Our destination is a Crotto on the hills surrounding Varenna and Bellano; walking to the Crotto takes 2 hours approximately (150 meters difference in altitude) along a stretch of the Leonardo’s trail known as “Sentiero del Viandante” (walk farer trail). The path goes through olive groves, hamlets, fields, terracing, chestnut woods and ancient villages offering wonderful views and panoramas on Lake Como and the surrounding mountains which are part of the so called Triangolo Lariano, that is the area between the two branches of the lake. “Crotto” is a traditional place preserving the culture and history of local food; they were originally natural caves where food was kept to age (cheese and wine mainly); nowadays, these caves have been turned into traditional restaurants where meals are prepared using local products such as cold cuts, cheese from the neighboring alpine pastures, vegetables from the garden; here you will also have the chance to visit the olive press and a pollinator garden for bees. At lunch you will taste and enjoy Lake Como traditional cuisine with a stunning view on the lake and learn about the history of the dishes. After lunch, you will walk down to Bellano (40 minutes approximately) to either visit the “Orrido” (optional - a natural gorge formed over the centuries by the flowing waters of the Pioverna river) or take the train back to Milan.