ascent 550 m. Descent 550 m

The walk starts in Bellagio and ends in Bellagio. We will travel together from the hotel to our starting point and return together at the end of the day. There will be an option for a wander around Bellagio and to make your own way back to the hotel later.

For those wanting to read the detail Bellagio Ring

DAY 3 – Monday GREENWAY OF LAKE COMO   12 km. Ascent 200m.

This is a leisurely walk around the Lake. Watch this fun video to get an idea of your walk.

DAY 4 – Tuesday VAL SANAGRA  – 10 km  Ascent 470 . Descent 486

A beautiful walk through forests, by rivers with numerous old mills enroute.

For those that would like more detail please click the link below.

Menaggio Walk

DAY 5 – Wednesday FREE DAY. There will be optional trips recommended.

DAY 6 – Thursday STRADA REGIA – NESSO TO LEZZENO approx 10km

We start in Nesso and will walk back to our hotel.

DAY 7 – DEPARTURE Day 

Group Transfer after breakfast