Trek&Taste offers slow and responsible tourism tours and hiking to discover not only geological and natural features in
the area but also to discover traditions and culinary history around Lake Como and more.
Tasting typical food, getting in touch with local people enjoying breathtaking views, visiting villas and mansions, getting to know traditions and history are always part of the experience, whether a tour or a hike.
Following are some of the ideas I offer as an hiking Guide as well as a Tour Leader, which have been divided according to points of interests and which can be customized according to interests, requirements and fitting:
Albavilla
- Visit to Buco del Piombo (Lead Cave), a natural cave which can be explored for 300 meters; a unique example of Karst phenomenon characterising mountain areas around lake Como; helmet and headlamps provided.
- Breathtaking views from Monte Bolettone or Palanzone Peak: a 360°-degree view from Monviso to Mount Rose, from Lake Como to Grigna Chain, from Milan to Apennine Chain.
- Discover karst phenomenon and the history of Crottos along the Cosia river valley hiding fossils in the red rocks and in the crystal-like waters; visit to a real crotto to experience the breath of the mountain is included in the experience.
Lake Como
- The famous Lake Como Greenway along the western coast of the lake which could include the visit to the newly restored historic boat Velarca, the visit to Villa del Balbianello, worldwide known for being the shooting set for 007 and Satr Wars, the visit to Comacina Island, a cultural hub since ancient times and last but not least the visit to the UNESCO site Monte di Ossuccio.
- The Wayfarer Trail on the eastern coast and its many secrets: 4 different stages to be run separately and customized according to requirements, interests and fitting.
- Bellagio and its many hamlets: Bellagio in fact is not only the main hamlet most of the people are used to visit but it includes many villages scattered on the hills; lunch including fish lake is optional. Let’s visit a unique Bellagio.
- Tremezzina hamlets hiding mansions and rural houses, nativities and olive groves far from the crowd. Not to be missed along the way the visit to Villa Carlotta, where art and nature mix harmoniously, and to Landscape Museum, where the history of the lake is represented by paintings and printings.
Breathtaking views
- Monte Nuvolone and Camaggiore alpine pastures: 2 wonderful balconies on Lake Como, the former for expert hikers and the latter for everybody.
- San Martino church in Griante offers a wonderful view on the 2 branches of Lake Como and on the fields where some scene of Star Wars were shot; visit to Villa Carlotta can be included.
- Hamlets on Varenna Hills: views on Bellagio promontory and tasting typical food.
- Mount Bolettone and Palanzone Peak in Albavilla.
Experiences
- Cheese making experience in Alpe Piazza (Valtellina area) to discover Bitto cheese secrets and history. Bitto cheese production dates back to Celtic period and it has a wonderful history to tell (mid June – end August).
- Forest bathing in Val Masino (Valtellina area): connecting to nature through all our senses.
- Buco del Piombo (Lead Cave) in Albavilla, a natural cave which can be explored for 300 meters; a unique example of Karst phenomenon characterising mountain areas around lake Como.
- Historical Rebel and its history in Val Gerola (Vatellina area), where ancient traditions are surviving to modernity and globalisation.
Cooking Class and tastings
- Cooking class/tasting on Varenna hills including typical food, lake fish and local olive oil depending on your taste.
- Valsassina red wine (Lecco area), the first wine to be produced in the valley which is mainly known for cheese.
- Valsassina typical Talpeggio cheese, the genuine version of taleggio you will find in supermarkets; it is still produced up in the mountains by local people keeping mountains and local products alive.
- Dongo typical crottos to taste ancient flavours and discover the rich history of this area; optional visit to the Museum devoted to the End of the War and to Mussolini last hours in this area where he was captured.
- Lake fish and fishermen keeping traditions alive: catching shad fish along lake shores is a long-lasting tradition in Dervio (mid-June – mid July).
- Cooking class in Tremezzina, an historical region on western coast, known for mild microclimate allowing olive oil production.
- Food tour in Como, Lecco and Bergamo: discovering towns through the history of local cuisine.
Luxury Pic Nic/Home restaurant
- San Martino church and Villa Carlotta and/or Landscape Museum (optional).
- S. Maria del Soldo in Palanzo, including the visto to the ancient wine press dating back to 1500.
- Hamlets trail on Varenna hills.
Luxury pic nic includes porter service for food and stuff so that clients can enjoy the day with no weight on their shoulders.
…and if you do not find the tour/excursion of your choice, please contact us and we will plan a tour fitting you as perfect as a comfortable shoe!
The guide: Sabrina Pastacaldi
A Nature Hiking Guide is a professional working in the tourism sector and closing interacting with natural environment. Nature Hiking Guides accompany in Nature safely, offering the proper technical support
to both singles and groups of people visiting Italy. They explain natural, anthropic and cultural aspects with no limits as to elevation but without the use of means helping the walking.
Their activity can also be carried out in protected areas including accompanying people, giving information about the area, realizing environmental education projects.