Italy & Switzerland: The Lakes of Lugano & Como: A Getaway
The long, thin fingers of these two beautiful lakes stretch from Switzerland into Italy, drawing together alpine and Mediterranean scenery in delightful juxtaposition. This walking experience unfolds against the backdrop of sculpted mountain peaks and the reflections of crystal alpine lakes. During your walks in this dramatically varied landscape, you wander back through the ages along medieval footpaths to explore colorful lakeside villages and traditional hillside hamlets.
Your travels take you to two spectacular lakes: Lake Lugano, a pristine lake where traditional fishing villages contrast dramatically with the cosmopolitan city of Lugano; and Lake Como, the stunningly elegant lake and landscape, which has inspired writers, musicians, and artists, and has enchanted walkers for centuries. The walking is as diverse as the scenery. You wander through forests under arched canopies of chestnut and oak leaves, down narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafés and artisan shops, along rugged paths laid out in granite steps, through terraced hillsides, and across the soft carpets of tended villa lawns.
"From the higher perches around Lake Como we could see the ancient and magnificent villas reflected in the deep blue water. The beauty of the lake is exhilarating. I was especially impressed when we stopped at an old church in the mountains, where our guide, Alessandro, explained how the fresco was created, and told the story of St. Christopher, who was its subject. It was a window into his culture. Accommodations were excellent, food unsurpassed."
- M Kolter, VT
