Contrabbando Trek: A history and nature adventure along the Italian-Swiss border.
Description
If you're a trekking enthusiast and want a unique experience combining history and nature, the "Smuggling Trek" is for you!
If you are a trekking enthusiast and wish to experience a unique adventure amidst history and nature, the “Smuggling Trek” is just what you need!
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August
This exciting guided adventure will take you along the spectacular ridge line that marks the border between Italy and Switzerland, an area rich in history linked to the’era of smuggling. Through a path of 23 kilometers which develops on 2 days, you will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and ancient smuggling trails. Led by Andrea Fornaroli, an expert Medium mountain guide accredited by College of Guides of the Lombardy Region, This trek will take you through peaks and valleys, offering you an unforgettable experience in the heart of unspoiled nature.
This exciting guided adventure will take you along the spectacular ridge line that marks the border between Italy and Switzerland, an area rich in history linked to the era of smuggling. Through a 23-kilometer route that spans 2 days, you will have the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes and ancient smuggling trails. Led by Andrea Fornaroli, an expert Medium Mountain Guide accredited by the Lombardy Region Guide College, this trek will lead you through peaks and valleys, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of untouched nature.
Experience and Itinerary:
Experience and Itinerary:
The "“Smuggling Trek” begins at the municipality of Cavargna, reachable after a short bus ride from Porlezza. The group will meet at 9:30 am at the public car park of the Porto Letizia Residence, From here, you'll reach the bus stop in Piazza Matteotti, near the tourist office. After about 45 minutes of bus travel, you'll arrive in Cavargna, located at 1,000 meters above sea level, where your adventure will begin.
The “Smuggling Trek” starts in the municipality of Cavargna, reachable after a short bus journey from Porlezza. The group will meet at 9:30 am at the public parking of Residence Porto Letizia, from where they will reach the bus stop in Piazza Matteotti, near the tourist office. After approximately 45 minutes by bus, you will arrive in Cavargna, situated at an altitude of 1000 meters, where your adventure will begin.
The first day, a walk of about 4 hours awaits you which will take you to the summit of the Mount Garzirola, at an altitude of 2115 meters. Here you will reach the suggestive Garzirola Alpine Refuge, where you will spend the night enjoying a delicious dinner and staying in half board. The refuge offers welcoming accommodations and a dinner that will allow you to relax and recharge.
On the first day, you can look forward to a hike of about 4 hours that will take you to the summit of Mount Garzirola, at an altitude of 2115 meters. Here, you will reach the charming Alpine Hut Garzirola, where you will spend the night enjoying a delightful dinner and staying on a half-board basis. The hut provides comfortable accommodation and a dinner that will allow you to relax and recharge your energy.
La next morning, After a tasty breakfast at the refuge, the second part of the trek will begin. You will descend in altitude until you reach the San Lucio Pass at 1540 meters, from which you will continue west along panoramic paths that will lead you to the Cima Fiorina (1810 m), Pairolo Pass (1400 m), Old Woman's Teeth (1400 m), Pian di Scagn (1174 m) and Alpe Bolgia (1121 m). The route will offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and immerse you in the history of this area, rich in anecdotes about smuggling.
The next morning, after a tasty breakfast at the hut, the second part of the trek will begin. You will descend in altitude until you reach Passo San Lucio at 1540 meters, from where you will continue westwards along scenic trails that will lead you to Cima Fiorina (1810 m), Passo Pairolo (1400 m), Denti della Vecchia (1400 m), Pian di Scagn (1174 m), and Alpe Bolgia (1121 m). The route will treat you to breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and immerse you in the history of this area, rich in anecdotes about smuggling.
Your exciting adventure will end in the charming hamlet of Dasio, at 615 meters above sea level, located in the picturesque Valsolda. From here, a minibus will take you back to Porlezza, concluding this unforgettable journey into the heart of the mountains.
Your thrilling adventure will end in the charming hamlet of Dasio, at an altitude of 615 meters, located in the picturesque Valsolda. From here, a minibus will take you back to Porlezza, concluding this unforgettable journey in the heart of the mountains.
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Practical information and reservations:
Practical information and reservations:
The participation fee for the “Smuggling Trek” is 110€ per person, but is subject to a group of at least 10 participants. If the minimum number of participants is 5, the fee may increase to €120 per person.
The participation fee for the “Smuggling Trek” is 110€ per person, but it is subject to reaching a group of at least 10 participants. In case the minimum number of participants is 5, the fee may increase to 120€ per person.
To participate in this adventure, you must be adequately equipped. We recommend wearing waterproof boots with Vibram soles or equivalent, comfortable, breathable clothing, and a backpack with a capacity of approximately 40 liters. Don't forget to also bring a fleece or warm clothing, a rain jacket, a change of clothes for the night, a lightweight sleeping bag or MANDATORY sleeping bag liner, personal hygiene items, and any personal medications. A packed lunch for the first day, a 1-liter water bottle (full!), energy bars, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential. If you regularly use trekking poles, they will also be useful for this excursion.
To participate in this adventure, it is necessary to be adequately equipped. We recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots with Vibram or equivalent soles, comfortable and breathable clothing, and carrying a backpack of about 40 liters. Don't forget to also bring a fleece or heavy garment, a rain jacket, a change of clothes for the night, a light sleeping bag or a mandatory sleeping sheet, personal hygiene items, and any necessary medications. A packed lunch for the first day and a 1L water bottle (filled!), energy bars, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will also be essential. If you usually use trekking poles, they will be useful for this excursion as well.
Meeting point for Saturday 5th at 9:30 am (prompt!)
Meeting point for Saturday 5th at 9:30 am (sharp!)
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For further information and to book your place on the “Smuggling Trek”, contact us by email at info@insiemeturismo.com or by phone (even by sending a WhatsApp message) at +393935188221.
For further information and to book your spot for the “Smuggling Trek,” contact us via email at info@insiemeturismo.com or by phone (including sending a WhatsApp message) at the number +393935188221.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore history and nature in a unique and fascinating setting.
Do not miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to explore history and nature in a unique and fascinating setting.