Lake Como Rambling - Lakeland Walking Holiday in Northern Italy with Sherpa Expeditions

Lake Como Rambling - Lakeland Walking Holiday in Northern Italy with Sherpa Expeditions

Lake Como is a gorgeous blue ribbon of postglacial lake stretching for 50km squeezed within the constraints of its surrounding mountains. The southern end forks into two long 'legs', with the picturesque town of Bellagio situated on the promontory between them. Visitors have been coming to the area for over 2000 years and for good reason: the accessible alpine beauty. The best way to experience the region is to combine walking the trails and using the ferries to access many of the chic and charming villages.

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more details

From our first hotel perched high above the city of Como the walking programme commences with a ridge walk high above the lake with sweeping views to both sides followed by a descent to the shore of Lake Como at Torno. A short boat ride gets you to Como to visit the historic town centre and stroll along the lake to soak up the tranquil old world atmosphere. Como is renowned for its Romanesque churches, its wonderful cathedral, medieval town walls and impressive villas. From Brunate, travel by cablecar, boat and taxi to the charming village of Breglia. Fill the day with a short walk to Madonna di Breglia, a 'church with a view'. From Breglia a circular walk to a mountain hut provides spectacular views across Lake Como. A short extension to this walk brings you to 'Pizza Coppa' for views as far as Lake Lugano in Switzerland and dedicated walkers can make the summit of Monte Grona (alt. 1736 m.).

Moving on by boat arrive in the charming village of Varenna, deemed 'Italy's most romantic village', (quite a claim). Varenna has inspirational views of the lake and the distant mountains, brightly painted houses adorned with flower-filled balconies, a bustling waterfront and a maze of meandering cobblestone streets. An afternoon visit from Varenna to the small village of Bellano provides a short walk into the canyon of the River Pioverna. From Varenna you can also complete a walk on the northern stretch of the 'Sentiero del Viandante', a relatively easy lakeside path from Dervio or Bellano back to Varenna. Views over the lake from this path are marvellous as you walk through a terraced landscape and visit the abbey of Piona, a most intriguing place. Varenna is a good place to embark on a day's boat tour of the lake. There are several places you could visit or start a walk, including the splendid Villa Carlotta, with its beautiful gardens, and Bellagio, ''the pearl of the lake''. Recommended is an incredibly scenic walk through the delightful countryside, passing the fishing village of Pescallo, climbing to the charming hamlet of Visgnola, then descending to the lakeshore and the wonderful gardens of Villa Melzi.

Inn to Inn 8 days
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Tour Code: JCO
Grade: Moderate
Day Stages: Min 5 km, max 17 km

There are some different options for extending or shortening days and increasing the level of difficulty to include some longer sections up or downhill, sometimes on paths with rough surfaces. Most of the trails are well maintained.

SELF-GUIDED Dates 2009
February - November (not during 21-25 April, 5-8 May and 1-14 September due to large conferences in this area).

ESCORTED Dates 2009
Group Size: Min 6, max 15, plus trek leader
EJCO27 Sat 27 Jun - Sat 4 Jul
EJCO19 Sat 19 Sep - Sat 26 Sep

Accommodation
7 nights/8 days - The first two nights are spent at Brunate, just above Como. This recently renovated, welcoming and comfortable 3* hotel has spectacular views of the lake. The third and fourth nights are spent in a comfortable 2* (deserves at least one more star) hotel in the small hamlet of Breglia, high above the lake, in the mountains above Menaggio. The last three nights are spent in a very good 3* hotel in the wonderful little village of Varenna, the 'most romantic village of Italy'. Some people say that Varenna is even more beautiful than Bellagio. Halfway up the Eastern shore this town is a cool spot in the heat of summer with overhanging trees and foliage. Almost devoid of the usual tourist offerings, it does have waterside cafes, with the town located up steep and narrow alleys.

Note: Clients have to carry their own luggage when travellng between hotels by ferry and on the cablecar to Brunate.

Sherpa Notes

Accommodation & Meals
2 and 3* hotels in attractive locations, bed and breakfast on 4 nights, dinner on 2 nights are included.

Way Marks
Only a part of the route is waymarked; elsewhere it is necessary to follow the route descriptions provided together with the maps.

Visit the Sherpa Expeditions Website for more details

Walking in the Cinque Terre - 7 days from £739

Walking in the Cinque Terre with Travelsphere - 7 days from £739.

Discover the captivating resorts and stunning scenery of northern Italy’s wild and beautiful Ligurian coast. Our superb walks take you through lemon groves, wooded hillsides and vineyards as you explore the picturesque Cinque Terre, Portofino, Portovenere and the island of Palmaria.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

What's Included
* Scheduled flights to Genoa
* Transfers between airport and hotel
* Services of an air-conditioned executive coach
* Six nights’ half board accommodation
* Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager and local guides
* Three walks as detailed
* Boat trip to Portofino
* Train ride and boat trip to Palmaria
* All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Highlights Include
* Three walks
* Cinque Terre National Park
* Rapallo & Portofino
* Portovenere & Palmaria

Optional Excursions
* The Sanctuary of Montallegro
* Genoa

Walking Information
Our walks require a reasonable level of fitness and ideally some previous walking experience. You will need comfortable walking boots, a small rucksack, waterproofs, a hat and sunglasses. A local guide will also accompany you on your walks.

Grade 2 Walks
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day.

Grade 3 Walks
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of trekking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Accommodation
You will stay in the welcoming Hotel Ferrari just a short walk from the sea and the centre of Chiavari. Amenities include a bar and restaurant. All bedrooms feature private facilities, air-conditioning, TV and telephone.

Itinerary

YOUR RESORT
The pretty resort of Chiavari near the mouth of the Entella River on the Italian Riviera is surrounded by dramatic mountains as they sweep down to the sparkling, deep blue sea. This delightful seaside town is a fabulous base from which to set out on our guided walks to discover the scenic charms, stunning coastlines and lovely villages of the Cinque Terre. Then you can stroll into the centre to browse through the shops and relax and watch the world go by from one of the welcoming bars and restaurants.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES & WALKS:

Cinque Terre National Park
The Cinque Terre refers to five picturesque villages which perch on the cliffs high above the Mediterranean – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglio, Manarola and Riomaggiore. We travel by train from Chiavari via Manarola to Riomaggiore, from where we follow the cliff path through the villages (approx. 6 hours’ walk). The scenery is truly inspiring and there are spectacular views all around. You can return by train from any of the five villages if you wish.

Rapallo & Portofino
Travel by train to Rapallo, then by bus to Ruta di Camogli, from where we begin an exhilarating walk through wooded hills (approx. 4 hours’ walk). We then enjoy a boat trip to the famous and quite beautiful town of Portofino. The view of the colourful houses overlooking the tiny harbour is the archetypal Italian Riviera vista. We continue to the attractive town of Santa Margherita Ligure for a stroll before returning by train to Chiavari.

Portovenere & Palmaria
A full day excursion by train and boat featuring a visit to the lovely fishing village of Portovenere and a sightseeing walk on the island of Palmaria (approx. 1 hour’s walk). Portovenere has a long and proud history, which has bequeathed the town a superb collection of ancient monuments, such as the Doria Castle and the Church of St. Peter.

CHOICE OF OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

The Sanctuary of Montallegro
This half day excursion starts with a train journey to the pretty resort town of Rapallo, then a cable car ride up to the Sanctuary of Montallegro, perched high above the town with wonderful views across the surrounding area. You will walk back down the hill through the woods to the coast, where there’s the chance to do a little exploring in Rapallo. You will return to Chiavari this afternoon.

Genoa
This fascinating city combines a great history with its role as Italy’s most important port. Throughout the Middle Ages, Genoa was a great power, its success built upon its fleet. It is today a bustling centre, filled with historic gems in the old town.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

Dates, Prices & Departure
holiday ref: GEICT
05/05/2009 £739
15/09/2009 £769

Deposit £100 per person
All prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double-bedded room with private facilities

Surcharges
The Pound has recently fallen significantly in value against other European currencies and, in common with many other businesses, our prices now include an additional charge for all new bookings which has been introduced to cover these additional costs.

Supplements
* Single room supplement £100
* Insurance

Travel Information
Flights are by scheduled services of British Airways Departing London Gatwick 0950 hrs Return arr. 1445 hrs All timings are approximate and may be subject to variation.

Regional Connecting Flights
If you can’t fly direct to your destination from your local airport we offer the choice to take a regional connecting flight to Heathrow or Gatwick from as little as £29 per person return. Fly from Aberdeen, Belfast, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Jersey, Leeds/Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle or Newquay. (From £29 for Worldwide holidays and from £69 for European holidays.)

Transfers
Transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approx. 2 hours.

Telephone Travelsphere on 0845 358 2368 now to reserve your space

STOP PRESS
Book any Travelsphere Holiday before 16th February 2009 and you could be one of five lucky winners of a £2,000 Travelsphere holiday voucher! Terms & Conditions apply