| Cost From: | $4395 |
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| Length: | 7 days |
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| Activity: | Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures |
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| Difficulty: |
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The leaders, Amy Barnes and Duilio Ringressi were friendly and knowledgeable of the area we visited. Lunches were superb and varied. We could never have gotten along on our own.W. and A. Harford—Silver Creek NY
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On this high alpine adventure, we trek in the Tien Shan (“Celestial Mountains”), the highest mountain range in Central Asia, and discover the fascinating culture of traditional Kyrgyz nomads.
Just a mention of the words “Italian lakes” and the imagination conjures snow-capped peaks, long ribbons of deep blue water, and opulent lakeside villas with rose-laden promenades. We explore two legendary mountain lakes in Italy and one in Switzerland on this journey. Connecting the lakes by ferry, we hike age-old paths to small stone hill villages with tiny chapels, walk up to an alpine refuge for spectacular lake views and a delicious lunch of traditional polenta uncia, follow trails to the artists’ colony of Carona, and wander through mystical chestnut woodlands. We’ve chosen the perfect bases for our hikes: magnificent Bellagio on Lake Como, Lake Lugano in Switzerland, and serene Orta San Giulio on romantic Lake Orta.
$4395 (13-15 guests)
$4695 (10-12 guests)
$4995 (6-9 guests)
Single supplement: $925
Cinque Terre extension from: $535
Prices are for 2009 dates
Sep 12-18, 2009 Amy Barnes
May 15-21, 2010
Sep 4-10, 2010
Oct 16-22, 2010
Note: There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.
The US Dollar has strengthened against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! Here's how it works: we will purchase the Euros for your trip when you sign up, which lets us lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To receive the discount, the first deposit on the trip ($500 per person) is non-refundable. If you prefer to have your deposit be fully refundable up to 90 days before departure, you can sign up at the regular published rate for the trip.
To find out the current discount available at today’s rate, please call us at 1-800-368-2794 or send us an email.
Reading list, click here.
We meet in Como, the silk capital of Europe, whose Belle Epoque hotels and grand lakefront promenades lend it a 19th century elegance.
Boating across the deep green expanses of Lake Como, we visit the entrancing 18th century Villa Balbianello, one of the most romantic settings on the lake, and enjoy a lakeside walk from the high village of Perlo down to Bellagio. Along the way, we see the monumental Villa Melzi gardens, one of Lombardia’s finest examples of neoclassical villa architecture. Our hike up to the mountain refuge of Martina rewards us with spectacular lake views, and we savor a lunch of local seasonal delicacies that often includes porcini mushrooms, fresh goat cheese, and mountain sweets like miascia, made with fresh mint and walnuts. Afterwards, we visit a private village home to learn about the lake’s ancient silkworm breeding and silk-spinning culture. Overnights are in magnificent Bellagio, a storybook town of villas and terraced gardens with one of the most dramatic locations in all of Europe. With its flower-filled belvederes and villas, it has been a cherished locale since the days of the Roman Empire.
Heading across the border to Switzerland, we reach cosmopolitan Lugano, spread along Lake Lugano and framed by emerald green mountains. This famous town is the principal city of Ticino, the Italian canton of Switzerland. We ride the funicular up to San Salvatore, 3,000 feet above Lugano, for a hike on a panoramic trail with magnificent views of the Swiss Alps, with magnificent mountain views. We enjoy a delicious picnic en route at the artists’ colony of Carona.
Our grand finale is the hidden gem of Lake Orta, a quiet haven in whose center is a fairytale isle, illuminated and golden at night. One of our hikes from tranquil Orta begins in the medieval village of Cannobio, an independent city-state in the 12th century, and brings us to the small stone village of Carmine Superiore, with its ancient church and fine views over the lake. Our base is enchanting Orta San Giulio, with its café-lined piazza set right on the lake. Depart from Milan on Day 7 (or join our Cinque Terre Extension).
The Italian Riviera ends with a dramatic flourish at Cinque Terre, five cliff-bound villages wedged into a mountainous coast terraced with vineyards. Join our self-guided 4-day extension for in-depth hikes to spectacular seaside villages.
Please call us or download the Full Trip Brochure for more information about our extensions
