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Highlights
Walk through the Lake District of Lombardy to experience Lake Como
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.
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!
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!
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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
Departures on April 1st - 25th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR888
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR749
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR629
- Sharing a triple room: EUR519
Departures on April 26th - September 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR918
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR779
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR674
- Sharing a triple room: EUR539
Departures on October 1st - 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: EUR903
- Single room (group of 2+): EUR764
- Sharing a double/twin room: EUR644
- Sharing a triple room: EUR519
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.
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
- How hard is the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Lecco to start this tour?
- Where does the Lombardy Wayfarer's Path Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Italy?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Italy?
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
5 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Milan’s Linate (LIN)/Malpensa (MXP) or Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY). From either airport, take the local bus or train to the central railway station and then take one of the several trains to Milano Centrale and then take the local train to Lecco. Alternatively, you can book a transfer as a supplement.
The tour ends in Colico. You can take the train or bus to the airport or book a transfer as a supplement.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
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.
