Picnic views over Lake Como fix your mood. I love the alpine seclusion and the way the day pairs a forest walk with a ready-to-eat local cheese-and-wine picnic. One thing to plan for: it is open-air and not suitable for mobility impairments, with some walking on uneven paths.

For me, the value is the combo of transport plus a timed, scenic route from Varenna, run for small groups (max 8). You’ll meet at Piazza Martiri at the pier by Hotel Olivedo, and it helps to look for the Picnickle sign so you start on time.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 8) so you’re not shuffled through a crowd
• Van ride from Varenna with photo stops and countryside scenery
• 40-minute forest walk to get above Lake Como’s dramatic angles
• 1.5-hour picnic already set up at a secluded alpine foothills viewpoint
• Local products from Valtellina and Valsassina with water and wine included
• Optional wow factor on clear days, you may even catch sight of Lake Lugano in Switzerland

Why this Varenna picnic feels different from the usual Lake Como day

Lake Como is pretty much built for photo ops. This experience still delivers that, but it does it by moving you away from the busiest waterfront rhythms and into the foothills where the air feels lighter and the views open up.

The big win here is the pacing. You start with a guided drive that shows you glimpses you’d miss if you were just taking buses or doing it solo. Then you get a short walk through the forest that actually earns the viewpoint, instead of feeling like you arrived, snapped a shot, and left.

Food is the other half of the payoff. Your picnic basket comes with meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, light snacks, water, and wine, and the whole setup is meant to be elegant and relaxed. You’re not hunting for lunch; you’re settling in with a view.

The day is also guided in Italian, English, and Russian, and the tour runs with a live guide throughout. That matters when you’re in places where the scenery is obvious, but the stories behind it are not.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($163.13 per person)

At $163.13 per person, this isn’t a budget picnic. But you’re also buying a package: roundtrip transportation from Varenna, a guide, and a prepared picnic spread with wine.

Here’s how I see the value. You’re not just paying for the food. You’re paying to get up into the foothills efficiently (roundtrip van), to stop for photos along the way, and to reach a viewpoint location where the picnic is already set up for you. The guided walk and the time at the viewpoint are part of the product, not an add-on.

If you’re the type who hates logistical friction—figuring out where to park, how to get higher, and where to eat—this format makes the day easier. If you’re comfortable planning transport and you already know you want to wander with your own groceries, it may feel pricey. For most people visiting Lake Como, though, paying for transport + setup often ends up cheaper than hiring multiple taxis or stitching together half-day plans.

Meeting at Piazza Martiri: start smart, start easy

Your day begins at Piazza Martiri, at the pier next to Hotel Olivedo. Look for the Picnickle sign so you find your group without guessing.

Why that matters: Lake Como boat piers and meeting points can look similar, especially when you’re dressed for the day and half focused on the view. A clear meeting spot keeps the experience smooth from the first ten minutes.

The tour runs about 4 hours total. That time budget is tight enough that you’ll get a full arc—drive, walk, picnic, and return—without turning it into a whole day of moving around.

The van route: Valsassina photo stop and Lake Como viewpoints

After pickup, you’ll board the car/van that takes you up into the mountains. On the drive, expect dramatic scenery and side glimpses like half-abandoned churches and orchards—small details that give the region texture.

There’s a Valsassina photo stop scheduled for about 10 minutes. This is a short window, not a wandering hour. Use it to get your bearings, snap a few shots, and take in how the coastline and mountains layer together.

Then you move into a scenic drive of about 20 minutes that keeps Lake Como in the frame. Think of this part as your warm-up. You’ll gradually rise, so even before you’re on foot, the angle changes and the atmosphere shifts from lakeside bustle to hillside calm.

If weather cooperates, this route is also where you may notice the day’s visibility improving. One of the nicest surprises in the provided guidance from past participants is the chance to see Lake Lugano in Switzerland on a clear day.

The 40-minute forest walk: how it earns the view

At a viewpoint, you leave the vehicle and join your guide for a walk of about 40 minutes through the forest. This is the portion that turns a scenic drive into a true experience.

The footing is the main consideration. You’ll be on open-air paths, and comfortable shoes are a must. You don’t need hiking boots for a super steep climb, but you do want traction and support—because this is not a flat promenade.

What makes the walk worth it is the gradual reveal. The higher you go, the more Lake Como’s dramatic scenery becomes visible from above. Past experiences emphasize that the walk is manageable, and it sets you up for the big moment: reaching the secluded picnic spot.

Also, bring a sun hat. Even when the forest provides shade, the viewpoint areas and early parts of the route can expose you to sun. And because it is outdoors, conditions matter.

The picnic spot: where the Alps do the talking

Once you reach the highest viewpoint area, you get a secluded location where the picnic is already prepared. This isn’t a scramble to find a flat patch of ground. The layout is part of the experience—blanket and seating setup with an elegant feel.

Background music is included, but it’s light. The idea is to keep it relaxed rather than turn it into a concert. You’re meant to hear the sounds of nature and still have the day feel curated without feeling stiff.

The picnic itself lasts about 1.5 hours, which is a sweet spot. Long enough to slow down, taste everything, and stretch your legs afterward. Not so long that you lose time to hunger or waiting.

What’s in your picnic basket (and why it tastes like the region)

Your picnic basket includes:

• meat
• cheese
• fruits
• vegetables
• light snacks
• water
• wine

This is where local sourcing makes a real difference. The food is connected to Valtellina and Valsassina valleys, so you’re not just eating Italian food that could be anywhere. You’re eating products shaped by the valleys’ traditions and farming.

The biggest praise from past experiences is how “fabulous” the spread feels in practice—especially the cheeses and the meats, paired with area wines. Many people also note that the presentation looks as good as it tastes, which helps if you care about photographs. But don’t get fooled by looks; the point is the flavor mix and the fact it’s freshly prepared and ready when you arrive.

Practical tip: since wine is included, pace yourself. Eat a bit first, take your photos during the best light, and then enjoy the wine when you’re settled.

The short village walk: a softer landing back toward culture

After lunch, you’ll head to a traditional village for a 20-minute walk before returning to Varenna A Lago.

This part balances the day. If the viewpoint is all heights and views, the village stop adds texture at ground level—streets, architecture, and that Lake Como “lived-in” feeling that you don’t get from just looking out over the water.

One highlight mentioned in past guidance is the chance to visit a quaint medieval-style village near Varenna, especially when clouds break. Even if you don’t get dramatic weather surprises, this stop helps the day feel complete: nature, food, then people and place.

It’s short by design, so you’ll likely see the essentials rather than wander for hours. That keeps the whole plan within the 4-hour window.

Group size and guide vibe: why max 8 changes your experience

The group is limited to 8 participants. That’s not just a number. It affects how quickly you move, how easily you can ask questions, and how much you notice along the way.

Guides are involved throughout, and past experiences highlight a warm hosting style—people specifically calling out guides like Maria for making the day feel welcoming and for sharing context during the drive and walk. In other words, you’re not left with a route and a phone audio guide. You have a person connecting what you see with where it comes from.

Since the tour is offered in Italian, English, and Russian, you can expect the guide to tailor explanations to your language group.

What can affect your day: weather and walking reality checks

This experience is open-air, so weather matters. Clouds can soften the views, which is why the walk and the picnic still matter even if the sky is moody. When visibility improves, the viewpoint payoff can be spectacular.

The other reality check is mobility. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and you should assume you’ll be walking on uneven ground at least during the forest portion and the village stop. If you’re unsure, choose lighter plans around Varenna and save this one for when you’re comfortable on your feet.

Bring:

• comfortable shoes
• sun hat

And use common sense for the season: layers help because hills and lake weather can shift quickly.

Who this picnic experience is best for (and who should skip it)

You’ll likely love this if:

• you want a top-of-the-mountain viewpoint without wrestling with transportation
• you care about local food and want it delivered as part of an experience
• you prefer small groups and guided storytelling over free-for-all sightseeing
• you want a calm break in your Lake Como trip that’s not just another boat or crowd-lined walkway

You might want to skip it if:

• you need fully wheelchair-accessible routes or mostly flat walking
• you hate the idea of spending time outdoors, even for a short walk
• you’d rather buy your own picnic and explore at your own tempo, without a set schedule

My take: should you book Picnickle in Varenna?

If you’re visiting Lake Como and you want one day that combines scenic heights + real local food + a prepared picnic setup, this is a strong choice. The route is structured, but it doesn’t feel rushed. The viewpoint walk is the effort that makes the picnic payoff meaningful, and the spread is designed to feel like it belongs in the Alps, not like a generic lunch dropped on a bench.

Book it if you want an experience that’s easy to execute from Varenna and hard to recreate on your own. Skip or reconsider if mobility limits you or if you’re looking for a fully flexible, unguided day.

FAQ

How long is the picnic experience?

The duration is about 4 hours total, from meeting through return.

Where do I meet the guide in Varenna?

Meet in Piazza Martiri at the pier by Hotel Olivedo. Look for the Picnickle sign.

What is included in the picnic?

The picnic basket includes meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, light snacks, plus water and wine.

Is there transportation from Varenna?

Yes. Roundtrip transportation is included from Varenna.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 8 participants.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What languages are the guides available in?

The live tour guide offers Italian, English, and Russian.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and a sun hat, since the experience takes place in the open air.