Lake Como & the must see Villa Gardens in Style – 7 Days

DISTANCE - BELOW AVERAGE

Distance is not a major consideration in your training program. However, you should still incorporate some long walks as it will increase your cardiovascular fitness.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration regarding how you train. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training as it will increase your endurance.

ROCKY / UNEVEN TERRAIN

ROCKY TERRAIN

Whilst preparing for walking on rocky terrain, you must focus on the development of balance, strength, and agility. Integrate targeted strength exercises, such as lunges, squats, and step-ups, to fortify your leg muscles, with a particular emphasis on enhancing stability on uneven surfaces. Balancing exercises are essential. Undertake core strength activity, coupled with exercises such as planks and russian twists to enhance balance. As you progress, include hikes on progressively rougher terrain to acclimate to rocky conditions. Additionally, the appropriate footwear with good ankle support and tread for grip are essential. Stay mindful, watch your step, and use trekking poles for added stability.

UNEVEN TERRAIN

Preparation for hiking on uneven terrain demands a nuanced blend of physical and mental readiness. Commence your regimen with balance-enhancing exercises, such as one-legged stands and stability ball workouts, laying a foundational groundwork for stability and coordination. Strengthening the lower body is pivotal, achieved through the incorporation of squats, lunges, and step-ups to enhance both stability and power. Gradually increase the complexity of the terrain on which you walk, moving from gravel paths to rocky trails. Cultivate mindfulness during your practice, directing focused attention to both your immediate surroundings and precise foot placement. The importance of suitable footwear cannot be overstated; prioritize options that offer robust support and reliable grip to navigate varying terrains with confidence. Build endurance through consistent hikes, progressively increasing distance and difficulty.

AVAILABILITY

March through to October.

The villas and gardens are opening in the following months: 

Lenno – Gardens of Villa Balbianello – Open from the beginning of January to mid December Closed on Monday + Wednesday + Friday

Tremezzo – Villa Carlotta – Open from mid March to early November

Bellagio – Villa Melzi Gardens – Open end of March to end of October

Varenna – Castle of Vezio – Closed in case of bad weather – Open from March to end of October

Varenna – Villa Monastero Gardens – Open from March to end of October

In Winter and Spring, some gardens and villas are closed.  

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

Travelling to the Start of the walk

The walk starts and finishes in Lenno. You will need to organise your own transport to get there. The easiest option would involve flying into Milan, training from Milan to Lake Como and catching a boat or bus to Lenno. To make it easy, we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.

By plane: There are regular flights to Milan from different countries around Europe. There are many airlines that fly these routes. Below are possible websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.

https://www.kayak.com/flights 

http://www.google.com/flights

Train: The train from Milan to Como S. Giovanni will take around 40 minutes and will cost around AUD$10. Please find below ways to book.

https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times

https://www.rome2rio.com/

By bus or boat: You can also travel by bus or ferry to Lenno, where the walk will begin.

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Bastia/Calvi

WEATHER

From March the temperature begins to rise so be prepared for warmer days if you walk in summer. Shoulder season is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of having fewer people around in the villages and on the coast (we walk away from the populated areas on the walk so crowds are not an issue.)

See the weather information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

IMPORTANT - SOLO WALKERS

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on this self-guided trip. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.