NB: Note that in the event of adverse climatic or environmental conditions, the Guide might decide to change the programme for the day, in order to ensure the comfort and safety of the participants.

Day 1 SUNDAY: Arrival at Pian delle Betulle
The programme begins with a welcome dinner at the Baitock Hotel (baitock.it), which will be the starting point for the hikes of the next few days. The Hotel can be reached in two ways (please see insert for how to get to base camp):

• by the cable-car connecting Pian delle Betulle with Margno, which runs from 8.30 to 17.30
• by car, arriving at Alpe di Paglio (indicated on Gmaps above the town of Casargo)

In the evening, you will meet your guide in the hotel for dinner, providing the perfect opportunity to ask for further details and clear up any queries that you might have.

DAY 2 MONDAY: Alpe del Giumello to Monte Muggio – Capanna Vittoria – Premana
You leave from Pian delle Betulle, destination Alpe del Giumello (directions can be found on Gmaps, from either Margno or from Alpe di Paglio). If your car is at Margno, take the 9:00 cable-car. The distance to drive from Margno is 10 km. Otherwise, walk to Alpe di Paglio (the distance to drive from here will be 16 km). The meeting point at Alpe del Giumello will be at 9.40 at the historic Capanna Vittoria refuge (capannavittoria.it – on Gmaps), built more than one hundred years ago. Enjoy the impressive panoramas from the magnificent green pastures of Monte Muggio, which is surrounded by big mountains Legnone, Pizzo dei Tre Signori & Grigna. At your feet you will have one of the most wonderful views of Lake Como. To the West, the lakes of Porlezza and Lugano point across some lower mountain chains towards the imposing glacial peaks of the Western Alpine Arc, which dominates the horizon. Leaving Capanna Vittoria, you follow the Belvedere trail, which leaves from the small village with pretty houses that was at one time the pasture zone of Giumello, and then passes through the pretty little alpine town of Alpe Chiaro. Around 45 minutes and a few ups and downs later, the trail reaches Pra’ Boiscino, a wonderful panoramic viewpoint at an altitude of approximately 1550 m. above Lake Como. An easy path from here leads up to the summit of Monte Muggio (1799 m.), where the view opens up to a spectacle that is even more incredible and extensive. The descent leads directly to Capanna Vittoria, for lunch, where you can savour some of the dishes for which this refuge is particularly renowned, prepared using typical local ingredients. In the afternoon you go to Premana, the furthermost town in Alta Valsassina, on the slopes of Monte Legnone at an altitude of 1000 metres, and approximately 16 km from Giumello. Premana is proud of its ancient history, tracing its origins back to the prehistoric era of the Oribi (an Iron Age Celto-Ligurian tribe), and subsequently becoming a centre for the Celts and the Romans, as you will discover during the visit to the fascinating ethnographic museum. The surrounding mountains hold iron mines that were excavated in ancient times, when processes for the fusion of metal and metallurgic production were developed. These activities continue to thrive today, particularly in the field of high-quality products. After visiting the museum, and after having wandered through the tiny streets and lanes tracing out the town centre, whose medieval design remains intact, there will be an opportunity to visit one of the historical workshops. From Premana you return to Pian delle Betulle: via Alpe di Paglio (10 km), or via Margno, and the cable-car (8 km). (NB: the last run of the day is at 17.30). This wonderful day ends with an excellent dinner, based on traditional, local products, at the Baitock Hotel.

DAY 3 TUESDAY: Tavecchia Refuge and Casere di Biandino – Grassi Refuge
Anything not needed is left at the Baitock Hotel, where you will return. A broad path leads gradually to the Larice Bruciato (1708 m.), with impressive, panoramic horizons to admire all along the way. Leaving the woods, you reach the higher, grassy areas, and after the pastures of Ortighera the trail passes high above the huts at Alpe Oro, arriving at the tiny shrine positioned just above the Larice Bruciato, on the watershed with Val Marcia. You then follow the southern edge of this valley, maintaining altitude and passing through the Bocchetta d’Olino (1630 m.). The view from here is stunning, down to the Dolcigo pastures (to visit on the way back) below the path, and the town of Premana recumbent on the slopes of mighty Monte Legnone. Then upward to the Bocchette di Ombrega (1890 m.) and from there downward, passing through the Abi pastures to Val Biandino. The walk to this point takes approximately three hours. Here, at the Tavecchia Refuge (1500 m. – rifugiotavecchia.it), an excellent lunch awaits, featuring products from these valleys (however, it is advisable to not eat or drink excessively because there is a quite a climb to do in the afternoon!). The Casere di Biandino pastures are nearby, and you can observe the afternoon milking session, which usually begins at 14:00. If you stay a little longer, you can also observe the cheese-making process. The day’s destination is not far, but there is a long slope to climb before getting there, up to Camisolo Pass (2000 m.), which is very close to the Grassi Refuge at 1987 m. (rifugiograssi.it), a walk of approximately two hours. Here you will settle in for two nights, savouring the particularly well-prepared dishes on offer. The history of this refuge is interesting: it was constructed in 1921 in this panoramic alpine pasture, in an area rich in mining resources used by shepherds since ancient times. In 1944 it was demolished because it was one of the support stations for the partisans, but was rebuilt and extended two years later. It has now been sensitively modernised by the new management.

Dalla vetta del Pizzo

Rifugio Ombrega

Alpe Dolcigo

DAY 4 WEDNESDAY: Grassi Refuge, ascent of Pizzo and pastures
You set off for Pizzo dei Tre Signori (2554 m.), one of the most well known peaks in the region, marking the boundary between the provinces of Bergamo, Lecco and Sondrio. The ascent to the summit of Pizzo does not necessitate the use of any technical equipment, but some parts of the trail are rather exposed and walkers are assisted and reassured by the fixed ropes and chains that they can hold onto. A professional Mountain Guide can also be engaged for those requiring greater assistance (further information about this can be found below). In the highest part, you pass through the ‘chimney’, a steep section of rock, but with excellent hand, footholds and fixed chains, opening out onto the summit of the mountain. The sensation of joy experienced by having reached this spectacular summit with breath-taking views will therefore also be enriched by a wonderful sense of adventure. The climb usually takes around two hours. A different path is taken for the descent, through the rocks of the north face, so the route actually crosses this beautiful mountain. After reaching the Bocchetta di Piazzocco, you take the path crossing the slopes, passing above lovely Sasso Lake (to visit the next day), and reaching the Grassi refuge. For lunch, you can take a picnic from the refuge, or decide to get back in time to savour a platter of cheese or cold meats. In the afternoon, you can take a short walk (roughly 30 minutes) to one of the nearby pastures (Foppa Bona at the base of Zucco di Cam, or Caserone) where goats and cows spend the summer in the care of their herders, who also make cheese. Those who decide not to climb Pizzo can follow an easy path up two grassy mountains near the Refuge, both offering amazing views: Zucco di Valbono, 2132 m., south of the Refuge, and immediately next to that, Zucco di Cam, 2193 m.

DAY 5 THURSDAY: Lago di Sasso – S. Rita – Ombrega – Alpe Dolcigo – Betulle
From the Refuge the path goes down to Sasso Lake (1930 m.), at the base of Pizzo dei Tre Signori, and which yesterday you admired from above. Continuing from here, the trail turns back toward Val Bandino for a short section, climbs up the opposite side of the valley to the Santa Rita Refuge (1988 m.), and then follows the westward crest marking the northern edge of Val Biandino. For the first part, you can choose either to follow the crest up to the small summit behind the Refuge, or to skirt this on the north side, on the easier, normal path. The crest drops down to around 1800 metres before gradually regaining height and, in the midst of high-altitude fields and outstanding views, with Pizzo glorifying the view to the east, eventually reaching the Bocchette di Ombrega (1890 m.), which you passed through on Tuesday. Here there is a short detour northwards, along Val Marcia to the Ombrega Refuge (1580 m.), for lunch. The walk to here takes around three hours. The food prepared by this refuge is particularly well known in the local area due to the quality of the ingredients and the typical alpine dishes served by the skilled staff. Following the relaxing interlude, you retrace your steps for a little and reach the Dolcigo pasture, famous in this area for the excellent goat’s cheese produced. The young, strongly-motivated herders can explain some aspects of how they live in these mountains. You then continue on the path back from Dolcigo, reaching the trail leading to the Cappelletta del Larice Bruciato, and from there to Pian delle Betulle. On the way back, your gaze is always to the west, and from the Cappelletta onwards you are accompanied by the sweep of the Western Alps, an unforgettable image that will take root in your heart. Having returned to Betulle, you can settle back into your comfortable base camp, the Baitock Hotel, relax a little and enjoy an excellent dinner to round off this marvellous day.

DAY 6 FRIDAY: final day
After breakfast, departure. You are very welcome to stay for a few more days, but it is advisable to reserve the hotel room before your arrival.

Orrido di Bellano

In cammino verso Vezio

Castello di Vezio

LAKE COMO EXTENSION:

DAY 6 FRIDAY, excursion: from Bellano to Varenna, the Path of Leonardo da Vinci
Using your own means of transport, you leave Pian delle Betulle and head to the Bellano Railway Station car park to meet your guide at 10:00. From Margno this drive takes approximately 20-25 minutes, while the drive from Alpe di Paglio takes slightly longer (35 minutes). At Bellano you enter the Orrido, an extraordinary canyon formed by the River Pioverna, and then emerge onto the hillside through olive groves and woodlands, following the ancient mule tracks that connected the hamlets and allowed the inhabitants to transport merchandise needed either for daily living or for trading purposes. The characteristic drystone walls bordering the path can still be seen; the ancient shrines dotted along the path testify that the trail was used also by pilgrims and travellers. Leonardo da Vinci himself travelled these pathways on his journeys from Milan to Switzerland. From hamlet to hamlet, from track to track, from wood to wood, from panorama to panorama, you come to the Castle of Vezio, enchantingly positioned above Varenna, a picturesque town on the shores of the lake. From the Castle, the path descends back down to Varenna station, from where you take the train back to Bellano (trains every 30 minutes, approximately). The walk covers roughly 8 km, takes 4 hours, and has an altitude difference of 270 m. For lunch, you can buy some local products in Bellano. After the walk, you return to Pian delle Betulle for dinner and for the night.

DAY 7 SATURDAY: final day
After breakfast, departure. You are very welcome to stay for a few more days, but it is advisable to reserve the hotel room before your arrival.

COST

€ 750 – Minimum 2, maximum 12 participants

Extension Como Lake: € 140

Included:

• 5 nights accommodation
• all meals
• Environmental and Hiking Guide – professional Mountain Guide (optional)
• Travel insurance policy

Not included:

• drinks and beverages
• transportation
• professional Mountain Guide (optional)
• Lake Como extension

Supplements:

• € 50 with only 4 participants, € 100 with 3, € 200 with 2.
• Single room supplement at the Baitock Hotel: € 60 for the three nights
• Professional Alpine Guide for Pizzo, who also speaks English, € 250, to be divided between the participants who use this service.
• Lake Como extension: € 30 with only 2 participants, single room € 20.
• Early arrival or extra days at the Baitock Hotel, price per person: € 75 half board or € 90 full board.

Amitaba S.r.l. is a legally-constituted tour operator with head office in viale Ca’ Granda, 29, Milan, registered in the Companies Register of the Lecco Chamber of Commerce, No. 313373, REA number 1623197, V.A.T. No. 13152290154. It is authorised to conduct its activities with licence issued with Province of Milan decree No. 67762/00 of 30/10/2000. Pursuant to Art. 50 of the Tourism Code (Legislative Decree 79/2011, Amitaba S.r.l. has stipulated a Professional Civil Liability with UnipolSai Assicurazioni, No. 100073953, for a maximum amount of di € 2,065,000.00.