Lake Como is a land of wonderful landscapes and history, but also the place where adventurous vicissitudes of smugglers, brigands and soldiers have been consumed. In this frontier land between Italy and Switzerland, the mountains just off the center of Como, were excavated to accommodate trenches, fortresses and hiding places. The forests have been inhabited by thousands of soldiers and the trails were crossed from one side of the border to the other by men with huge shoulder bags, often escaping from the guards of both countries. We will guide you for a few hours in the Spina Verde park, a still green area of Como, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the park, beautiful views of the city and the lake and learn very particular aspects of the local history.
Tour Options
Lake Como Rebels. War and Smuggling
Itinerary
300 min
A few hours between natural beauties, foxholes, fortresses, ancient barracks of the border guards, trails suspended between two countries and stunning scenery. On this journey that combines the discovery of a wonderful nature, historical places and tales of events halfway between folk tale and legend, you can capture the hidden rebel soul of Como and his mountains.
Highlights
Wine
Pic nic lunch with local fresh food
What's included
Included
Wine
Pic nic lunch with local fresh food
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
4.9
7 reviews
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Important Information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park take?
Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park lasts about 5–6 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park cost?
Prices start at $183 per person for this Lake Como experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meeting point under the Big Hand monument, very close to S. Giovanni railway station.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(7)
M
Mat_M
July 23, 2023
Hike on the Spina Verde
Michele was a most engaging guide and regaled us with the history of the region, the activities of the smugglers and law enforcement. The hike was scenic, covering forested areas where the smugglers operated, across farms, a WW1 defensive position and down to the valleys where the fabulously wealthy had their villas. There were several steep portions during the hike but he kept an easy pace, provided enough time for rest and water for hydration. 10/10 will recommend.
M
martinamF8651NW
March 10, 2023
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
I grouped some good friends and chose this experience as a surprise gift for my boyfriend, who was enthusiastic: already a day with the right company, between nature and beautiful views are excellent ingredients, but the added value of the guide (in our case the fantastic Fabia), the narratives, the chance to know stories that otherwise you would never know, fascinating and curious, made everything unique.
It was such a memorable day!
Thank you so much
Operator response
Grazie Martina! Siete stati voi con la vostra simpatia e le vostre domande ficcanti a rendere la mia giornata unica. Un abbraccio a tutti voi, spero di reincontrarvi!! Fabia
L
Laura C
September 5, 2022
A nice trip
Guided tour of September 4, 2022, very interesting and suitable for everyone. Prepared guide, fabulous place. To be redone. Recommended to spend 3 hours immersed in unspoilt nature.
V
vickychar
August 23, 2022
The dark side of Lake Como
One of our favorite days on Lake Como. A beautiful hike that we would have never found by ourselves on hidden paths in the woods. And we had a lot of fun listening to the incredible stories of the local smugglers. Highly recommended!!
Operator response
Thanks Vicky, it has been fun sharing the day with you guys. I hope to meet you and your little Mastino again in the future! Ciao e grazie Daniele
H
Helena1742
May 16, 2021
Fun and interesting day out in a beautiful woodland
We had a great day. Despite the walk being longer than my 12 year old son is normally willing to do, Daniele made the whole adventure fun, engaging and really interesting for both of us. We were rewarded with a wonderful picnic of delicious local food (that he had chosen from the market that morning) and a most magnificent view of the lake. PS the coffee his dad sends along is great!!
1 people found this helpful
A
AmberBHanlon
February 7, 2019
Wonderful hiking experience!
I had a fantastic day hiking with Daniele! I learned the fascinating history of smugglers in the area, got some exercise, saw gorgeous views and made a new friend in Daniele. Daniele was a delight to spend the day with. Even in winter (February), we had a great time! I highly recommend this experience and encourage you to explore the other experiences Daniele and Davide provide.
1 people found this helpful
Operator response
Ciao Amber,
thanks a lot for your review and kind comment!!
Sara team Slow Lake Como
N
Nicola D
August 2, 2018
"Once upon a time there was Bricolla"
Having to do a Photo Service for a magazine on the old paths of the "Smugglers" in Como on the border line between Italy and Switzerland, searching the web I found Slow Lake Como, and I could not make a better choice for a tour led by experienced and prepared staff on site. I wanted to title the review with the name of the Bricolla, from the French term "Bricole" which means belt to hold weights, is a coarsely sewn jute bag, stiffened by cardboard, with two straps for transport that smugglers carried on their shoulders loaded with cigarette packets on the paths between Como and neighboring Switzerland. During the tour led by Daniele, you inevitably descend into the past, through woods and steep paths, and as you walk, it seems to relive specifically the moments when smugglers "beat" these areas camouflaging themselves in the bush to escape the border guards.
I want to say a special thanks to all the staff of Slow Lake Como for their professionalism and expertise in alternative tourism in the territory of Lake Como.
Nicola De Marinis
Freelance Press Photographer
Operator response
Ciao Nicola!! Grazie mille per la review e perdona il ritardo della nostra risposta!!
Sara team Slow Lake Como
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Lake Como Rebels: Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park