WT18 catalog single pgs

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COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 55
COSTANTINO COSTA
One of the world’s most exquisite landscapes is Italy’s
enchanting Lake District, beloved by poets, writers, and
artists since the days of the Roman Empire. Our journey in
this incredibly scenic setting brings us to verdant mountains
sheltering gleaming deep blue lakes, captivating towns like
Varenna spilling down the hillsides, and to Bellagio’s
opulent villas and gardens with rose-laden promenades.
We explore the environs of four of these magical lakes—Como,
Lugano, Maggiore, and serene Orta—as we hike age-old paths
to hidden stone villages with tiny chapels, boat to Isola
Bella, with its magnificent palatial villa (with an overnight
at neighboring Isola dei Pescatori), and hike high above the
lakes for unforgettable top-of-the-world
views of the Alps—é perfezione!
Days 1-2 Varenna / Villa Balbianello /
Bellagio In Varenna, a beguiling town of
pastel-colored houses hugging the shores
of Lake Como, we explore the medieval
Castle of Vezio, once a Roman fortress, and
the Villa Balbianello, with its exquisite gardens and fascinating
artifacts. Ferrying across Lake Como, we hike up Monte San
Primo (5,528') to a mountain rifugio for spectacular lake views
and a lunch of local delicacies that often include miascia, a
cake made with fresh mint and walnuts. We then visit Bellagio,
a storybook town of gracious villas and terraced gardens.
Days 3-4 San Salvatore / Cannobio / Carmine Superiore
A funicular brings us to the top of San Salvatore, 3,000 feet
above Lugano, with magnificent views of the Swiss and Savoy
Alps (and in clear weather, Lakes Como, Lugano, Maggiore,
and Varese). From the top, we hike through forests and
meadows to Carona, with its historic center and delightful
botanical gardens. After exploring Cannobio and its beautiful
waterfront promenade, we hike to Carmine Superiore, a tiny
medieval village accessible only on foot.
Days 5-6 Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori / Mottarone
Mountains / Orta San Giulio We visit the splendid Villa
Borromeo on Isola Bella, and walk the cobbled alleys and
seaside promenade of Isola dei Pescatori, with an overnight
right on the island. In the Mottarone Mountains, we enjoy a
loop hike with 360-degree views of the Alps, including Monte
Rosa, Monviso, and the Jungfrau in Switzerland.
Days 7-9 Orta San Giulio From Orta San Giulio, a jewel
of a town set on tranquil Lake Orta, we hike on an ancient
footpath through villages on the slopes of Monte Alto,
passing farmhouses, a 13th century tower, and the impressive
Villa Broglio, followed by a memorable lunch at the family-
run Luigi Guffanti cheese grottoes. Our last hike brings us
along historic paths beneath old chestnut trees and through
pristine villages that look as if they came straight out of a
painting. Depart on Day 9.
“Magical,
magnificent—this
trip is an absolute
‘must-do’.”
Nancy S., San Diego CA
AKES,
VILLAS, AND ISLANDS
Lovely lakeside towns and great hikes create a wonderful adventure! PHOTO ABOVE: SCOTT S. WARREN
HIGHLIGHTS
• Exhilarating hikes with spectacular views
of mountains and sparkling lakes
• Undiscovered Varenna, the magnificent
town of Bellagio, Orta San Giulio, with its
cobbled streets and lakeside views
• The delights of northern Italian cuisine,
including trailside picnics in idyllic
locations
• Overnights in beautiful lakeside hotels,
including a night on Isola dei Pescatori, a
tiny island in Lake Maggiore
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins in Varenna and ends
in Milan
• 8 nights charming hotels
• All meals included except 2 dinners
DATES
Jun 3-11, 2018
Sep 23-Oct 1
TRIP COST
$5095 (11-15 members)
$5495 (4-10 members)
Single supplement: $620
TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A mix of moderate walks and hikes,
2-5 hours a day, van support
SANDRA RACCANELLO