Lake Como Holidays

Things to see and do

There are lots of places to see and things to do while on holiday on Lake Como. Explore the towns using the regular ferry service that links the resorts. It’s a great way to see the lake and the views from the water are some of the best.

Tour some of the most spectacular villas and gardens such as the 17th century Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo with sculptures by Canova, Villas Melzi and Serbeloni in Bellagio and Villa Balbianello in Lenno – some offer discounted entry to National Trust members, so don’t forget your card.

Monte Grona, the rocky peak above Menaggio can be reached on foot – there’s lots of lovely routes up for walkers and via Ferrata for adventurous climbers. The panoramic views of Lake Como from the top are incredible.

You can venture further afield too - Milan and Bergamo are easily reached on a day trip. 

Food & drink

On Lake Como you won’t struggle to find delicious food. Freshwater fish from the lake and rice from the nearby flatlands are essential ingredients in many of the local specialties. Risotto with perch fillets is Lake Como’s regional dish. For dessert give the Resta of Como a try – it’s made from dried and candied fruit and topped with a small olive twig, which represents peace and good fortune.

We can’t forget to mention the wine. Vineyards to the south in Brianza and on the northern end of the lake above Domaso produce some lovely local wines. It’s great to visit in autumn when the grape harvest is taking place. The Valtellina is another area of vineyards where they produce Valtellina Superiore DOCG red wine.

Activities

Lake Como is a great choice for a walking holiday. Hill, mountain and lakeside walks are all around the lake with miles of old mule tracks and well-marked footpaths. History buffs might be interested in the walk from Colonno to Cadenabbia. It passes the village of Mezzegra where Benito Mussolini was killed as he tried to flee to Switzerland with his lover Claretta Petacci.

We’d definitely recommend exploring Lake Como from the water. There’s loads of activities for you to try like kayaking, water skiing, swimming and sailing. There’s a regular ferry service and all sorts of boats available to hire too.

Throughout the summer months festivities liven up the lakes shores. The City of Music Festival in Como transforms the town into one giant music, dance and art venue with shows and performances taking place at various historic locations. In July and August the Bellagio Festival brings concerts, films and performances to many of the lakeside towns. They’re held in gorgeous settings like churches, piazzas and castles.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

St. Moritz & the Bernina Express from £62 per person (full day)

Leave Lake Como and travel by coach into the majestic Val Valtellina before boarding the Bernina Express. This spectacular railway journey travels past glaciers and over dramatic gorges before arriving in St. Moritz. You’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy a spot of lunch (payable locally). The return to Lake Como by coach is just as scenic and follows the road through the Maloja pass, stopping in the historic town of Chiavenna.

Departs: Mondays and Wednesdays from mid May to mid September

Milan from £58 per person (full day)

An expert guide will show you Milan’s highlights starting with Sforzesco Castle. Once you reach La Scala, Milan’s famous opera house, you’ll continue on foot through the historic centre to see the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele – the world’s first shopping mall! The afternoon is at leisure exploring Milan at your own pace.

Departs: Tuesdays from mid May to September

Lake Orta & Stresa from £62 per person (full day)

Lake Orta is one of Italy’s prettiest lakes and oozes romance. Its picturesque cobbled streets are too narrow for cars, which makes it a pleasure to wander around. Discover local shops, charming cafés and lovely lake views. Later on you’ll head to Lake Maggiore and the lakefront resort of Stresa. A private boat will take you across the lake to the Borromean Islands where you can visit the botanical gardens of Isola Bella.

Departs: Fridays from mid May to mid October. Entrance fee to Isola Bella is payable locally.

Villa Balbienello from £53 per person (half day)

No visit to Lake Como would be complete without seeing its most beautiful villas and spectacular gardens. Built at the end of the 18th century, the villa now belongs to the FIA, Italy’s version of the National Trust. Wander through the villa and admire exquisitely-furnished interiors and a vast art collection. The manicured gardens are a delight to walk through – there’s lots of spots where you can admire the stunning lake views.

Departs: Sundays from mid May to mid October - discounted tickets for National Trust members are also available. 

Piona Abbey & Wine Tasting from £56 per person (approx. 6 hours)

The impressive Piona Abbey is on the peninsula of Olgiasca, so you’ll have fantastic views over the lake. Spend some time enjoying these and the lovely, peaceful atmosphere of the Abbey, which is still inhabited by Cistercian Monks. In the afternoon you’ll have a tasting of two local wines in a historic wine cellar.

Departs: Thursdays from mid May to September

Como & Lake Lugano from £58 per person (full day)

Start your day in the charming town of Como where you can admire its lakefront piazza and stunning cathedral. Continue by coach to Lugano, one of Switzerland's most elegant towns. Visit the wonderful Via Nassa and the square of Riforma with their striking buildings and exclusive shops or choose to spend time in the town's pretty park. You'll get to enjoy a one hour cruise from Lugano to Cassarate where you can see the villages and crotti (typical restaurants) that are only accessible by lake.

Departs: Fridays from mid May to mid September

Bergamo, bookable locally from €65 per person (full day)

Bergamo is one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Italy. It dates back to the Middle ages, so this small city is brimming with history. Medieval towers look out over cobbled streets and charming piazzas, and there are wonderful views at every turn. Explore the “Città Alta” (the Upper town) which is surrounded by medieval Venetian walls. You’ll begin your day here with some free time before meeting an expert city guide for a walking tour. 

Departs: Thursdays from May to late September. Subject to minimum numbers.

Please note that guests staying in Bellagio will need to make their own way to Cadenabbia to begin these excursions and ferry tickets are payable locally.

We act at all times as a selling agent for our suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. See terms & conditions.