Grand Hotel Menaggio

Follow in the footsteps of stars, from George Clooney to James Bond and explore some of Lake Como's most spectacular villas and gardens, including the 17th century Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo which houses sculptures by Canova. Why not head to Bellagio to scope out the stunning Villa Melzi and walk around its vibrant botanical gardens and museum, or book dinner at the acclaimed Villa Serbeloni, where you can enjoy a fantastic local culinary experience. If you head over to Laglio, see if you can get a glimpse of George Clooney's old Lake Como stamping ground, Villa Oleandra, located directly on the lakeside.

Many film buffs will also recognise the Villa Balbianello in Lenno– it featured in two of the biggest blockbusters of the modern age, including James Bond: Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. The villa offers discounted entry to National Trust members, so don’t forget your card!

Please note: Villa Balbianello's a very popular attraction and tickets get booked up quickly. We recommend booking well in advance (a few months if you can) online if you would like to visit the villa.

This excursion takes you along the northern part of the lake to the town of Tirano where you will stop for a coffee along the way, before heading into Switzerland and reaching Poschiavo. As part of the excursion, you will experience the Bernina train for approx. 1 hour of the journey. Taking the train from Poschiavo (Switzerland) and continuing onto Diavolezza (Switzerland), which is one of the best sections of the Bernina Railway. You will see the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as plenty of beautiful glaciers. Then, by bus, you’ll reach St. Moritz. The famous Swiss holiday and ski resort on the southern side of the Alps in the Engadine Valley with its numerous crystal clear mountain lakes. This trip is all about the journey and the incredible viewpoints you'll discover along the way!

Details: Departs on Mondays. A passport may be required for this excursion as you will be crossing country borders. Please note, this excursion will not be running between the 7-13 May 2025.

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.

A fantastic guided private cruise (2 hours long) during which you'll get to admire some of Lake Como's most iconic villas. On the trip you'll see the Villa Carlotta, famous for its beautiful garden, the Villa Balbianello whose gardens were used in the James Bond film ‘Casino Royale’, Villa la Cassinella, the most prestigious private villa on the lake, Villa Balbianello - another private villa used for weddings and private VIP events, Comacina Island, the only island on the Lake and Villa Melzi which overlooks Bellagio's lakeside.

Details: Departs on Thursdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

Located on the border of Italy and Switzerland, Gandria's one of Ticino’s most beautiful lakeside villages. This will be your first stop before heading over to Lugano on the ferry. In Lugano you'll have free time to explore this elegant town. Lugano, often referred to as the ‘Rio de Janeiro’ of Switzerland, combines the efficiency and elegance of Switzerland with the joie de vivre and friendliness of Italy. We'd highly recommended visiting the famous Franciscan church of Santa Maria degli Angeli while you're there. It houses the famous fresco of the Crucifixion, painted by Bernadino Luini, student of Leonardo da Vinci. After lunch you'll head over to Como on the bus where you'll have more free time to explore this interesting city. Stop off at Como Cathedral with its many masterpieces and walk through the historic centre.

Details: Departs on Fridays. A passport may be required for this excursion as you will be crossing country borders. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

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.

Visit the Sorsasso agricultural company in Domaso. They grow their grapes on the hills of Domaso Alto in Lake Como, using modern winemaking methods. Their wines are characterized by the intense aromas that represent the countryside around the lake. This is a fantastic wine tasting experience, during which you'll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient wine cellar and have the chance to taste three wines accompanied by a selection of locally sourced of cold cuts and cheeses.

Details: Departs on Tuesdays. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

Spend your holiday marvelling at Lake Como from above. Walk along the famous Greenway Path and through sleepy villages which will give you a taste of the old Lake Como (before it became 'Lake Como'). Or, walk up to the historic Church of San Martino, and learn about its fascinating World War I history. You can also head up Monte Grona, the rocky peak above Menaggio. There are lots of lovely walking routes in the area and Via Ferrata for the more adventurous holiday-makers.

In the summer, many hill, mountain and lakeside walks are just a bus ride away, with miles of old mule tracks and well-marked footpaths, it's a back-packers paradise! 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.

You can also head up Monte Grona, the rocky peak above Menaggio, by bus. There are lots of lovely walking routes in the area and via Ferrata for adventurous climbers. The views of Lake Como from the top are incredible.