Lecco

Day Trips

Start your journey with a leisurely stroll along Lecco’s shimmering lakeshore, feeling the cool breeze of the pre-Alpine air. Admire the reflection of the Grigne peaks dancing on the water as you sip a cappuccino at a local café. The pastel hues of Ligari’s monuments welcome you to the vibrant heart of the city.

Check into your charming hotel or B&B in the historic centre before venturing to the Basilica of San Nicolò, whose bell tower offers a panoramic vista. Wander through the interactive exhibits at Palazzo delle Paure to uncover local lore and art. Pause in a hidden courtyard café for a refreshing vino bianco as you watch daily life unfold.

Treat yourself to dinner at a lakeside trattoria, savoring creamy polenta accompagnata di funghi while watching the sun dip behind the mountains. Engage in lively conversation with hospitable locals who share tales of Lecco’s past. As twilight falls, admire the illuminated promenade reflecting on the gentle waves.

Begin your second day wandering the narrow cobbled alleys of Pescarenico, the enchanting fishermen’s quarter that inspired Alessandro Manzoni. Admire the pastel-hued houses clustering by the water’s edge and the rustic charm of wooden balconies adorned with flowers. Capture the serene scene in photos as the morning light bathes the rooftops in gold.

Venture to the Church of La Madonnina, observing intricate frescoes and Baroque details that speak of centuries-old devotion. Pop into artisan shops showcasing handcrafted lace, leather goods, and local ceramics. Sit at a canal-side café to sample a slice of polenta taragna while absorbing the tranquil ambiance.

Head back to the city centre for a hearty risotto alla monzese at a family-run osteria, savoring the deep flavors of red cabbage and sausage. Enjoy live folk music drifting through open windows as the streets come alive. Cap the night with a gelato stroll along Corso Promessi Sposi under twinkling street lamps.

Catch an early ferry from Lecco to Varenna, marveling at the dramatic peaks rising from the water. Once docked, ascend to Castello di Vezio to explore ancient ruins and panoramic terraces. Let the lush gardens and art installations inspire your senses as you wander among olive trees.

Descend to Villa Monastero’s botanical gardens, tracing the stone pathways lined with exotic plants and ornate sculptures. Sip on an aperitif at the lakeside café while admiring peacocks strut amid blooming camellias. Learn about the villa’s storied past to deepen your appreciation of the Italian Riviera’s heritage.

Hop on a late afternoon ferry to Bellagio, disembarking in one of Lake Como’s most elegant towns. Browse artisan boutiques for silk scarves and handcrafted jewellery. Dine al fresco at a waterfront trattoria, indulging in freshly caught freshwater fish paired with a crisp Rosé.

Rise at dawn to take the cable car up to Piani d’Erna, feeling anticipation build with each metre ascended. Disembark at the high-altitude plateau and follow trails that wind through alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers. Pause at scenic overlooks to drink in sweeping vistas of Lecco and the glinting lake below.

Continue your hike along rocky ridges toward the summit of Monte Resegone, renowned for its serrated skyline. Enjoy a packed lunch of local bread, cheeses, and salami amidst the fresh mountain air. Descend via a different route through larch forests, savoring the earthy aroma of pine and moss.

Return to Lecco feeling exhilarated, then unwind in a cosy wine bar tucked away in a quiet piazza. Sample aged Valtellina reds served alongside tangy Taleggio cheese as twilight settles in. Reflect on the day’s ascent while watching the peaks fade into silhouettes against the evening sky.

Drive into Valsassina valley, where lush pastures stretch against a backdrop of limestone cliffs. Arrive at a family-run dairy farm to witness the craft of cheese-making passed down through generations. Participate in the milking ritual and feel a direct connection to the land’s bounty.

Sample creamy Taleggio wheels and delicate Formaggella at the farm’s rustic tasting room. Wander to nearby villages like Pian dei Resinelli, admiring stone farmhouses and flower-filled window boxes. Chat with locals about harvest traditions as you sip on a strong espresso.

Return to Lecco and indulge in farm-to-table specialties at an agriturismo perched on the hillside. Delight in seasonal risotto made with local saffron and porcini mushrooms. Complete the meal with a spoonful of mascarpone and honey while stars begin to dot the sky.

Board a traditional wooden boat at dawn for a serene cruise toward the secret coves of Lake Como. Listen to the lapping waves against the hull as you glide under mountain shadows. Feel the warmth of the rising sun on your face while sipping freshly pressed orange juice.

Anchor near Comacina Island and dive into the crystalline waters for a refreshing swim. Explore the island’s archaeological remnants, from Roman villas to medieval chapels set among olive groves. Snap photos of the rugged shoreline as gentle breezes rustle through the trees.

As the sun dips low, enjoy an aperitivo on deck with expertly crafted cocktails and local olives. Watch the mountain silhouettes turn purple against the glowing sky beyond the water. Let live folk guitar melodies accompany your dreamy journey back to Lecco.

Set out early on the Sentiero del Viandante, following an ancient footpath carved into steep cliffs above the lake. Breathe deeply as the scent of pine and heather mingles in the crisp morning air. Pause at shaded refuges to admire sweeping panoramas of turquoise waters and towering peaks.

Descend toward a charming agriturismo standing on terraced vineyards, where you can enjoy a hearty polenta dish topped with wild mushroom sauce. Learn about local viticulture as you sip a glass of crisp Chardonnay or sparkling Metodo Classico. Let the tranquil countryside pace reset your spirit.

Return to Lecco to explore the bustling Piazza XX Settembre under lantern light. Choose a cosy wine cellar for a tasting flight featuring Valtellina Superiore and rare artisanal liqueurs. Stroll home along the lakeside promenade, the calm water mirroring the moonlight.

Pay a visit to a master glassblower’s lakeside studio, where molten glass transforms into delicate art. With expert guidance, shape your own miniature vase and engrave it with a personal motif. Feel the pulse of creative energy in every flicker of the furnace flame.

Head to a centuries-old trattoria for a hands-on pasta workshop, kneading dough and mastering the art of tagliatelle ribbons. Roll out the silky strands with a wooden pin and learn to pair them with a rustic ragù or creamy walnut sauce. Savor the fruits of your labour alongside freshly picked salad greens.

Browse handcrafted leather goods, ceramics, and local paintings at an artisan market in Piazza Cermenati. Chat with the creators about inspiration drawn from Lake Como’s landscapes and folklore. End the evening with a scoop of artisanal gelato in inventive flavours like basil-lemon or honey-lavender.

Step into a century-old bakery to sample pillowy sfogliatelle and warm, buttery focaccia straight from the wood-fired oven. Watch the dough swirl transform beneath the baker’s skilled hands. Complement your treat with a velvety macchiato.

Explore the bustling municipal market, navigating aisles of seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, and vibrant flowers. Join a local food guide for a tasting tour of street snacks like panzerotti and pizzette. Learn about the cycles of local agriculture and time-honoured preservation techniques.

Dine at a contemporary bistro where traditional Lombard recipes receive a creative twist. Indulge in a multi-course tasting menu that might feature pumpkin tortelli, lake fish carpaccio, and saffron-infused panna cotta. Raise a glass of Franciacorta as you toast to your culinary journey.

Rise early to browse the weekly market in Piazza Garibaldi, selecting fragrant truffle oil, golden chestnuts, and handcrafted souvenirs. Engage with vendors who share stories of generations spent perfecting their craft. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere as locals haggle good-naturedly over produce.

Head back to the lakeside promenade with your finds in tow, photographing the Grigne and Resegone peaks framing the water’s expanse. Sit on a bench by the water’s edge, enjoying gelato from your favourite stand as you replay the highlights of your trip. Feel a gentle breeze that seems to whisper ‘arrivederci’.

Celebrate a final lakeside dinner at a panoramic restaurant overlooking twinkling lights across the water. Savor regional specialities one last time, from saffron risotto to chestnut tart. As you clink glasses, reflect on ten days of unforgettable adventures in Lecco.