THE VIANDANTE TRAIL Bellano-Varenna including reading workshop
When comparing words in a passage to a wonderful mountain path, suitable equipment is as essential as knowing how to reach, listen and observe our journey … in order to find out hidden corners and unexpected aspects after a first quick reading.
Three different workshops to be followed separately as well, during which you will combine hiking and reading accompanied by Sabrina Trek&Taste’s Nature Hiking Guide and Alice actrice and expert in reading courses.
The excursion can be separated from the reading workshop which is optional.
Technical details
Difference in altitude: 350 m
Distance: 8 km
Real walking time: 4,5 ore
Maximum altitude: 545 m s.l.m.
WORKSHOP
LISTENING YOUR OWN TALE
Observing the place we have reached during the excursion and trying to describe to other participants our impression through our voice, emotions and different descriptions. The aim is to acquire awareness of how clearly we are able to communicate.
THE PATH
The itinerary starts in Bellano and goes up the hill through olive groves and woods, along ancient mule tracks travelled along by dwellers when transporting goods to be exchanged or needed to live on.
Typical dry-stone walls along the tracks are still visible representing an important heritage; likewise, ancient chapels of worship bear witness of a path travelled along by pilgrims and travellers alike, and Leonardo was it when going from Milan to Switzerland.
From one hamlet to the other, from one wood to the other, we will finally reach the pollibreria, a unique place where we will live back in the past, and, optionally, participate to a reading workshop arranged by Alice.
Packed lunch will be in the shade of trees and in the calmness of the hamlet respecting the place and its inhabitants.
Visit to a farmhouse producing honey before returning to Varenna through a nice forest, flanking restored terracing where olive trees are now grown. Arrival in Varenna and train to Bellano, Milan and Lecco.
Level of difficulty
Terrain: mostly on mule tracks and easy path. Trekking poles are recommended.
Gradient: moderate to demanding on descending cobblestone paths.
Attention points: none
Suitable for adults and children over 12 in good health conditions and who are used to walk on mountain paths considering difference in altitude and distance to be walked.
Trekking shoes required with gripping Vibram soles.
Dogs must be on a leash owing to the presence of wild animals in the wood and out of respect for other participants who could be afraid of or annoyed by them. Do not hesitate to contact the Guide.
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.
- Meeting point: 9.30am Bellano railway station car park (trains from Milano and Lecco arriving around that time)
- Excursion to the pollibreria as described and reading workshop (optional).
- Packed lunch in nature; sharing knowledge with local people and reading in a pollibreria; visit to a local farmhouse producing honey.
- Return to Varenna at around 5.00pm, and back to Bellano and other destinations by train (trains to Milan and Lecco around that time)
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). Max validity 1 year.
PARTICIPATION FEE TO THE EXCURSION
Adults: € 18.00;
Children and teens up to 12: € 10.00;
Inclusions: Nature Guide fee accompanying the group – AIGAE LO639; liability insurance;
Exclusions: any lunch and break; any transport to the meeting point; injury insurance; reading workshop; any service not included in the item “inclusions”.
PARTICIPATION FEE TO READING WORKSHOP
12 € per person for the workshop Listening your own tale
For registration please contact Alice bettinellialice@gmail.com
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 5
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
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:
YOUR OWN CAR
From Milan: (around 80 km), Como (around km 56) and Lecco (around 27 km): SS36 exit Bellano.
Car-pooling according to rules in force.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTS
From Milan and Lecco
PLEASE CHECK TRAIN TIMETABLE BEFORE LEAVING
https://www.trenord.it/linee-e-orari/circolazione/orario-ferroviario/
For more details and help, please contact the Guide.
- 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 considerably reducing stress on joints and knees; telescopic poles are very handy.
- backpack to carry personal belongings, spare clothing, and food and water supplies.
- packed lunch (no mountain hut on the way) in nature; drinkable water source available.
- 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.
- a second-hand book to share at the pollibreria
Participants are requested to:
- wear face masks when inside; have a Green Pass to access closed places.
- take some spare masks.
- always guarantee interpersonal distance.
- sharing private cars according to rules in force.
- read and sign containment forms on the day of the excursion;
- take some plastic bags with you to put your personal sweaty clothes.
Dates and places to be defined
SILENCE AND PAUSE AS CREATIVE MOMENTS
Void do not need necessarily to be filled; void is the place where millions of roads can be found.
Second date is devoted to void between words, to the study of pauses as a creative moment by reading the same passage but inserting pauses in different points of the passage itself.
WHAT THE AUTHOR DOESN’T TELL VIBRATES WITH ME
The third date is devoted to what is behind the words of the author. We will read a passage according to the environment where we are trying to tune author images to sensations rising from our souvenirs and experiences.