From Varenna: Forest Trekking & Picnic in the Secret Garden

Set out on a captivating forest trekking experience in Varenna, Lake Como. Journey through enchanting natural landscapes, ascending 300 meters to reach the panoramic viewpoint at San Bernardino church. Discover a hidden garden oasis, complete with a historic chapel and charming courtyard. Indulge in a gourmet picnic featuring local delicacies and wines, immersed in the tranquil ambiance of this secluded garden setting. This immersive tour offers a perfect blend of scenic hiking, architectural exploration, and culinary delights, providing an unforgettable connection with the stunning natural beauty of the Lake Como region. But the real question is, are you ready to embark on an adventure like no other?

Key Points

• Immersive 4-hour forest trekking and picnic experience in Varenna, Lake Como, with a 50-60 minute hike gaining 1,000 feet in elevation.
• Panoramic views of Lake Como from the historic San Bernardino church after the challenging uphill trek.
• Discovery of a hidden, secluded garden oasis featuring a historic chapel, charming courtyard, and centuries-old trees.
• Gourmet picnic showcasing local delicacies, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, fresh-baked breads, and expertly selected wines.
• 10-minute transfer to the charming village of Perledo before the start of the forest hike.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This immersive forest trekking and picnic experience in Varenna, Lake Como, takes guests on a 4-hour journey through the area’s enchanting natural landscapes.

The tour begins with a 10-minute transfer to the charming village of Perledo, followed by a 50-60 minute hike through the ‘forest of witches,’ gaining 300 meters/1000 feet in elevation.

Hikers will be rewarded with panoramic views from the San Bernardino church before descending into a hidden garden for a welcome aperitif.

The highlight of the day is a gourmet picnic featuring local delicacies and wines, enjoyed in the exclusive setting of this secret garden.

With a maximum of 10 participants, this small-group experience offers an intimate and personalized way to explore the natural beauty of Lake Como.

Itinerary Highlights

From Varenna: Forest Trekking & Picnic in the Secret Garden

Itinerary Highlights:

Guests begin the tour with a 10-minute transfer to the charming village of Perledo, setting the stage for the day’s adventures.

They’ll embark on a 50-60 minute forest hike, gaining 300 meters (1,000 feet) in elevation to reach the panoramic viewpoint at the San Bernardino church. This hidden gem offers breathtaking vistas of Lake Como.

Next, guests will discover a historic garden, complete with a chapel and courtyard, where they’ll be welcomed with a refreshing aperitif.

The highlight of the day is the gourmet picnic, featuring local delicacies and wines, all set within this exclusive, photogenic venue away from the crowds.

Forest Hiking Experience

Trekkers embark on a 50-60 minute hike through the enchanting ‘forest of witches’, gaining 300 meters (1,000 feet) in elevation to reach the panoramic viewpoint at the San Bernardino church. The trail winds through dense foliage, with the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves as companions. Along the way, hikers encounter stunning vistas of the sparkling Lake Como below.

Trail Terrain	Difficulty	Elevation Gain
Forested	Moderate	300 m (1,000 ft)
Winding	Scenic	Panoramic views
Lush greenery	Peaceful	San Bernardino church

The challenging yet rewarding trek provides an immersive nature experience, culminating in breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscape.

Panoramic Viewpoint Exploration

After the challenging forest hike, trekkers are rewarded with a panoramic viewpoint at the historic San Bernardino church.

From this elevated perch, they can take in sweeping vistas of the glistening Lake Como and the surrounding mountainous landscape. The panoramic views offer a well-deserved respite from the uphill trek, allowing visitors to bask in the beauty of the region.

With camera in hand, they can capture the breathtaking scenery and share it with loved ones back home. This scenic overlook provides the perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the splendor of the natural surroundings before continuing on to the next enchanting destination – the hidden garden.

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Hidden Garden Discovery

Upon reaching the summit, visitors are immediately captivated by the hidden garden tucked away in the secluded valley.

This enchanting oasis, accessible only to the tour group, presents a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Entering the garden, guests are greeted by a historic chapel and a charming courtyard surrounded by lush vegetation.

The guide provides insights into the garden’s fascinating history and points out its unique features, such as the centuries-old trees and the serene fountain.

Guests are then invited to indulge in a gourmet picnic featuring local delicacies and wines, allowing them to fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this hidden gem.

Gourmet Picnic Delight

With the stunning garden backdrop, guests settle in for a gourmet picnic featuring an array of local delicacies and fine wines.

The picnic menu showcases the best of the region, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to fresh-baked breads and seasonal produce.

Guests savor each bite, pairing the flavors with expertly selected wines that complement the cuisine.

Throughout the meal, the group engages in lively conversation, sharing stories and enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the hidden garden.

This intimate dining experience allows visitors to truly enjoy the local culinary traditions and culture, creating lasting memories of their time in the enchanting Lake Como region.

Additional Activities and Amenities

The tour also offers participants the chance to explore the ‘forest of witches’ through a guided forest trekking experience, providing panoramic views of the picturesque Lake Como from the hiking trails.

In addition, guests are granted exclusive access to a historic, hidden garden, complete with a charming chapel and serene courtyard. Here, they can indulge in a gourmet picnic featuring local delicacies and artisanal wines.

The small group size ensures a personalized experience, with a live tour guide available in English, Russian, and Italian. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, making this tour a flexible and enticing option for visitors to Varenna.

How to Book and Cancellation Policy

Guests can book the ‘Forest Trekking & Picnic in the Secret Garden’ tour through the tour operator’s website, selecting their preferred date and time.

Travelers have the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure, without incurring any penalties.

The small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, is led by a live guide who provides commentary in English, Russian, and Italian.

With free cancellation available, guests can reserve their spot with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed.

The tour’s accessibility and hassle-free booking process make it an attractive option for those seeking an immersive Lake Como experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is 10 participants. The small group size ensures a more personalized experience for guests on the forest trekking and picnic in the secret garden excursion.

Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Any Other Languages Besides English?

The tour guide is fluent in English, Russian, and Italian, allowing them to accommodate guests from various language backgrounds on the small group tour, which has a maximum of 10 participants.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, a private tour option is available. Guests can upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience with the tour guide. Private tours offer greater flexibility and undivided attention.

Can the Picnic Menu Be Customized for Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the picnic menu can be customized to accommodate dietary requirements. The tour operator is happy to cater to vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs with advance notice. Just let them know when booking the tour.

Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Tours?

Yes, there may be discounts available for booking multiple tours. Travelers should inquire about any group or multi-tour discounts when making their reservation. Discounts can provide a cost-effective way to experience more local activities.

Recap

This captivating forest trekking and picnic experience in Varenna, Lake Como, offers a perfect blend of scenic hiking, architectural exploration, and culinary delights.

Enjoy the region’s natural beauty as you ascend to a panoramic viewpoint and discover a hidden garden oasis.

Indulge in a gourmet picnic featuring local specialties, creating an unforgettable connection with the stunning landscape of Lake Como.

You can check availability for your dates here: