Varenna is a charming fishing village situated just one hour north of Milan by train. If you arrive early, explore the beautiful gardens of Villas Ciprese and Monastero, just a few steps from our hotel.

Dinner this evening is on the terrace, overlooking the lovely garden with an unobstructed view of Lake Como. Delicate lake fish (such as Lavarello), fresh pastas and lemon sorbet in a vodka sauce are expertly prepared by our chef.

This morning, we depart for an exploration of the central area of Lake Como, its quiet towns and beautiful villas. From Tremezzo, we are off to the sanctuary of St. Martino, which rests on a rock ledge high above Menaggio and provides a wonderful view of the entire central lake region.

Just across the lake, in Lopia, a culinary treat awaits us all at the Ristorante da Silvio. Being the only restaurant on the lake with its own fishing license, we enjoy the specialties caught fresh that morning. A short walk through the gardens of the Villa Melzi brings us to Bellagio, the “Pearl of the Lake” that so inspired Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain.

On day three, our tour departs in a distinctly different direction. We begin with a brisk walk to the villages above Varenna and a tour of its panoramic castle.

After lunch, we have arranged private transport for the brief ride to Chiavenna. The name Chiavenna originates from the Latin word “chiave” which means key. And for good reason! Situated at the confluence of the Splugen and Maloja passes, this lovely town dates back to Roman times when it was a key to commerce with Northern Europe.

Your late afternoon is free to explore Chiavenna on your own before a lovely dinner at one of the town’s most prized local restaurants.

Today we hike easily along the glacier-fed River Mera to the town of Prosto where we visit an artisan who practices the centuries-old craft of stonecutting. Roberto Luchinetti carves beautiful stone cookware out of the valley’s glacial rock.

For lunch, we enjoy one of the valley’s best-kept secrets, its “crottos.” Crottos are naturally formed caves in rock faces that stay cool all year long. Here locals preserve their wine, meats and cheeses. In the past, Sundays were the celebratory days when the doors were opened for a traditional meal. Today, any day is cause for celebration! One can partake in the home-cured meats and cheeses, gnocchi pasta, and meats and vegetables grilled on an open stone. It is truly a unique and memorable meal.

In the afternoon, we will explore the town of Crana, a mountain refuge perched above the Mera River. Crana was inhabited with a small population until the 1950s when it became a “ghost town.”

From Chiavenna, our journey to Sils Maria in the valley of the Engadine is one of the most beautiful walking itineraries in Europe. We will traverse the length of the Chiavenna/Bergel Valley to the foot of the Maloja pass, visiting the villages of Vicosoprano and Stampa. Enjoy a final pizza or pasta before we head up into the heart of Switzerland.

In Sils Maria, our new home is the spectacular Castle Hotel Waldhaus. This lovely resort hotel has been owned and operated by the same family since it opened in 1908. From its front door, we may follow in the footsteps of Friedrich Neitzsche, wandering the shoreline of Lake Sils to what was his favorite destination for contemplation.

We begin our hike with a brief cable car journey and a walk to the Marmore point. From this breathtaking outcropping of rock, you can see the entire Engadine Valley, from St. Moritz in the north to the Maloja Pass in the south. We continue into the Fex Valley, which is accessible today only on foot or by horse-drawn carriage.

A hearty lunch of local sausage, beer and “rosti” (grilled potatoes in a mushroom and onion sauce) awaits. After lunch, you may choose to walk down through the woods or take a horse-drawn carriage back to Sils Maria and our hotel.

This morning our trail takes us to the north, rising above the Lake Silvaplana with spectacular views of the Corvatch glacier directly above us. We continue on to the Surlej plateau from which we catch the cable car for the final ascent to the glacier itself.

Here at 11,000 ft., we enjoy a fine lunch with a complete view of all of the area’s major peaks and glacier groups. Warm barley soup with cognac, sliced veal with mushrooms and apple strudel with vanilla sauce are just a few of our selections.

After lunch, we return to the valley floor with its wildflowers and gentle streams. Savor the peaceful walk back to Sils Maria and the Waldhaus before our final special meal together.

After a buffet breakfast, transport to St. Moritz is provided. In St. Moritz, train connections and most major car rental agencies are available.

Whatever your travel plans, we will go over them with you and make sure that your continuing journey is as easy and effortless as possible.

Auf wiedersehen and Arrivederci!