Lake Como… what can one say?
Bellissimo!
Arriving yesterday our journey from Milan was to be train all the way, but due to a recent land slip, we needed to catch a ferry from Lierna to Varenna, all covered on the rail ticket.
Yesterday was spent exploring Varenna and a short hike up to Castello Di Vezio for spectacular views over the town of Varenna and the lake. Of course I took us on a loop hike that added an additional 4km to the original 3km return trip, but if it wasn’t for this, we wouldn’t have discovered the Sentiero Del Vandante, a long distance hike that stretches more than 60km all on cobbled paths and mule tracks.
As today was forecast for rain, we decided to tackle the Sentiero Del Vandante from Varenna to Bellano, described as an easy walk done in 2.5hrs. The road sign shows that Bellano is only 4km away. So how hard can it be? Well 10km later and around 500m of ascent and descent, we decided that the ferry was the best option for the return leg! It was however a thoroughly enjoying hike with spectacular views and enchanting hill top villages along the way.
We finished off the day with a visit to the Villa Monastero gardens. Whilst romantically beautiful, a little more love and attention wouldn’t go astray (especially after our generous donation!)… Typical Italians!
