Pre-Alpine Paths to Bergamo

Day 1 (1)* • Arrive in Selvino

Relax at your spa hotel in this moder n mountain resort surrounded by 1,000-metre peaks. Optional circular walk to the top of Monte Purito (2 5 miles, 1 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel T’Ami

Day 2 (2) • Selvino to Serina

Woodland paths and the cobbled Via Mercatorum lead over two ridges, passing ancient hamlets, rocks and fer ns to medieval Serina, birthplace of Venetian Renaissance artist Palma Vecchio (10 miles, 6 hrs or 8 miles, 4 5 hrs)

HHH Hotel Moder no

Day 3 (3) • Serina to Cor nello dei Tasso

The old merchants’ route crosses a mountain pass to panoramic, frescoed Dossena. Paths lead to mines mapped by Leonardo da Vinci, now used to mature local cheese, before descending to the River Brembo and arcaded Cor nello, voted one of Italy’s most beautiful villages (8 miles, 5 hrs)

B & B La Tana del Tasso

Day 4 (4) • Cor nello dei Tasso to San Pellegrino

Quiet lanes, stone steps and a cycle path lead through the arched streets of Oneta, then San Giovanni Bianco with its Holy Thor n, before paths climb a small ridge with views to San Pellegrino. Free after noon in this famous spa with its Art Nouveau Casino and Grand Hotel, now being restored (6 miles, 3 hrs).

HHH Hotel Bigio

Day 5 • San Pellegrino to Zogno & Clanezzo

A cable car takes you to the start of an exhilarating climb on good paths through woods to 1,200-metre meadows, before a steep descent Or, follow level lanes and tracks past churches, villages and far ms Routes meet in Zogno, before following the river on foot or by bike to Clanezzo (high route 13 8 miles, 8 hrs; low route 10 6 miles, 6 hrs)

HHH Hotel Cascina Belvedi

Day 6 • Clanezzo to Bergamo Alta

Minor lanes pass old Clanezzo port. An optional loop leads to three Romanesque churches before re-joining the trail along a for mer railway line up to a spectacularly situated sanctuary church. Leafy paths with views then descend to Bergamo Alta (11.5 miles, 6 hrs or 9 miles, 4.5 hrs).

Locanda Mimmo (std) HHHH Relais San Vigilio (sup)

Day 7 • Free day in Bergamo Alta

Visit this hilltop, medieval citadel, with its elegant eateries, UNESCO World Heritage Venetian walls, Piazza Vecchia, Santa Maria Maggiore church where composer Donizetti is buried and exceptional art museum (Titian, Bellini, Canaletto, Raphael).

Locanda Mimmo (std) HHHH Relais San Vigilio (sup)

Day 8 (5) • Departure Day

*Days in brackets refer to 5-day itinerary

Route open: April-October

Airports to first hotel:* u Bergamo (16 miles) Bus to rail station, then tram & cable car*: 1.5 hrs - ~€14

Taxi: 45 mins - €80 u Milan Linate (44 miles)

Train + tram*, or bus: 3 hrs - €24

Taxi: 1 hr 15 - ~€160 u Milan Malpensa (71 miles)

Train & tram*, or bus:

3 5 hrs - ~€25-€40

Taxi: 1 hr 40 - ~€190

Route Manager: ATG-trained, lives locally and speaks fluent English and Italian.

Route Book: Detailed walking directions, maps, comprehensive local and background information

Walking: Moderate to challenging (Grade 3 – 4) See p 8

Terrain: Mountain earth and stone paths, woodland tracks, valley lanes and cycle paths, some asphalt