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.

Visit Lake Como on a one’hour boat tour designed to showcase the Lake’s unparalleled beauty.

The tour begins at the dock, centrally located within walking distance of Como's main attractions. After a warm welcome, board the boat and get ready to explore the iconic sites of Lake Como.

The first stop è Villa d’Este, you arrive by sailing to Cernobbio to admire this world-famous luxury hotel. Once an aristocratic residence, its enchanting gardens and water views make it one of the highlights of the lake.

The first stop is the Villa d’Este.

Next stop is Villa Erba, a masterpiece of Italian architecture, often used as a venue for high-profile events and film productions.

After that, you will visit Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy, Parco Mosaici, Villa Pasta (Giuditta), Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Villa Versace, Villa Pizzo, Villages of Torno and Blevio.

During the boat ride you will be served a glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic drink, accompanied by local appetizers, while admiring the breathtaking view of the lake.

Throughout the tour, your expert skipper will tell you fascinating stories and historical insights about the villas and places of interest.

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.

Learn all the secrets about wine making and create your own unique blend with this workshop at the Urban Winery in Milan.

Program

As soon as you arrive, you will be served a welcome glass, which you can taste during a tour of the winery's production area, accompanied by a brief introduction to the project.

Next you will taste 3 wine bases, learning to recognize the differences related to production methods. Based on your tastes, you can then create your own custom blend.

To conclude, you will be able to unleash your imagination by decorating the bottle label of the created wine.

At the end of the experience you will be given a bottle of the wine made, one per group (group means the group that made the reservation), to take home as a memento of the experience.

Any extra bottles of the created blend can be purchased directly on site, at a price of 10€ per bottle, upon request to the facility prior to creation.

Nature walk near Lake Maggiore, departing from Brebbia. The walks last 1 hour and are also suitable for those who have never ridden a horse before. In some cases the rider may be accompanied on foot by a guide.

After a brief introductory lesson on how to guide your horse, you will set out inside the Bruschera Oasis, a nature reserve that stretches entirely along the lake.

The route is through meadows and woods in the hills, with views of the Rock of Angera. The walk is entirely on trails, with the exception of 100 meters of paved road.

The minimum age to participate is 14 years old. For underage passengers, the presence of an adult is required.

A maximum of 2 people can participate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Lake d'Iseo and its sights with a fantastic boat tour starting from the Bergamo shore, the town of Lovere and visit some of its most famous locations.

The experience takes place aboard charming wooden boats, chosen for their character, comfort and sailing pleasure.

The tour is completely private and customizable in duration (90 minutes, 3 hours or 4 hours), making it perfect for couples, families, groups of friends or to celebrate a’special occasion.

An elegant and discreet way to discover Lake Iseo from a unique perspective, directly from the water.

Some locations that you will discover:

•    Lovere and its lakefront
•    Orrido di Castro with its waterfall;
•    Bogn di Riva di Solto with its sheer rocks in the lake
•    Montisola with its small villages

Picnic in the vineyard in Franciacorta, ideal for those who want to spend a relaxing day among the hills and vines typical of the area.

Inside the picnic basket, you will find food and wine delicacies prepared with local products by the Chef of the restaurant "La Dama Bianca" to offer you a unique and surprising culinary experience.

Upon your arrival, the staff will provide you with everything you will need: towels on which to lie down, pillows to offer you maximum comfort and a basket stocked with all the necessary dishes. To accompany your lunch, bubbles of Franciacorta will be served.

During the duration of the picnic you will be able to stretch out in the meadow, surrounded by vineyards, and enjoy breathtaking views with an evocative view of the ancient Castle of Bornato.

Menu (adults):

•    spelt salad with vegetables and chicken
•    ham and omelette sandwich
•    marinated steaks in finger food version
•    dessert
•    water and coffee
•    a bottle (every 2 people) of Franciacorta bubbles from Castello di Bornato.

Menu (kids): same as the adult menu without the bottle of wine.

Menu (children): 2 sandwiches with cold cuts, bites of grana padano cheese, cold rice with peas, cooked ham, sausage and cheese, soft drink and chocolate dessert.

Vegetarian\vegan\intolerance and allergy are also available upon prior notice.

Available on Saturdays and Sundays.

Along with the picnic you can take a walk among the rows of vineyards or along the shore of the botanical pond, or a hike in the park "Molere". 

For every menù there is a vegetarian version. 

Picnic Orobie

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Selection of local cured meats and cheeses with Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Orobie vegetarian

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Local cheese selection with Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Bergamo Picnic

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    Selection of local cured meats and cheeses
•    Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with filling
•    Lasagnetta alla “San Lucio” (or first course of the day)
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Vegetarian Bergamasque

•    Baguette with stracchino cheese cherry tomatoes and basil
•    A selection of local cheeses
•    Ligurian focaccia
•    Salty croissant with stuffing
•    Lasagnetta alle Verdurine (or first course of the day)
•    Anna's biscuits
•    ½ liter of water
•    1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

For children:

•    Ligurian Focaccine with cooked ham and fontina cheese or
•    Mini Baguette with salami and cheese
•    Salty Croissant with stuffing
•    Anna's Biscuits
•    ½ liter of water

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).