An Alpine Holiday
One Centre Stay: Chiavenna
First Day: The drive from the airport to Chiavenna takes about 90 mins. Depending on your arrival time you may have a short visit of the town, followed by lunch in one of the typical crottos. After check-in at the hotel it may be possible to take a short walk to the beautiful waterfalls nearby or visit the “Marmitte Dei Giganti” park. Your hosts will join you for a welcome aperitif before your evening meal and will give you a general insight of the following day’s walk.
Our walks will take you to visit the most beautiful and scenic parts of the Alps. We have various itineraries to choose from to satisfy any walker’s dream! Here are just a few examples:
The Cardinello Gorge is the wildest part of a much longer historical route, namely that of the ancient “Via Spluga”, which for centuries has connected Valchiavenna and the area of Como to the North of Europe. The Cardinello is scenically the most spectacular part of the route and like taking a walk into the past where, centuries before, imperial armies, merchants and travellers passed through. Here the Roman leader Stilicone led his troops across the Alps towards Germany in the 4th century D.C. and some people believe that the Carthaginian leader Hannibal took this route with his elephants on his way to conquer Rome?
Starting at the small village of Isola the route rises gradually along a path which has been literally carved out of the rock, in some parts quite narrow, so caution is obviously necessary. As we rise we suddenly catch a glimpse of the dam (built in 1931) of Montespluga (1901m). The scenery is quite exceptional: on the opposite side of this artificial lake we can admire various peaks with “Suretta” at 3027m dominating this group of mountains. Continuing alongside the lake, the path takes us to the first houses of Montespluga (1908m) and eventually onto the Spluga Pass (2115m) into Switzerland. The length of the walk can be varied to suit the needs of the group.
Rifugio Menaggio (1400m) is a particularly picturesque walk which offers us some of the best views of Lake Como. Beginning in Breglia (996m) above the town of Menaggio the path winds in and out of birch woods rewarding us with spectacular vistas of the Lake the higher we go. On arrival at the rifugio (about 1½ hrs.) with its magnificent backdrop of Mount Grona we take a well deserved rest for lunch. It is possible to continue the walk following various routes, but a visit to the top of Mount Grona (1736m) is well worth the effort, rewarding amazing views of three lakes (Como, Lugano and Piano). Those who prefer to relax can soak up the view on the ample grassy slopes and wait for the more adventurous to return.
Capanna Albigna (2336m) in Val Bregaglia is accessible from the homonymous dam which in turn can be reached either by cable car or by foot. Those wishing for a more strenuous walk can opt for the cabin lift on the return, otherwise you can relax during the ascent and walk on the return.... either way you will admire the truly breathtaking views during this thrilling ride. The dam in itself provides a very impressive spectacle and walking across this incredible man-made structure we are surrounded by a 360° panorama; the massive lake to the right, the incredible drop into the valley on the left and the magnificent granite rock faces so popular with rock climbing enthusiasts the world over. The walk from the dam to the “capanna” (hut) takes about 40 minutes and from here there are various other itineraries to choose from, being a popular starting point for trekkers and climbers alike.
Castasegna / Soglio : A very pleasant itinerary which takes us past characteristic Swiss chalets with their colourful balconies and wooden sculptures. After a gentle climb we arrive in the village of Soglio (1090m) with its ancient houses and narrow alleyways giving us a genuine atmosphere of past times. The magnificent views of the “Sciora” group in the opposite valley of Valbondasca is outstanding, while the summit of “Badile” deserves a mention as its first ascent was made by the English climber W.A.B.Coolidge in 1867. Here it is possible to lengthen the walk up to the Pass da la Duana (2694m) to enter a completely different environment with its crystalline lakes and an even more impressive view of the “Sciora”.
Fourth Day: For a holiday based completely in Chiavenna the fourth day is free, leaving you to choose how to occupy your day. As such, lunch will not be included and we can give you different suggestions as to what to do:
a) A boat trip to the beautiful town of Bellagio on lake Como, in which case we can accompany you from your hotel to Colico and return. The boat trip takes about 45 minutes. Take advantage of the many restaurants here to taste some of the local fish specialities.
b) A trip by bus to St. Moritz (about 1½hrs) Enjoy a visit to this world famous town with it’s elegant shops and hotels and why not indulge yourself trying some of the exquisite Swiss gateaux in one of the centre’s classy patisseries? If you still feel like taking a walk there are many easy paths to follow around the lake area.
c) A Visit to Milan (about 2hrs by train) The Duomo dominating Milan’s central square is well worth a visit. Taking more than 500 years in the making (1386 -1887) and adorned with over 3000 statues, it is Italy’s largest and most intricate example of Gothic architecture. If it’s a bit of shopping that you fancy, take a trip down Via Monte Napoleone, the most exclusive shopping area in Milan for all the top names in fashion and design.
Last Day: Transfer to the airport of your departure for the flight home.
**If you are celebrating a special occasion during your holiday with us (anniversary, birthday etc.) please let us know and we’ll make it really special for you!!!