Lake Como Foothills: Private Alps Picnic & Mountain Views

Summary

Picnic in the Alps foothills above Lake Como with local flavors and quiet views

You’ll ride up into the Alps foothills above Lake Como with a local guide, walk through peaceful forests with lake views, then settle into a private picnic of local meats, cheeses, fruit and wine—all included. Expect stories about valley life and time to just breathe in mountain air before heading back down feeling lighter.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Picnic and walk in Alpine foothills

• Meet at Hotel Olivedo pier
• Drive 40 minutes to mountains
• Admire landscapes and lake views
• Park car and start forest walk
• Walk 20-30 minutes with panoramas
• Arrive at picnic area with views
• Learn about local products and farms
• Enjoy picnic with local food and wine
• Take photos and relax

Top questions

How long does the picnic experience last?

The total activity time is about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the pier at Hotel Olivedo in Varenna.

Is transportation included?

Yes, private transportation from Varenna up into the mountains is included.

What kind of food is served at the picnic?

The picnic includes selected local products: meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, snacks, water and wine from Valtellina and Valsassina valleys.

Is this suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels; there’s a short walk through the forest.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point in Varenna.

Is alcohol served? What’s the minimum drinking age?

Yes—white or red wine is included; minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Hotel Olivedo in Varenna with private transport up into the mountains, a guided forest walk with panoramic lake views, all lunch equipment provided for your exclusive picnic featuring fresh local products—meats, cheeses, fruits—and both bottled water and regional wine before returning in the afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that ridge? My grandfather used to herd goats up there,” our guide Marco said as we bumped along the winding road out of Varenna. I tried to picture it—tiny figures against all that green, the lake flashing below between chestnut trees. The drive took maybe forty minutes, but I lost track because Marco kept pointing out old stone churches and telling stories about families who still make cheese in these valleys. It smelled like damp earth and wood smoke when we finally stopped and stepped out.

The walk through the forest was shorter than I expected—maybe twenty minutes, depending how many times you pause to stare at the water below (I did, a lot). There were wildflowers everywhere and a kind of hush, except for birds and our shoes crunching on pine needles. At one point I lagged behind just to listen. It felt good to breathe here—lighter somehow.

When we reached the picnic spot, someone had already set everything up: checkered blankets, plates of bresaola and creamy cheese from Valtellina and Valsassina, fruit, bread, bottles of red wine. There was soft music playing (old Italian songs) but not loud enough to drown out anything real. Marco explained where each thing came from—he even knew which farm made the honey—and then left us alone for a while. I tried to say “casera” like he did; he laughed gently when I got it wrong. The view over Lake Como from up here is…well, it’s hard to write about without sounding dramatic. Let’s just say I still think about that blue light on the water.

I didn’t expect how much I’d enjoy just sitting there with my hands sticky from apricots, not needing to do anything else. We stayed until almost three before heading back down through the trees. My legs were tired but in a good way—I guess that’s what you want after a day like this.