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Northern Italy walking tour
Crystal Lakes of Orta, Maggiore & Como
8 Days
The long, thin fingers of these three beauties
stretch from Switzerland into Italy, drawing together alpine and southern scenery
in delightful juxtaposition. This walking experience unfolds against the backdrop
of sculpted mountain peaks, and by the reflections of crystal alpine lakes.
During our walks in this beautifully varied landscape, we wander back through
the ages along medieval footpaths to explore colorful lakeside villages and
traditional hillside hamlets.
Our travels take us to three distinctly different
lakes: Lake Orta, a small, peaceful lake where one easily enters the reverie
of another era; Lake Maggiore, where the rustic way of the fisherman’s life
contrasts dramatically with formal gardens and sumptuous villas; and Lake Como,
the stunningly elegant lake and landscape which has inspired poets, artists
and writers, and has enchanted walkers for centuries. The walking is as varied
as the landscape. We wander through forests under arched canopies of chestnut
and oak leaves, down narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés and artisan
shops, along rugged paths laid out in granite steps, through terraced vineyards
and olive groves, and across the soft carpets of tended villa lawns.
Arrival Day - Lake Orta; 2 miles, easy
Upon meeting in Milan, we drive to Orta San Giulio and explore the charming
village and its interesting architecture. We follow the pilgrim’s way to the
plateau of the Sacro Monte, a unique site with 20 Baroque chapels dedicated
to St. Francis of Assisi. From this vantage point, we survey the lake and the
islet of San Giulio, set against the striking backdrop of forests and granite
outcroppings. Wandering back towards the village along cobblestone paths, we
come to the lakeshore with its picturesque fishing boats and narrow streets.
Our hotel overlooks the jewel-like lake. In the evening the setting is particularly
enchanting, with the dramatic medieval basilica of the Isola San Giulio illuminated
against the night sky. Our welcome drink in a typical wine bar is a first taste
of the renowned wines of the Piedmont region.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Orta - Pella - Isola San Giulio; 6˝ miles, moderate
with an initially steep 25-minute ascent
We begin the day with a boat ride to Pella, situated on the western side
of Lake Orta. From here we begin a walk to hillside hamlets along centuries-old
stone pathways. In this mystical setting, punctuated by small altars and chapels,
we feel as though we have stepped back in time, when walking along these pathways
was a daily occurrence. In the afternoon, we travel a short distance by boat
to Isola San Giulio, named for the 4th-century Saint Julius who brought
Christianity to the region. Here on this tiny island, we visit the renowned
12th-century Basilica di San Giulio, and stroll under ancient stone arches.
Dinner in a cozy trattoria awaits us with regional specialties such as mushroom
risotto and grilled lamb.
Hotel San Rocco, Orta San Giulio
Orta - Armeno - Coiromonte - Gignese; 5˝-mile,
8-mile or 11-mile options, moderate to challenging
Leaving Lake Orta we ascend to a plateau for an inspiring, panoramic view
over the lake, the island, and the spectacular scene of yesterday’s walk. Alternately
ascending and descending through forests and tiered hillside pastures, we arrive
in the village of Armeno for a late morning coffee. You may choose to continue
through this pastoral landscape, climbing to the village of Coiromonte, which
marks the highest point of today’s walk. Here, we partake of a picnic lunch
of local salami and cheeses, prosciutto, olives and fresh bread. From this point
at 2,600 ft. we descend in the direction of the town of Gignese on the water
shed separating Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. From the pleasant resort town of
Stresa on the shores of Lake Maggiore, we take a short boat ride to the tiny
Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island), where we are welcomed by the staff
of our charming hotel, spectacularly situated in the middle of the lake. Weather
permitting, we dine al fresco on the hotel’s terrace overlooking the sparkling
lights of nearby islands and passing ferry boats.
Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori
Lake Maggiore exploration: Borromean Isles;
Mount Mottarone and/or Villa Taranto; 2-4 miles, easy
Today’s itinerary offers several choices to explore Lake Maggiore and surroundings.
In the morning we focus on the Borromean Isles, the tiny archipelago formed
by Isola dei Pescatori, Isola Bella and Isola Madre. On
Isola Bella we visit a 17th-century palace with unique sculpted gardens.
Following this guided tour you have several options to choose from. One is the
third Borromean island, Isola Madre, where azaleas, rhododendrons and
camellias flourish vibrantly in English-style gardens set against the deep azure
background of the Gulf of Borromeo. A second option is to take a cable car to
the summit of Mount Mottarone, which at almost 5,000 ft. offers extensive views
of the entire region from Lake Orta to the Alps. The last option, accessed by
either a short walk or boat ride, is the botanical garden of Villa Taranto,
where you can leisurely stroll through 16 hectares of gardens, complete with
thousands of plant species and an extremely rare collection of exotic flowers.
Tonight we dine on traditional regional fare at our hotel while enjoying the
breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore.
Hotel Verbano, Isola dei Pescatori
Laveno - Lugano - Bellagio; city and lakeside
walking, easy to moderate. Villa Melzi; 4 miles, easy to moderate
We depart our hotel by boat, crossing the lake to the village of Laveno,
where our coach is waiting. Bellagio is the final destination, however, we break
up the two-hour drive with a stop en route in Lugano, Switzerland. A short walk
introduces us to yet another beautiful lake of the region, and another country
(where Euro notes are accepted for your independent lunch and any purchases
-- small change given in Swiss Francs). We continue to the picturesque town
of Bellagio on Lake Como. Our lakeside hotel is magnificently set on the promontory
where Lake Como and Lake Lecco meet. We are positioned to experience the best
these elegant lakes have to offer. A walk including a visit to the luxuriant
gardens of the Villa Melzi rounds off a dramatic day. Dinner is at our comfortable
resort hotel.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello; 6
miles, moderate with a challenging 30-minute ascent; additional longer option;
walk to Madonna del Soccorso; 2 miles, moderate with a 25-minute steep ascent
We begin the day with a ferry crossing to the stunningly beautiful western
side of Lake Como to visit the famous Villa Carlotta, where terraced gardens
and famous works of art have inspired poets and travelers for centuries. Ascending
the gentle hills above the lake, we walk through ancient villages and along
terraced footpaths that seem a world away from the elegant lifestyle of the
lakeside resort towns. Those inspired by a cobblestone pilgrimage pathway marked
with chapels symbolizing the Mysteries of the Rosary, will be graced with a
magnificent view of the lake from the vantage point of Madonna del Soccorso.
Descending to the water, we visit the elegant Villa Balbianello after exploring
the narrow cobblestone streets of the lovely fishing village of Lenno before
returning to Bellagio to appreciate the late afternoon sun as it casts shadows
on the forested hills over the lake. This evening you are free to explore Bellagio
and its many restaurants.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Varenna to Vezio; 5 miles, moderate with a 30-minute
steep ascent
Following a leisurely breakfast, we board a local ferry to Varenna, an attractive
village on a small promontory. We follow the Sentiero del Viandante,
aptly named “as we go along our way,” through the rugged hills above Lake Lecco.
We will pass by the Fiumelatte, a unique stream “the color of milk”
that froths over the rocks as it descends to the lake. Ascending through the
forest, we traverse northward and enter the hamlet of Vezio. We follow cobblestone
pathways to the ruins of the Castle of Vezio, perched high above the lake in
a strategic position, providing final views of the lake and the distant Alpine
ranges.
Our final dinner at an award-winning restaurant includes regional delicacies
such as pasta served with local herbs, and a creatively presented sumptuous
dessert.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
Arrivederci!
After enjoying a final group breakfast, we transfer by bus to the train
station in Milan by 11:00 am, for train connections to your next destination.
Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks
and sites may vary due to season, special events or weather. We reserve the
right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in
advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary
changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
Journey Highlights
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Landscape
dotted with palm and cypress trees, terraced vineyards, and sculptured gardens |
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Three
nights in the charming town of Bellagio |
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Scenic
private boat and ferry travel |
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Stunning
glacial lakes at the foot of the Alps |
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Island
and lakeside resort accommodations on three lakes |
Price: $3,098
Departure Dates:
May 11, 2003 May 12, 2003
June 1, 2003 June 15, 2003 July 13, 2003
August 3, 2003 September 7, 2003
September 21, 2003 September 28, 2003
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