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

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:

.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Alpaca baptism in Milan allows you to have a relaxing experience surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The experience can last 1 or 2 hours at your choice and you will have the opportunity to hold an alpaca on a leash while walking inside the farm, also a guide will tell you how wonderful these animals are and their peculiarities, you will have the opportunity to feed them directly from your hands!

During the experience you will be offered a non-alcoholic or alcoholic drink. You will be able to choose between a spritz and a hot drink (tea or herbal tea).

Wine-tasting experience in Bergamo Alta, with three different routes, designed to offer a complete journey among Tuscan wine excellence, accompanied by typical local products.

All tastings begin with a welcome bubbly and are accompanied by a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, including salami, prosciutto, sbriciolona, dried sausages and pecorino di Pienza in different seasonings, to best enhance the pairings.

The experience is available in three different tours, each with a specific wine selection and duration:

• Tasting of 3 wines

• Tasting of 4 wines

• Tasting of 4 premium wines

For children who consume there is a dedicated option with a small cutting board and a beverage of their choice, if they do not consume participation is free of charge.

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.

This farmhouse above Bellagio, offers an organic wine tasting and visit to the vineyards overlooking Lake Como.

The tasting includes tasting of a Cascina Teresina Nebbiolo accompanied by a board with a selection of cheeses, sliced meats and a seasonal side dish.

In addition, the tasting includes water, homemade bread and coffeeè.

Before or after the tasting è it is possible to take a tour of the vineyards overlooking Lake Como, at an altitude of about 700 m.

The tasting will take place in a relaxing environment perfect for a day of vacation or a weekend getaway. The farmhouse has a panoramic veranda and a terraced garden from which to admire the view of the Lake.

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

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.

The farmhouse restaurant "La Selvaggia" is ready to host you for a moment of peace and relaxation where you can enjoy excellent dishes of Lecco's culinary culture in an environment in contact with nature and a breathtaking view.

The menuù "Unlimited wine" consists of a rich appetizer, first course, second course, dessert, and coffee. All is accompanied by half a liter of red or white wine, and a final bitter.

For children up to 10 years of age, the farmhouse offers the "menù baby" consisting of appetizer, first course of the day, Milanese cutlet with French fries, homemade dessert, and water.

To reach the farmhouse you have to walk for about 10 minutes along a small road, so it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing.

During the week, lunch or dinner will be confirmed upon exceeding 10 total reservations.

The farmhouse provides overnight accommodations with breakfast included in the price. The facility has 4 double rooms. Therefore, it is possible to reserve overnight stay on the same day even for more than two people, however, it will be necessary to make multiple reservations

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.

Guided tour of the Carozzi Cheese Factory in Pasturo, Valvassina, with tasting of different types of cheeses accompanied by wine.

Program

The visit includes a guided tour of the dairy together with the Master Cheesemaker, who introduces techniques, processes and curiosities related to production.

Afterwards, you can choose between 2 tasting formulas

•    cheese tasting, paired with compotes and accompanied by 1 glass of wine
•    cheese tasting, 1 hot dish and 1 bottle of wine for every 2 people

Water and coffee are included in both options.

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.

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).

La Freschera è a family-run farmhouse 12 km from the Bergamo shore of Lake d’Iseo, equipped with a panoramic terrace with a splendid view. In this cozy setting you will be able to taste typical Bergamo dishes: cold cuts and cheeses, casoncelli, braised donkey and polenta.

In addition to offering restaurant service, at the farmhouse it will be’possible to visit the educational farm that houses sheep, horses and donkeys, and buy the products of the menuù 

Menù bulk wine

•    Antipasto
•    Two starters
•    Two main courses
•    Caffè
•    Sweet
•    Local wine

Menù bottled wine

•    Antipasto
•    Two starters
•    Two main courses
•    Caffè
•    Sweet
•    Bottled wine

Menù juniors (ages 4 to 17)

•    A first course
•    A second course
•    Sweet

For children under 3 years old, the experience è free of charge.

The’farmhouse offers specific menù for celiacs, vegetarians and vegans. For any allergies or specific dietary needs contact the facility directly after booking.

It is also possible to visit the farm animals independently before or after lunch.

Explore Lake d’Iseo with a boat tour aboard an elegant Ligurian gozzo boat that will take you on a discovery of the lake’s most picturesque places.

During the navigation you will skirt the Bogn di Riva, the Castro waterfall and the Lovere lakefront. You will then continue to Monte Isola, among natural landscapes and small typical villages.

The navigation is done in a slow and relaxed manner, allowing you to fully enjoy the views and atmosphere of the lake. In addition, there are stops at the most suggestive spots to take pictures and relax.

You can choose between private or group tours, with different durations and departures available in the morning or afternoon, so you can enjoy the experience according to your preferences.

A guided winery tour with lunch at Ambrosini Estate will give you an insight into Franciacorta wine production techniques and a lunch of local products.

The activity begins with a walk through the farm's vineyards, followed by a guided tour of the winery.

This is followed by lunch based on the selected menu.

Lunch

Lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Appetizers based on typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatas and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG paired with Franciacorta T.A. EXTRA BRUT DOCG
•    Spiedo Bresciano based on mixed meats cooked on the grill with side dishes, paired with Franciacorta T.A. BRUT DOCG
•    Dessert paired with Franciacorta SATEN Millesimato DOCG

Gold tasting

The lunch consists of 4 courses:

•    Appetizers of typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta wine Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian spit of mixed meats cooked over charcoal with side dish
•    Dessert

The lunch is accompanied by a tasting of 5 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG wines.

Platinum tasting

The lunch consists of 5 courses:

•    Appetizers of typical Brescian cured meats, savory pies, zucchini frittatina and sweet and sour vegetables
•    Risotto with Franciacorta wine Tenuta Ambrosini DOCG
•    Brescian spit of mixed meats cooked on the grill with side dishes
•    Cheese board from the Brescian valleys paired with Franciacorta RISERVA "Lorenzo Ambrosini" vintage 2011 DOCG
•    Sweet

The lunch is accompanied by the tasting of 6 Franciacorta Tenuta Ambrosini wines including the Eccellente Riserva 2011.

The visit with lunch has a total duration of about 3 hours and is ideal for groups and families, but also to have a romantic lunch with your partner. At the end of the experience it will be possible to go to the wine shop.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

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.