Bellano to Varenna along the famous Wayfarer path overlooking Lake Como and lake fish tasting in Nature
The Viandante Trail (Wayfarer) and its mule tracks cross the paths leading us to discover and live unique places in our area and to taste lake fish in Nature, directly from the fisherman.
The itinerary is part of the project STORYTELLING BENCHES
Technical details
Difference in altitude: 450 m
Distance: 8 km
Real walking time: 5 HOURS
Maximum altitude: 635 m a.s.l.
Description
Discovering charming corners on the hills of Lake Como, moving panoramas, ancient mule tracks and small chapels where travellers prayed along their journey, forests of chestnuts and beech trees, olive groves, hamlets hidden in the hills, an a pollibreria, a unique place where to exchange books.
The itinerary starts in Bellano railway station and initially include the visit of the ancient village of Bellano. Then it runs up along the Orrido gorge (on payment) and the mule tracks where also Leonardo Da Vinci travelled in the past, to an hamlet where we can meet local people and get to know present and past life in the area as well as traditions kept alive in the area.
Unique dry walls are still visible and represent an important heritage for our region.
Lake fish tasting lunch will be in the polllibreria, in Nature; a local fisherman will suggest us his cuisine.
On the way back we will slowly walk to the so called Monte di Varenna and then down to Varenna railway station among majestic views on Lake Como and hamlets.
SUGGESTED OVERNIGHT STAY
B&B La Casa sul Sasso in Dervio
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Olive groves enjoying a unique microclimate
- Ancient hamlets hidden in the hills on Varenna Mount
- Wonderful panoramas on Lake Como
- The Orrido in Bellano
- Lake fish tasting directly from the fisherman in a pollibreria;
- Sharing knowledge and traditions by visiting a small collection of ancient agricultural tools
Difficulty level – MEDIUM
Terrain: Itinerary on well-kept paths and mule tracks having slight slopes.
Gradient: moderate and constant.
Points of attention: none.
Itinerary suitable for adults and children/teens over 10 in good health conditions and used to walk on mountain paths, considering difference in altitude and length of the itinerary.
Trekking shoes are required to walk safely with gripping sole.
Dogs must be kept on a leash to respect wild animals as well as other participants who could be afraid or annoyed.
Responsible tourism
The excursions I offer also aim at supporting local economic activities and at living unique experiences closely in touch with and with respect to people and places.
That’s why they often include tasting experiences and/or chance to buy local products directly from producers, mainly small local activities working hard and with passion to keep traditions alive;
That’s why groups I accompany are usually small … in order to meet and live local people and enter their lives and the calmness of the place on tiptoes.
The Cape Town Declaration in 2002 recognises that Responsible Tourism takes a variety of forms, it is characterised by travel and tourism which:
- minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts;
- generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities, improves working conditions and access to the industry;
- involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life changes;
- makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, to the maintenance of the world’s diversity;
- provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues;
- provide access for people with disabilities and the disadvantaged;
- is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence.
-
- 9.30am Meeting point at Bellano railway station;
- Visit of Orrido gorge and excursion along the Wayfarer trail;
- Tasting lunch in Nature in a pollibreria;
- Sharing of knowwledge and traditions;
- 4.30/5pmReturn to Varenna railway station and back to destination.
Programme and itinerary may vary according to weather and paths conditions
CANCELLATION/POSTPONEMENT
The excursion can be cancelled or postponed anytime by the Guide at her absolute discretion, in case safe and proper conditions cannot be guaranteed following bad weather conditions on the day of the excursion or on the previous days.
Any fees paid will be considered valid as a voucher on the next excursion or refunded (for foreign people). Maximum validity of voucher: 1 year from date of first excursion.
Any refund is eligible in case of cancellation by the participant on the day before the excursion.
Adults: € 20
Teens up to 12: 12 €
Inclusions: Nature Hiking Guide fee accompanying in English and/or French; liability insurance; guide expenses.
Exclusions: any lunch and break or tasting; any transport to the meeting point; injury insurance for participants; entrance to the Orrido gorge; any service not included in the item “inclusions”.
EXTRA COSTS
Entrance to Orrido 5 € per person
12 € per person lake fish tasting lunch: missoltino, marinated shed and mousse, wine, coffee and sweets.
SUGGESTED OVERNIGHT STAY
B&B La Casa sul Sasso in Dervio
Reservation within Tuesday, 31st May 2022 directly on the chart
Sabrina sabrina@trekandtaste.it
+39 347 04 05 703.
Minors must be accompanied by an adult holding responsible.
Participation to the excursions implies unconditioned acceptance of the rulesavailable on my website www.trekandtaste.com.
INJURY INSURANCE FOR TREKKERS
Participation fee only includes liability insurance; no injury insurance coverage is provided to Participants to the excursion. It is advisable to take out a suitable injury insurance.
EIC Organization offer an annual injury insurance which can be activated by the Trip&Trek app and amounting to 10 euros per year, per person. The insurance is valid 1 year whenever you participate to an excursion with and AIGAE Guide. For more details, please contact info@escursioni-italia.it.
Bellano can be easily reached by train from Milan and Lecco.
Check train timetable
trenord
Please, contact the guide for further information +39 347 0405703
- hiking shoes are required, preferably high laced-up and having soles in Vibram material to walk safely on any terrain and in any season.
- hiking poles are recommanded considerably reducing stress on joints and knees; telescopic poles are very handy.
- backpack to carry personal belongings, spare clothing, and food and water supplies.
- dress in layers according to the season (shirt, long-sleeved shirt, Fleece jacket or sweatshirt, rain and wind stopper jacket); rain poncho in case of unstable weather and summer storms.
Participants NOT adequately equipped will NOT be admitted to the excursion
FFP2 mask required on public transports