Lombardy Wayfarer’s Path Walking Tour

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.

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.

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.

In the morning a short train ride will take you to Varenna. 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 Cà del Diavol (Devil's House) evokes fear and the idea of satanic rituals, capturing all the mystery of this place. The itinerary then follows a well beaten mule track to today’s final destination, 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.

The trip ends after breakfast unless you’ve booked additional days to enjoy Lombardy for a while longer.