Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour
Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

6 days

Walking along the promenade of Lake Como shoresVarenna in LombardyVarenna, as seen from the Lake Como ferryLombardy Wayfarer’s Path Walking Tour-0Lombardy Wayfarer’s Path Walking Tour-1Lombardy Wayfarer’s Path Walking Tour-2

Walk through the Lake District of Lombardy to experience Lake Como

The Lombadry Wayfarer’s Path Walking Tour follows Il Sentiero del Viandante (the Wayfarer’s Path), tracing an ancient mule track along the eastern coast of Lake Como from Lecco to Colico, offering kilometres upon kilometres of gorgeous walking scenery in one of Italy’s top locales. The path along the eastern shore of the lake has had various names throughout its history and underwent various changes in its layout, and it is now the result of the connection of several paths created over time.

The beautiful glacial Lake Como and the towns along it have been popular holiday destinations since Roman times, evidenced by the array of villas and sumptuous gardens which line their shores. Away from the affluent holiday centres is a collection of walking trails exploring the forested valleys, mountains, and traditional villages that have retained their unique character. During the trip you also have the time to visit some of the beautiful villages and experience the excellent regional cuisine, allowing a complete appreciation of the area. Book your spot today!

Highlights of the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

Follow the well-preserved mountain trails around Lake Como from your starting point in Lecco.
Admire the lavish villas and grounds that flank the shores of the lake.
Stay in locally-run accommodations in pleasant towns like Varenna, where the lake is always within view.
Hike to dramatic natural gorges that show off the natural beauty of this region.

Prices

From $575USD
6 days
Difficulty
Self-Guided
Hotels
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Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

The Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Lecco

On arrival at the lakeside town of Lecco on the shores of Lake Como, make your way to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the town and take in the views of the rugged mountains across the lake. If you are lucky you might have the chance to see the swans on the water.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lecco
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Train to Abbadia Lariana and Walk to Lierna

In the morning a short train ride will take you to the start of the walk in Abbadia Lariana. Abbadia Lariana is a fabulous place to stop for a refreshing swim before starting your walk towards Lierna. Today you walk mostly on a well-maintained mule track and footpath on the right side of the lake up and down the shore. Stop for a visit to the Church of San Giorgio in Mandello, a precious jewel of Romanesque art with frescoes from the late 15th century.

It is possible to walk the whole section from Lecco adding approx. 8km to the walk. This first section runs mostly on beaten trails in the woods just above the lake. The walk is easy and mostly flat. At the end of the walk, take the train back to Lecco.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lecco
Distance: 4-6.5 hours, 10.7-18.6km, 408-749m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Train to Lierna and Walk to Varenna

Today’s walk is the most demanding in terms of elevation gain. The itinerary starts climbing on a mule track that later becomes a path mostly in the woods. Stop for a pic-nic lunch by a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking Bellagio and Lake Como. Just before descending to Varenna, make a short detour to visit the castle in Vezio village. It’s worth it! You can enjoy a 180-degree view of the lake and the surrounding mountains from here. The Vezio Castle has stood for more than a thousand years. It is an ancient military outpost of early medieval origin built by the Lombard Queen Theodelinda to defend and control the lake and surrounding villages.

Today’s destination is Varenna, a jewel full of history and unique character.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Varenna
Distance: 5 hours, 10km, 847m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Walk to Dervio

Start the day with an easy lakeside walk. After breakfast, say goodbye to Varenna following the east side
of the lake, taking the “Sentiero del Viandante” (the Wayfarer’s Path) with outstanding views of Lake
Como and its surrounding mountains.
Halfway through the walk, visit the “Orrido di Bellano.” This is a natural gorge created by the Pioverna
river that has cut out gigantic, fascinating caverns over centuries. Its dark ravines and the hollow rumble
of gushing water have inspired many authors and made this one of the most popular tourist attractions
on Lake Como. The itinerary then follows a well beaten mule track to today’s final destination, Dervio. At
this point, you will take a short train ride to Colico.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Colico
Distance: 4-5 hours, 10.5km, 575m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Train Back to Dervio and Walk to Colico

A short train ride will take you back to Dervio. The last section of the walk is the most beautiful in terms
of panoramic views. You will have many chances to stop for a picnic. From Dervio the path climbs up the
mountain on steep cobblestone stairs and then descends gradually towards Colico. You will be able to
see the snowy peak of the Alps appearing in front of you.
In Colico you have the chance to go for a refreshing swim at the beach in the middle of the town.
If you arrive early, visit the Priory of Piona, a typical building of Comacina art in exposed square stone,
which can also be reached from the lake by boat. It is a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture.
Located on the Olgiasca peninsula, it offers a splendid panoramic view of the western coast of the Lario,

as well as the opportunity to savor the tranquility and peace enjoyed by the Cistercian monks who still
live there today.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Colico
Distance: 4-5 hours, 13km, 658m of ascent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Departure from Colico

The trip ends after breakfast unless you’ve booked additional days to enjoy Lombardy for a while longer.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast

Book Now

The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:

Departures on April 1st - 25th, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $975 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $825 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $695 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $575 USD

Departures on April 26th - September 30th, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $995 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $850 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $750 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $595 USD

Departures on October 1st - 31st, 2024:

  • Solo traveller: $975 USD
  • Single room (group of 2+): $825 USD
  • Sharing a double/twin room: $725 USD
  • Sharing a triple room: $575 USD
Book Now

Accommodation on the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 2-3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Hotel Alberi ★★★

This hotel enjoys a wonderful location with excellent views of Lake Como and a walkable distance to the train station. The staff are helpful and the beds are comfortable.

Albergo Del Sole ★★★

This hotel is in San Giorgio Square, contributing to a lively atmosphere. With a recent renovation on the books, you’ll enjoy updated rooms and bathrooms.

Hotel Risi Colico ★★★

This large, stylish hotel is beside the lake with nice views. The rooms are spacious and the buffet breakfast is quite delicious.

What’s Included in the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour?

Meals

5 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 5 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

Luggage transfer is included in this trip. You will need to arrange your own transportation by train or bus between the starting and ending points or book a transfer as a supplement.

Also Included

  • Information kit
  • Sentiero del Viandante Passport
  • Route notes
  • 24/7 telephone support

Not included

  • Tourist city taxes
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not previously mentioned
  • Guide services
  • Visas if required
  • Anything not mentioned as included

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before, during or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades where available

Frequently Asked Questions about Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

S-Cape Travel is a boutique tour operator focused on sharing the best walking, cycling, cultural and food & wine tours in Europe. Book one of their self-guided tours to live La Dolce Vita for a week or two, as you walk or cycle around Europe, enjoying incredible views and amazing food and wine.

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Map of Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour

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Is this tour for me?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour requires 4-6 hours of daily walking for consecutive days. You can choose the walks depending on your ability where more than one option is available. The paths are clearly visible and well-marked. Expect some undulations. This route is best suited to intermediate or better walkers.

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