THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk the Greenway of the Lake from Tremezzo to Ossuccio, cross to historic Isola Comacina, then explore the terraced gardens of Villa del Balbianello on a guided 6–7 hour tour.
Walk the Greenway of the Lake from Tremezzo to Ossuccio, cross to historic Isola Comacina, then explore the terraced gardens of Villa del Balbianello on a guided 6–7 hour tour.
You step out of the ferry in Tremezzo and the first view is the lake pressing wide and blue against a line of villas and cypress — the walk begins on an old connection road that has guided people here for centuries.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Trekkingsmile Di Nadia Lillia · Tremezzo, Lombardy
You step out of the ferry in Tremezzo and the first view is the lake pressing wide and blue against a line of villas and cypress — the walk begins on an old connection road that has guided people here for centuries.
The route follows the Greenway of the Lake from Tremezzo toward Ossuccio, a roughly 8 km stroll with about 100 m of net elevation change over gentle, well-worn paths. Along the shore the terrain shifts from pebble beaches and olive terraces to shaded lanes where Mediterranean vegetation leans toward the water. At Ossuccio you catch a public boat to Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, a compact archaeological site scarred by Lombard sieges and the 1169 burning ordered by Frederick Barbarossa — the island’s ruined stones and olive groves still hold that layered history.
After a look around Comacina’s Zoca de l’Oli and its small collections, the group returns to Ossuccio and follows a coastal path to the wooded promontory of Lenno and Villa del Balbianello. The villa’s terraced gardens and loggia frame dual panoramas of the lake; its staircases and formal plantings have drawn filmmakers and travelers for decades. The tour is led by an AIGAE-certified nature guide, includes entrance tickets, and commonly runs 6–7 hours with small groups (up to 10).
Practical guidance: wear grippy walking shoes, carry water, check the public boat timetable, and allow time for the villa visit. Expect mixed surfaces — paved village lanes, short stone steps and compact dirt trails — and bring a light layer for breezy lakeside conditions.
moderate.
6–7 hours.
Moderate fitness: able to walk 8–10 km with short uphill sections and stairs, plus standing time on the island and at the villa.
This tour includes entrance tickets for Isola Comacina and Villa del Balbianello as listed in the inclusions.
Tremezzo is served by regional ferries and local buses; many visitors arrive by car or public boat from Bellagio, Varenna or Como — follow the booking instructions for exact meeting details.
Isola Comacina and parts of the villa grounds include uneven surfaces and steps; the tour notes accessibility limitations and is not recommended for travelers with significant mobility constraints.
The operator may cancel for bad weather; check the cancellation policy and reschedule or request a refund if the tour is called off.
The island shows traces of early medieval settlement and was razed in 1169 during conflicts involving Frederick Barbarossa; the villa later became a cultural destination in the 18th century.
Villa del Balbianello is managed with conservation practices to protect historic gardens; visitors should stay on paths, avoid disturbing archaeological areas, and minimize single-use plastics.
Trekkingsmile Di Nadia Lillia operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
You step out of the ferry in Tremezzo and the first view is the lake pressing wide and blue against a line of villas and cypress — the walk begins on an old connection road that has guided people here for centuries.
You step out of the ferry in Tremezzo and the first view is the lake pressing wide and blue against a line of villas and cypress — the walk begins on an old connection road that has guided people here for centuries.
The route follows the Greenway of the Lake from Tremezzo toward Ossuccio, a roughly 8 km stroll with about 100 m of net elevation change over gentle, well-worn paths. Along the shore the terrain shifts from pebble beaches and olive terraces to shaded lanes where Mediterranean vegetation leans toward the water. At Ossuccio you catch a public boat to Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, a compact archaeological site scarred by Lombard sieges and the 1169 burning ordered by Frederick Barbarossa — the island’s ruined stones and olive groves still hold that layered history.
After a look around Comacina’s Zoca de l’Oli and its small collections, the group returns to Ossuccio and follows a coastal path to the wooded promontory of Lenno and Villa del Balbianello. The villa’s terraced gardens and loggia frame dual panoramas of the lake; its staircases and formal plantings have drawn filmmakers and travelers for decades. The tour is led by an AIGAE-certified nature guide, includes entrance tickets, and commonly runs 6–7 hours with small groups (up to 10).
Practical guidance: wear grippy walking shoes, carry water, check the public boat timetable, and allow time for the villa visit. Expect mixed surfaces — paved village lanes, short stone steps and compact dirt trails — and bring a light layer for breezy lakeside conditions.