Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Italy’s Lake District HIKES, LAKES, VILLAS, AND ISLANDS

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! 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. 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

“Magical, magnificent—this trip is an absolute ‘must-do’.” Nancy S., San Diego CA

COSTANTINO COSTA Lovely lakeside towns and great hikes create a wonderful adventure! PHOTO ABOVE: SCOTT S. WARREN SANDRA RACCANELLO

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

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

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 A mix of moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 55