Things to do in Como, Italy: the 20 best ideas

Experience a’quad bike excursion in Sesto Calende, on Lake Maggiore, designed to spend half a day in the open air among scenic roads, dirt stretches and a stop with an aperitif overlooking the lake.

È an experience suitable even for beginners, ideal for friends, couples, families and small groups. The’activity’takes place aboard double quad bikes with the possibility of alternating driving, along a route of about 3 hours with sections mainly on asphalt, white roads, short dirt sections and a small ford. Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop in Angera with an aperitif overlooking Lake Maggiore, one of the highlights of the experience.

The trail has difficultyà 2 out of 5 and è therefore also suitable for those who è first experience.

Discover the beauty of the forests and hills around Lake Como with a group or couple horseback riding tour.

Depending on your preference, you can choose from the following tours:

Horseback riding with aperitif (private)

The horseback ride with aperitif includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by an aperitif at the Ca Verda agriturismo with drinks and appetizers.

Horseback ride with lunch (private)

The horseback ride with lunch includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by lunch at the Ca Verda agriturismo. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheeses and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

Horseback ride with dinner (private)

The horseback ride with dinners includes the same itinerary as the walk-only tour and is followed by dinner at the Ca Verda farmhouse. The menu changes according to seasonality and includes an appetizer with cheese and cold cuts, an encore of first courses and a second course of meat accompanied by potatoes.

The walk takes 1 hour and is suitable for everyone, including beginners. Each tour has a maximum number of 4 participants. Minimum age: 14 years.

The riding school providing the experience uses the Ca Verda farmhouse to arrange lunch, aperitif or dinner.

The horseback ride will make you admire the territories of the Ticino Park, a protected natural area not far from Milan. It is a wonderful experience to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the Lombard capital, immersing yourself in nature, without having to travel a long way.

The experience è also suitable for those riding horses for the first time. In fact, before the ride è there will be a briefing of about 15 minutes in which the equestrian guides will explain the basics and rules for carrying out the experience in total safety.

The tour for adults also includes a gaudo section, meaning a section of the river will be crossed before returning to the stables,

Appropriate clothing is required, which includes long pants and sneakers. Mounting equipment is provided directly by the facility.

Choose horseback riding in the hills of Bergamo and ride along the trails and dirt roads in the area, surrounded by the green woods of the park.

The horseback riding tour routes are suitable for both beginners and experts. The rides are one to two hours in length and take place throughout the week.

You will be led by an experienced guide, who will be with you for the duration of the excursion, showing you the most beautiful places and leading you through the most striking landscapes of the Bergamo area.

It is mandatory to be at least 14 years old.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

Start from Cascina Sant’Andrea in Misinto and experience a one’hour horseback ride immersed in nature, accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you along picturesque wooded trails.

During the experience you will ride through Groane Park, discovering the pleasure of exploring the area from a different perspective in a group with other participants. From the first minutes you will get in tune with your horse, experiencing an’activity that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with animals.

The ride è suitable for both first-time riders and those who already have experience. The horses at the facility are selected for their balanced and reliable character, with options suitable for every level of training.

With the support of instructors, you can enjoy the course in total safety.

Visit to the chocolate factory and chocolate tasting in Milan ideal for spending a culinary day among the many flavors of chocolate.

There are 3 different tours within the experience:

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Base

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 3 different types of chocolate.

Media

At the beginning of the activity you will observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate.

Premium

At the beginning of the activity, you will be able to observe, using the 3D viewer, the harvesting and production stages of cocoa beans on a Perù plantation. Afterwardsè you will pass by the "Cioccoteca", the roasting room and the processing laboratory to find out all about artisanal production. The visità will end with a tasting of 5 different types of chocolate accompanied by a glass of sweet wine.

The maximum limit who canò participate in a single visitanè of 8 people, also each tour lasts about 1 hour.

Horseback riding in the mountains above Lecco, 558 meters above sea level, starts in the town of Primaluna. Excursions offered for this experience are either 1 or 2 hours in length, as desired.

All horseback rides are on the bridleway along the Pioverna River, where you can admire scenic and very characteristic places in the valley. You cross the river, if possible depending on weather conditions and season, and reache the woods. 

The horseback riding experience is suitable for anyone, even first-time riders. Appropriate clothing for horseback riding, such as closed shoes and long pants, is recommended.

Wakeboarding on Lake Como is an adrenaline experience suitable for everyone, for beginners it is recommended to choose the 30-minute tour.

The experience is structured with boat rental in mind: the instructor and pilot will accompany your group guiding the boat and giving valuable advice to those being towed into the water.

The boat is a brand new, state-of-the-art one, capable of generating waves so that you can use them as ramps to jump into the air with your wakeboard.

The membership is not included and will have to be paid on site.

Wakeboarding at Como Lake Cable Park, a small lake near Colico, is an adventurous and adrenaline-pumping experience.

The experience includes 15-minute "laps" scattered throughout the day, during which you are always supervised by an instructor.

In addition, it is possible to purchase a 15-minute introductory wakeboard lesson: a first part of 5/10 minutes on land and then in the water the rest of the time.

It is strongly recommended to conduct the lesson if it is your first approach to the discipline.

Unlike classic wakeboarding in which a boat pulls you, cable wakeboarding allows you to glide across the water with a board thanks to an electric towing system, therefore "green."

The system consists of two poles about 100 meters apart, and allows the instructor to adjust the speed of the tow, making it easier to learn.

Villa Cipressi Botanical Gardens and lunch is a unique experience that allows you to explore the villa’s beautiful botanical gardens overlooking Lake Como and enjoy a delightful lunch or dinner.

Located in Varenna, the villa complex - built between the 15th and 19th centuries and recently restored - combines historical charm with the elegance and comfort of one of the most beautiful historic villas on Lake Como.

A favourite destination for scholars and garden enthusiasts, the park surrounding the property boasts exceptional beauty and invaluable cultural significance, showcasing the biodiversity of different regions of Italy.

This year, from 1 November to 6 January, it becomes the Villa Cipressi Christmas Garden: an enchanting world of lights, music and Christmas flavours.

Complete your experience with lunch or dinner at Victoria Grill; the menu includes two courses of your choice (drinks and wine excluded).

Enjoy the Christmas atmosphere immersed in the timeless architecture and gardens typical of Lake Como's historic villas.

The indicated time refers to lunch or dinner service. The gardens can be visited in the morning or afternoon, depending on the opening hours of the property.

Discover Villa Cipressi botanical garden in Varenna, on the shores of Lake Como.
Located in Varenna, the villa complex - built between the 15th and 19th centuries and recently restored - combines historical charm with the elegance and comfort of one of the most beautiful historic villas on Lake Como.

A favourite destination for scholars and garden enthusiasts, the park surrounding the property boasts exceptional beauty and invaluable cultural significance, showcasing the biodiversity of different regions of Italy.

From November 1st to January 6th, the botanical garden of Villa Cipressi becomes Villa Cipressi Christmas Garden: a magical wonderland of lights, music, and Christmas flavors. Come and experience the magic in the green heart of Varenna!

This ticket will allow you to enter the Villa's garden and stay inside as long as you wish, during opening hours.

This experience allows you to have a unique experience aboard the first catamaran on Lake Como.

You'll find a living area in the stern and a large, sprung sunbathing net in the bow that will allow you to relax.

On board you will begin a slow and pleasant cruise to Comacina Island, passing some of the most famous villas around the lake: Villa Balbianello, Villa Cassinella, Villa Monastero.

On reaching Comacina Island for a short scenic stop with a chance to take a few dips you will set off again in the direction of Bellagio, which you will sail along and then stop for a longer stop during which you will be served an aperitif with typical Italian products and good wine.

At the end of the cruise you will sail between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio and return to the port of departure.

Group Tour

You will share the catamaran with other people, just like a real boat party, to have a good time between music and an aperitif with local products and wine.

You can choose whether to relax on the overflow net on the water, launch yourself with dives or try the SUP experience.

Two departures are planned for the group tour: from Tremezzo or Laglio.

Private tour

You will have the opportunity to discover the hidden coves of Lake Como in tranquility and in the company of your family or friends.

This exclusive experience will allow you to feel like you are in your own personal boat, but with the comfort of having a skipper at your complete disposal.

For the private tour you can choose the departure location by contacting the facility following your reservation.

Enjoy an original experience in the heart of Franciacorta with a quad bike tour suitable for everyone, even those who have never ridden on an ATV.

You will be able to choose one of two available tours:

Aperitivo (3 hours)

The quad bike tour with aperitif includes a loop through the vineyards with departure and arrival in Erbusco, near Brescia.

Halfway through the tour an aperitif awaits you in a place overlooking the Torbiere del Sebino Nature Reserve.

•    25+15 km
•    2h30' of actual driving
•    Total duration: 3h

Tasting (3h30')

During the excursion with tasting you can visit one of the most renowned wineries in Franciacorta.

•    25+10 km
•    2h of driving
•    1h visit to a winery + 2/3 Franciacorta tastings
•    Total duration: 3h30min

Wineries visited: Contadi Castaldi (usually Saturday afternoon), Ferghettina (usually Sunday morning) and Ronco Calino.

In case rain is expected, you will be contacted by phone the day before. It is possible to take turns while driving.

A wine tasting with a guided tour of the "Il Dosso" winery in Corte Franca is a unique opportunity to learn about the production processes of the famous Franciacorta and immerse yourself in the hills of Brescia, not far from Lake Iseo. 

The experience begins with a tasting, led by the producer, of selected Franciacorta wines offered by the winery, accompanied by a sampling of local cured meats and cheeses. It will continue with a visit to the winery, where you can learn about Franciacorta production techniques. 

It is possible to add an additional mixed platter of selected cured meats and cheeses to share (recommended for 2 people) for an additional fee.

Visit Lake d'Iseo with a sunset boat ride with an aperitif on board included. During the cruise you will be accompanied by a skipper and the boat will be private.

You will sail among cliffs, villages overlooking the water and views that open only from the lake, toasting with a glass of wine and fingerfood.

The sailing is slow and relaxed, ideal for chatting, taking pictures and enjoying the scenery calmly, in an elegant but informal atmosphere.

It is the perfect experience for a couple, a group of friends or to celebrate a special occasion, experiencing Lake Iseo from an exclusive and authentic perspective.

For the boat aperitif you can choose between two boats, both made of wood but with different characteristics:

•    Motoscafo classico – charming boat launched by the historic Archetti shipyard in Montisola: more spacious, stable and comfortable, it offers a more elegant experience and, ideal for those who want comfort, views and attentive service on board (up to 11 passengers).
•    Ligurian wooden boat – more cozy and traditional, perfect for those seeking a simple and authentic atmosphere, in direct contact with the water. (up to 4 passengers).

The boat is always private and exclusive to the booking group, skipper included.

Choose horseback riding in the hills of Bergamo and ride along the trails and dirt roads in the area, surrounded by the green woods of the park.

The horseback riding tour routes are suitable for both beginners and experts. The rides are one to two hours in length and take place throughout the week.

You will be led by an experienced guide, who will be with you for the duration of the excursion, showing you the most beautiful places and leading you through the most striking landscapes of the Bergamo area.

It is mandatory to be at least 14 years old.

(The walk will be at a walking pace and not a galloping pace).

Enjoy a wine tasting with a tour of a winery near Bergamo. You can tour the winery with a guided tasting of 4 wines or experience a more comprehensive tour that also includes the elegant villa of the Medolago Albani family and its historic chapel.

If you choose the full experience, you’ll step inside the Medolago Albani family’s splendid manor house, where history, art, and tradition intertwine in a journey brimming with charm. You’ll visit the chapel dating back to the 16th century and continue on to the historic winery, where you’ll discover the production processes for the wines and other products of the estate, concluding with a guided tasting of four selected wines.

Alternatively, you can choose an experience focused on the winery, visiting the production facilities and the charming historic chapel attached to the estate. Here, too, the tour concludes with a guided tasting of four selected wines—a perfect opportunity to explore the flavors and winemaking traditions of the region.

Horsemanship lesson and horseback ride in the mountains of Val Seriana, in Onore in the province of Bergamo with the possibility of having an aperitif or lunch at a farmhouse.

Walk-only tour

30-minute lesson to familiarize yourself with the horse and 1-hour walk through the woods of Val Seriana.

Tour with aperitif

30-minute lesson, 1-hour walk and aperitif including:

•    cured meats and cheeses
•    a glass of prosecco or spritz
•    bread
•    water

Tour with lunch

30-minute lecture, 1-hour walk and lunch which includes:

•    3 courses of your choice
•    water
•    sweet
•    caffè

Wine and bitters are excluded.

In case of food allergies or intolerances è you can contact the facility following the reservation.