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

Take a horseback ride along the banks of the Serio River, within the nature park of the same name on the border between the provinces of Bergamo and Cremona. Depart from Romano di Lombardia.

Relying on your guide you will have the opportunity to admire the protected natural area, rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

Before or after the horseback ride you can rest inside the center's characteristic clubhouse, enjoying an aperitif, or book lunches and dinners or stay in the comfortable B&B, all with a background of ambient music.

Enjoy this equestrian experience as a couple, with family, with friends, and ensure a moment of happiness and relaxation.

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.

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.

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

For the picnic in the hills of Bergamo in Scanzorosciate, you will be greeted upon arrival by Daniela, who will take you on an hour-long experience that will take you from the winery to the vineyards, olive grove, orchard and forest, to the beehives, explaining the winery philosophy and the history of Moscato di Scanzo.

After the walk, you will be treated to a delicious alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif, during which you will be shown to the picnic site.

You will find everything you need for the picnic and aperitif already on site, from blanket to pillows, books to seating.

You will receive your picnic basket containing a bottle of red table wine, water and a delicious seasonal menu consisting of appetizer, main course and dessert, prepared with healthy food from km 0 and combined with EVO oil, jams, honey and fruit from the farm.

All the products that you will find inside the basket are zero km, prepared fresh for you, we only ask you in case of food allergies or intolerances, to notify us in time so we can satisfy you making your experience unique and unforgettable!

With this horseback ride in the Ticino Nature Park you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the horses, brush them and prepare the necessary equipment for an enjoyable ride.

The experience begins with a short introductory lesson that will help you learn how to tame your horse.

During the horseback ride, which will have an effective duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will ride through the forest and spring areas, rich in waterways and vegetation. If lucky, you may see storks, herons and other migratory species.

There is also an opportunity to picnic on horseback.

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.

With this fascinating boat tour with aperitif in Menaggio, you can immerse yourself through the magic of Lake Como at sunset aboard a charming vintage boat, built entirely of mahogany.

The skipper will take you along the lake's renowned shores as the sun sets on the horizon. Meanwhile, you can relax and enjoy the view with a glass of Prosecco.

This romantic cruise is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family or friends.

You will have a relaxing experience as you explore Lake Como in one of its most atmospheric settings.

Rent a boat in Carate Urio and sail independently on Lake Como with friends or family.

Leaving from the pier in Carate Urio, you can explore Lake Como on an autonomous excursion, without a skipper, moving at your own pace.

You can choose the duration of the outing according to your preference from 1 hour to 1 full day.

The boat can accommodate up to 7 people.

Rent a 40-horsepower boat and discover Lake Como in total autonomy, following your own pace and enjoying every moment with absolute freedom.

You will board comfortable boats that are easy to drive and do not require a boat license, making them ideal for a relaxing, enjoyable and uncomplicated experience.

Each boat is equipped with a comfortable sun shade to protect you from the sun and an ice chest with water, with refreshing drinks included to make the trip even more comfortable.

Fuel is also included, so you can focus only on the pleasure of sailing.

The itinerary is free and customizable, with the opportunity to admire some of Lake Como's most iconic villas from the lake, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa La Cassinella, Villa Gaeta, and Villa Monastero.

During the cruise you will skirt fascinating locations such as Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and Tremezzo, each with its own unique character and breathtaking scenery.

Experience a shared catamaran tour on Lake Como, a 2-hour experience designed to discover the lake at leisure, departing from Varenna.

Sailing touches iconic places such as Bellagio and Comacina Island, alternating with coves and lesser-known stretches of coastline, with itinerary varying according to weather conditions. Aboard the 9-meter-long Maru catamaran, you'll find an essential, cozy space with a wooden table and carpets on deck to sit comfortably; small snacks are included depending on the time.

Maximum of 7 participants to provide a curated and relaxed experience among water, scenery and conviviality.

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.

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.

A sunset boat ride on Lake Iseo is a beautiful and relaxing experience! You will rent a classic Venetian Taxi style boat, driven by a skipper and take a tour of the Lake of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The boat tour can be taken during the day or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful colors of the Lake as the sun goes down. Excellent Franciacorta wine will be served during the tour.

For this mini-cruise, the boat is booked exclusively and has a maximum capacity of 20 people.

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

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.

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.

Take a horseback ride along the banks of the Serio River, within the nature park of the same name on the border between the provinces of Bergamo and Cremona. Depart from Romano di Lombardia.

Relying on your guide you will have the opportunity to admire the protected natural area, rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

Before or after the horseback ride you can rest inside the center's characteristic clubhouse, enjoying an aperitif, or book lunches and dinners or stay in the comfortable B&B, all with a background of ambient music.

Enjoy this equestrian experience as a couple, with family, with friends, and ensure a moment of happiness and relaxation.

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.