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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get ready for a divrtente Vespa ride on the shores of Lake Como from Varenna, discovering all its wonders.

The excursion starts in Varenna and continues to Vezio Castle, a medieval fortress with breathtaking views. From there, you will continue to two scenic spots of rare beauty: the town of Esino Lario, known as "The Pearl of the Grigne," and the Agueglio Pass.

Before returning to Varenna, you will travel two more stops: the Villa de Vecchi, long abandoned and surrounded by mystery, and the Bellano gorge, a visually striking place sculpted by the force of water.

The tour lasts a full day, with the opportunity to taste local wines and have lunch at a typical local restaurant.

Price includes vehicle rental and insurance, with full/full policy. A credit card or 500€ deposit is required as a guarantee.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.