- Leonardo
- Lakes
- Food & Wine
Let's taste Como Lake
Enjoy Como Lake panorama and traditional food by walking in the wonderful atmosphere of Varenna and its countryside.
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.
Costs
Includes
- Train from Milan to Bellano/Varenna and back
- Local food expert all along the trail
- Typical lunch including beverages (water and wine)
Exclusions and Extra costs
- Any transportation in Milan
- Any service not specifically mentioned in the above “inclusions”
- Entrance to Villa Monastero gardens
Notes
OPTION BY CAR
This optional tour will focus on the visit of Varenna more than on the walking tour. Varenna is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como and, together with Bellagio, is considered one of the pearls of the lake. You will reach Crotto by car and after lunch you will come back to Varenna where a scenic lake promenade leads to Villa Monastero Gardens, which you can visit (admission € 6.00 per person, optional). Along the promenade you can enjoy an Italian aperitif comfortably sitting on a terrace watching the sun gently setting on the lake before coming back to Milan.
Other links
http://www.stileitalianotours.com
