THE ITALIAN/SWISS EXPERIENCE
At a glance...
Countries: Switzerland, Italy
Group size: Minimum 4
Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights
Activity: Walking and sightseeing
Travel style: Guided
Difficulty grade: Moderate
Comfort: 3*-4* hotels
Since the Roman period, the
Watch this video about beautiful Lake Como!
The Italian/Swiss Experience
- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of four (4) or more.
June 8-15, 2024
- October 5-12, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to trek start date.
The Italian/Swiss Experience trip details
The wilderness of the Prealps, a group of subalpine mountain ranges located immediately west of the French Alps The elegant Como Lake villages of Bellagio and Varenna A stunning trip to the Swiss glaciers on the Bernina Express Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Route The staggering beauty of the Bernina Alpine Range, one of the highest of the Alps, and the many glaciers that cover it Milan and its amazing cathedral, the “Duomo,” one of the best go thic examples in the world The quality of local alpine cuisine and wines
- Hobnail Trekking Co. long-sleeve trekking shirt and ball cap
- Custom Hobnail mobile app
- Lots of freebies
- Opportunities to get to know your fellow trekkers include an invitation to a private Facebook group for your trek, group training hikes if trekkers live in proximity to each other, and other local social gatherings
- 7 nights double occupancy in 3-4* hotels
- 5 dinners with typical food of the region
- All breakfasts and lunches
- Water at dinner and lunch
- All transfers with private transportation as detailed in the itinerary
- All ferries on Como Lake
- Bernina Express journey
- Public bus on day 6
- Horse coach ride on day 6
- Entrance to Villa Melzi Botanical Gardens, Gorge of Bellano, Segantini Museum, and botanical garden in Chiavenna
- Wine and cheese tasting in Bellagio
- Lake view room in Bellagio
- Expert local, English-speaking guide(s)
- St. Moritz porterage baggage charges
- The company of new friends and the experience of a lifetime
- Travel insurance (See the Travel Insurance section on this page for details)
- International flights
- Entrance Visa
- Alcoholic beverages
- 2 dinners
- Excess baggage charges
- Tips for leaders, guides, and others (we’ll give you guidance on this)
- Spending money, including for souvenirs
- Personal trekking equipment (hiking boots, clothing, etc.)
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, etc.)
- Anything not included in “Included”
- All expenses associated with nonscheduled departure
We rate this trek as “intermediate” in difficulty, or three boots. This means that you should expect 3-7 hours of hiking
OK, here’s where we get serious. Hobnail requires that all trekkers purchase travel/medical insurance that covers them properly for all trekking activities.
There are a lot more details you need to know about travel insurance than we want to put in this limited space — including stuff about trip cancellations and what company we recommend — so when you’re ready, pop over to our Travel Insurance page.
We consider our treks to be adventures, not vacations. We’re not Hobnail Vacation Company, after all! Don’t get us wrong; we like vacations as much as the next person, but with our treks, you need to be physically and mentally ready. Here’s what we ask of you:
- You thoroughly read all the information we send you prior to departure.
- You get yourself an accountability partner and train properly. This doesn’t mean doing a few squats two weeks before departure.
- You familiarize yourself with your gear prior to leaving. Practice adjusting your backpack, filtering water if necessary, etc.
- If you purchase new boots, they are broken in well in advance of departure.
- When on trek, you FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE. His or her only concern is helping you achieve your goal safely and in good health, but this won’t happen unless you follow their advice. This includes – but is not limited to – food recommendations, speed of pace, when to sleep and when not to, when to walk and when to rest, when to turn around due to illness, etc.
- When on trek, you treat your guide and the locals you encounter with the utmost respect. We are guests in their country and very grateful to be there.
All of these things may seem like common sense — and they are — but we feel that we must mention them. Hobnail’s goal is to provide you with the best experience possible, and you have an important role in achieving that goal.
What happens if my trek is not confirmed?
If the minimum number for the trek you booked is not reached before the 60-day booking deadline, you will be eligible for either a refund or to transfer your deposit to another trek. See details HERE.
Our Mobile App
When you book, we send you the login credentials to your own, customized app. By departure, your app will contain your flight info, passport, travel insurance docs, and COVID info, as well as your full itinerary, points of interest, and other amazing stuff. Get more details at our app page.
Trip ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive in Milan, transfer to Bellagio, Villa Melzi Botanical Garden, and welcome dinner
Today you arrive at Malpensa Airport in Milan, Italy, where we trust you’ll be greeted by a gorgeous day. If your flight arrives by noon, you can catch the group transfer (included) that will drive you to Bellagio, about an hour and 15 minutes away. No worries if you arrive later than noon; we’ll give you all the information you need to get there on your own. Once in Bellagio, you’ll want to take an orienteering stroll to discover the village itself, as well as the small fisherman villages nearby.
Bellagio is one of the most charming settlements in the Como Lake region. Located in the middle of the ancient glacier lake, it offers amazing views of both branches of the Lago di Como coming up from the south and a great view north across the lake and all the way to the Alps. The Mediterranean climate promotes the growth of bougainvillea, olive trees, wisteria, and lemon trees surrounded by the high pre-alpine mountains. The long lake, the gardens, and the villas create a romantic and elegant atmosphere that inspired poets and painters of the romanticism period who traveled here from all over the world. Bellagio is also the birthplace of ancient Roman poets Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, as well as the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta. Be sure to shop for a silk scarf or tie here, as the village is famous for its silk-weaving industries.
You’ll relish your visit to the Villa Melzi Botanical Garden (included), considered one of the most beautiful in all of Italy. This neoclassical complex, located right on the shore of Lake Como, was built in the early 1800s and decorated and furnished by the most famous artists of that time. It’s a breathtaking property built in a breathtaking setting – sweet perfection.
After a welcome dinner (included) in a typical Bellagio restaurant where you’ll discover the ancient recipes of the lake, you’ll sleep well in your 4-star hotel. It will be your home base for the next three nights.
Additional transfers: Malpensa Airport to Bellagio via private transfer (if arriving after noon): $40-$250, depending on the number of trekkers sharing the transfer
Overnight: Lake-view room at hotel in Bellagio
Meals included: Dinner
Activity: 1.5 hours walking
Day 2: Varenna, Vezio, the Wayfarer’s Path, and Orrido di Bellano
The ferries on Como Lake are part of an ancient tradition. All the ferries are named after characters from “The Betrothed”, an Italian historical novel by Alessandro Manzoni. The story – which is the most famous and widely read novel in the Italian language – takes place on this lake.
After a 20-minute ride on one of these traditional ferries, you’ll reach Varenna, one of the most romantic villages in Italy with its brightly painted houses and gothic castle perched almost precariously above the village.
Once in Varenna, you’ll walk through the terraced olive fields until you reach the medieval Vezio castle. The origin of this castle is unclear, but we do know that it dates back more than 1,000 years and that its primary purpose was one of military defense. Its setting high on the hill, overlooking the center of the large Como Lake, made it the perfect spot as it oversaw the communication routes for men and goods. Residents of Varenna would seek shelter within its walls during attacks and invasions. During your visit to this significant structure, you’ll see the old military outpost, visit the gardens, dungeons, and walls, wander among works of art, climb the tower that holds a permanent exhibit about “Larrie” (the monster of Como Lake), and admire an amazing 360-degree view of the lake. If you’re lucky enough to be there at the right time, you will enjoy the falconry demonstrations held daily at the castle.
The monster of Como Lake, nicknamed “Larrie”, is a Lariosaurus. A fossil of this creature was found in the lake in 1830, and since then there have been several reports of sightings of Larrie. He’s considered a half-brother to Nessie, Scotland’s Loch Ness monster, but is much smaller. Keep an eye out for him while you’re on the lake and have your camera ready, just in case.
From here, you’ll trace the steps of the Sentiero del Viandante (“Wayfarer’s Path”), an old mule track from the Roman period that once linked Switzerland to Milan with a land-only route. The scenery along the trail is magnificent and was said to inspire some of the greatest works of Leonardo di Vinci, who frequently walked this trail.
Today’s legendary hike ends in Bellano, a stone village that is home to the Santoi Nazaro e Celso Church, an incredible example of Romantic architecture that was completed in the late 1790s. This famous church holds artwork from the 15th century so be sure not to rush through here.
Next, you’ll visit the Orrido di Bellano, arguably the best tourist attraction in town and one of the most important of Lake Como. This natural gorge was created 15 million years ago by the erosion of the Pioverna stream and the Adda Glacier. Thanks to a system of walkways, you’ll be able to view the gorge from every angle.
After visiting the gorge, you’ll take the ferry back to Bellagio to relax or take a swim in the lake. Later, you’ll take a private transfer (about 20 minutes) to a restaurant in the forest to taste the typical food of the mountain. After dinner, transfer back to Bellagio for a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Lake-view room at hotel in Bellagio
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Activity: 4.5 hours hiking
Max altitude: 1,600 ft.
Day 3: Madonna del Ghisallo, Grigne Mtn. viewpoint, Santi Primo Mtn. summit, wine and cheese tasting
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you on a 20-minute drive to the bottom of the highest peak of the central lake, Santi Primo Mountain. Here you’ll visit the Madonna del Ghisallo, a Chiesa (church) dedicated to cyclists around the world. While the outside looks more like a small house than a Catholic church, and the inside looks a bit more like a cyclist museum than a church, you’ll feel the presence of the spirit here – whether you’re a cyclist or not.
Once you’re done visiting the church (named for the patron saint of cyclists in 1949) you’ll head out on a path that leads through a centenary beech forest. Imagine the colors of this forest in the fall as you continue hiking until you come to a cattle field and alpine farm, where they produce milk, butter, and meat.
You’ll stop for a panoramic view on the rugged limestone cliffs of the Grigne Mountains – known as the “Dolomites of the Lake” – before finally conquering the peak (no worries, you don’t need any special equipment for this summit). From the top, you’ll have a great vantage point of the entire Como Lake and its inverted y-shape. You’ll admire the two branches of the lake as well as see north toward the Alps. While you take in the most wonderful view, you’ll learn about the glacial origin of the lake, 20,000 years ago.
A 20-minute private transfer gets you back to Bellagio, where you’ll visit a local winery for a wine and cheese tasting from the Valtellina region. If you’re still hungry, grab dinner (on your own) in one of the great cafes nearby (we can provide recommendations if you’re not the adventurous type).
Overnight: Lake-view room at hotel in Bellagio
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Activity: 6 hours hiking
Max altitude: 5,570 ft.
Day 4: The Bernina Express and Lej de Staz
Over breakfast this morning, reminisce about the delicious wine and cheese from the Valtellina region that you tasted last night – because today you’ll be there in person! Finish quickly so your day can begin.
You’ll hop in private transport and ride northeast toward the Swiss Alps. After about 90 minutes, you’ll arrive at the town of Tirano, located in the heart of the Valtellina valley at 900 ft. Tirano, located right at the border between Italy and Switzerland, is a small town of just over 9,000 residents. It’s known for – among other things – hosting the Bernina Express. (Spoiler alert: you’ll be riding this train.)
The Bernina Express, or “The Little Red Train”, is part of the Bernina Railway that was founded in 1910. The highest rail in Europe, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. The Railway connects the town of Tirano, Italy to the town of St. Moritz, Switzerland, surrounded by glacier lakes and lush pine wood.
You’ll hop on this legendary train for a four-hour, 76-mile journey over 196 bridges, through 55 tunnels, and across the Bernina Pass at 7,392 feet. You’ll enjoy amazing panoramic train cars with huge windows so you won’t miss a thing. This adventure begins at the enormous Poschiavo Lake, set among the pine and larch, and ends at the face of the Piz Palu Glacier.
Will you be bored on this long train ride? Absolutely not! You’ll be blown away with views while you’re crossing Harry Potter-type viaducts over bold gorges. In the spring, you’ll witness beautiful blue lakes and melting glaciers as well as green fields and farming villages in all their colorful beauty, in the winter, you’ll see more than your fair share of frozen lakes, snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and even skiers enjoying their favorite sport.
One of the coolest things you’ll experience is the famous Brusio Spiral viaduct that will remind you of a cloverleaf on a highway – but way prettier, way more interesting, and at least twice as long. For the best views, be sure to sit on the left side of the train as you head north.
Once arriving in St. Moritz, you’ll take a gentle hike to the fabulous Lej da Staz, an almost mythical lake that you’ll find will be a peaceful end to a beautiful day.
Overnight: 3* hotel in St. Moritz
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity: 2 hours hiking (5 miles)
Max altitude: 6,300 ft.
Day 5: Alp Suvretta and the Lakes of Engadine
Your day begins after breakfast with a visit to a museum dedicated to Giovanni Segantini. Segantini, one of the most famous artists from the late 19th century and known as the Van Gogh of the Alps, is also one of the best-known artists in Europe.
Leaving the museum, you’ll follow the trail up to Alp Suvretta in the Bernina Mountain range. If you look between the peaks, you’ll spy some of the most important silhouettes in the history of mountaineering – the Piz Bernina and the Piz Scercen.
The Piz Bernina is not only the highest in the Bernina range, but it’s also the highest in the eastern Alps. A really cool fact about this mountain is that it’s surrounded entirely by glaciers. The Piz Scerscen, part of the Biancograt ridge, was once thought to be part of another mountain and not a separate one. It’s one of the highest peaks in the Bernina range and sits on the border of Switzerland and Italy. Fun fact: if a mountain starts with “Piz”, you know it’s in southeastern Switzerland. (Feel free to flaunt this knowledge at parties.)
In the valley below, you’ll see the four lakes of the Engadine region. This Engadine region is the long high alpine valley region in southeasternmost Switzerland. You will love the colors of these lakes and the ice that’s melting into them. St. Moritz sits within this region.
Returning to St. Moritz this afternoon, consider stopping in at Hanselmann, a world-renowned bakery and tea house that first opened its doors in 1894. Dinner tonight will be on your own but your guide can suggest restaurants that will provide you with a hearty meal of traditional Swiss mountain specialties such as spätzle, cheese fondue, or Rösti und Spiegel mit Käse gratiniert (a Swiss potato dish with sunny-side-up eggs and cheese). And of course, the Italian influences abound and the pizza or gnocchi will not disappoint. Bon appétit!
Overnight: 3* hotel in St. Moritz
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Activity: 5.5 hours hiking (5-8 miles)
Day 6: Bernina glacier group, hot chocolate, and homemade cake
Today you’ll meet the Bernina Glacier! After a 20-minute transfer by public bus, you reach the edge of the Val Roseg, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps. A lovely horse coach ride will enable you to discover the valley populated by the golden eagle and the alpine mountain goat. Be sure to bring your camera.
You’ll see the first three glaciers of the Bernina Group: the Caputschin, the Piz Roseg, and the Piz Glousciant. The name “Piz” means “peak” in the Romansh language, which is still spoken in the Engadine valley.
You will travel up a steep path to reach the mountain hut “Chavanna Tschierva”, from where you can admire the Bernina Piz and the Biancograt, the legendary ice ridge that must be traversed to reach the top of Bernina. Here you’ll find yourself in a sea of glaciers surrounded by 13,000 ft mountains. Pretty amazing, huh?
Walking along the floor of the valley, you’ll stop at the Hotel Roseg for the compulsory hot chocolate and homemade cake. What a great way to end this scenic hike.
Once you’ve finished your refreshment in the elegant village of Pontresina, you’ll take the public bus back to the hotel (20 minutes) for dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
Overnight: 3* hotel in St. Moritz
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity: 5.5 hours hiking
Max elevation: 8,500 ft
Day 7: From the Alps to Milan
Farewell, Engadine! After breakfast, you’ll hop on private transportation for an hour and 20 minute drive through the Val Bregaglia, an alpine valley that sits on both Switzerland and Italy. Your ride will include incredible scenery featuring the Maloja Pass (an important commercial pass established during the Roman period), ancient stone villages, green pastures, and gorgeous hillsides.
You’ll stop along the way at the Cascate dell’Acqua Fraggia, a breathtaking 328 ft waterfall that impressed Leonardo da Vinci so much that he wrote about it in his “Codex Atlanticus.” Continuing on, you’ll enter the quaint, authentic yet unpretentious, mountain hideaway village of Chiavenna.
A fundamental crossroad of trade and culture, the Romans named it “Clavenna”, meaning “key.” Your visit includes walking the narrow cobblestone streets and the old historical square. You will also see the magnificent Collegiata di San Lorenzo, built in the fifth century. While in this cathedral, be sure to notice the baptismal font, which dates back to 1156 and is carved from a single block of soapstone. You’ll enjoy the privilege of viewing the Pace di Chiavenna, the cover of an 11th-century book of gospels that is enveloped in 23 sheets of gold and embellished with gems, pearls, and precious stones.
The church itself still has walls from the ancient Roman period. The interior was painted in 1759 and the side chapels were built in the 17th century. The iconic bell tower was built in the early to mid-16th century. The church is situated in a picturesque spot in front of a gorgeous mountain backdrop – the perfect location for pictures.
For lunch, you’ll experience the traditional eatery of Chiavenna – the “crotto”, a cave (grotto) that has been converted into a restaurant. Here you’ll taste delicious local meals, including the cheeses that are featured in each course.
After lunch, you’ll continue the transfer to Milan, which will take an hour and 40 minutes. If you have time, you’ll want to visit the Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where da Vinci’s Last Supper is housed. (Tickets for entry need to be reserved in advance (around $20) so let us know if you’re interested in this so we can secure tickets for you.)
Dinner will be at a restaurant in the canals, a system of waterways designed for Milan by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Cheers to adventures and new friends!
Overnight: 4* hotel in Milan
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Activity: 4.5 hours hiking
Day 8: Departure
GENERAL INFORMATION
More about Lake como
Lake Como, in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is an upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery set against the foothills of the Alps. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three slender branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate.
More about Madonna del ghisallo
According to the legend, the Medieval count Ghisallo was traveling by the hamlet of Magréglio when he was attacked by bandits. He saw an image of Virgin Mary at a shrine, ran to it and was saved from the robbers. The apparition became known as La Madonna del Ghisallo, and she became a patroness of local travelers.
In later times, the hill Madonna del Ghisallo was made part of the Giro di Lombardia bicycle race and has often featured in the Giro d’Italia as well. The church sits atop a steep hill that climbs up from the shores of Lake Como. It became a natural stopping point for cyclists, and has since been declared the patroness of cyclists. The church even contains a small cycling museum!
More about the Bernina Express
The Bernina Express takes the form of an enhanced regional service between Tirano and Chur or Davos: panoramic coaches with enlarged windows and a multi-lingual (English, Italian, and German) audio guide on board. It is not an “express” in the sense of being a high-speed train; passengers must make a seat reservation either directly when they purchase Bernina Express tickets or pay a small supplement on top of their regional train tickets. The Bernina Express is popular with tourists and we can definitely see why.
The Italian/Swiss Experience
- Dates are subject to slight changes. These dates will proceed with groups of four (4) or more.
June 8-15, 2024
- October 5-12, 2024
Must book at least 60 days prior to trek start date.
