The 20 best things to do in Lake Como, Italy

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.

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.

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.

Take a friendly walk with alpacas on the Serio River in Romano di Lombardia in the province of Bergamo.

Before starting the walk there will be a small briefing to get to know these docile and curious animals.

The walk begins at the ranch and continues through the landscape of the Serio River Park, before arriving at the river, a protected natural area rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

During the experience you can take souvenir photos with your new friends. 

An alpaca will be delivered for each adult couple.

Children, up to age 7, participate in the walk free of charge and must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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).

Mini intensive mixing course with aperitif in Milan, which includes a single 2-hour meeting, with guided cocktail preparation and final tasting.

You will learn the basics of bartending technique starting with the essential tools(shaker, jigger, strainer) and their proper use. You will delve into drink balance, classic recipe structure and Build mixing technique, learning when and how to apply it. You will work on raw materials: spirits, vermouth, bitters, fresh juices and ice, with attention to dosage, storage and quality of ingredients.

Cocktails prepared during the course will be tasted during an aperitif.

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

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 horseback ride, starting from Viggiù, a town in the province of Varese near the Swiss border, will take you through the territories of Monte Orsa, along the Cadorna Line, a place rich in history.

The experience begins with a short briefing of about 15 minutes that aims to get to know the horse and hang some basic rules for your own safety and that of the horse. After the briefing is over, you will leave the facility in the direction of the Cadorna Line and Monte Orsa.

During the walk, in addition to being able to admire nature and the splendid view of Lake Ceresio, also known as Lake Lugano, you will see the trenches and fortresses of the Cadorna Line. The guide will tell you some anecdotes regarding the area and, in particular, concerning the history of the defensive line, which became famous during the First World War.

For those who want, the experience does not end once you return to the facility. In fact, it is also possible to purchase an aperitif that includes a drink and appetizers.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs, please contact the facility directly for the aperitif.

Discover Como Brianza, near Lake Como, on horseback and immerse yourself in the woods of the beautiful hills at the base of the Larian Triangle, between the lakes of Montorfano and Alserio.

The horseback trail is at a walking pace, suitable for beginners or those climbing into the saddle for the first time.

Private or group rides for up to 12 people are available. For groups from 7 people, a 30-minute field lesson will be given before departure.

Long pants and sneakers are required. Protective equipment of helmet and back protector will be provided by the riding school and is included in the price of the walk.

Nature walk with views of Lake Maggiore, departing from Taino. 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.

Wine tasting of Ronchi Varesini wines and vineyard visit in Albizzate è a wonderful experience.

The tour will begin with a visit to the vineyards and description of pruning techniques, grape varieties and their cultivation, and harvesting and winemaking; è including an explanation of the Ronchi Varesini PGI and history of Varese wine, possibly with a Power Point lecture projection on the subject.  

Then follows the sensory experience with guided tasting. During the tasting you will taste two wines and they will be accompanied by breadsticks and taralli.

Depending on weather conditions, the tasting will be either in the tasting room or on the terrace or vineyard.

When booking, you will be able to select a small extra cutting board that will include a sampling of cured meats and cheeses.
 

Become a cheesemaker for a day and taste aged cheeses on an authentic farm in the Novara region of Italy.

You will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in farm life and participate firsthand in all stages of cheesemaking.

Upon your arrival at the farm, you will begin the complete cheese-making process, taking part in each step, accompanied by clear and detailed explanations:

•    milk loading
•    curdling and fermentation
•    manual extraction and shaping of the cheese
•    start of stewing

After work at the dairy, a tasty natural snack of yogurt and fresh cheese will await you.

Next, you will participate in a workshop on aged cheeses, during which you will make some of the farm's typical aged cheeses, such as the famous wine cheese.

To end the day, you will enjoy a selection of aged cheeses served buffet style and accompanied by carefully matched wines.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, you can contact the facility following your reservation.

The horseback ride, starting from Viggiù, a town in the province of Varese near the Swiss border, will take you through the territories of Monte Orsa, along the Cadorna Line, a place rich in history.

The experience begins with a short briefing of about 15 minutes that aims to get to know the horse and hang some basic rules for your own safety and that of the horse. After the briefing is over, you will leave the facility in the direction of the Cadorna Line and Monte Orsa.

During the walk, in addition to being able to admire nature and the splendid view of Lake Ceresio, also known as Lake Lugano, you will see the trenches and fortresses of the Cadorna Line. The guide will tell you some anecdotes regarding the area and, in particular, concerning the history of the defensive line, which became famous during the First World War.

For those who want, the experience does not end once you return to the facility. In fact, it is also possible to purchase an aperitif that includes a drink and appetizers.

In case of allergies or specific dietary needs, please contact the facility directly for the aperitif.

Lunch at Il Barchetto agritourism on Lake Orta allows you to escape daily stress by experiencing a relaxing moment in the mountains surrounding one of Italy's most romantic lakes.

The agritourism was born from the ruins of a 19th-century barn and since 2010 has been an elegant fusion of old-fashioned rusticism and contemporary comforts, without compromising its history.

You can enjoy dishes prepared with local, wholesome agricultural products by choosing from several options.

Basic menu (2 courses)

This option includes:

•    House antipasti
•    Two samples of homemade pasta dishes

Full menu (2 courses)

If you choose this option, you will enjoy:

•    Two homemade pasta dishes OR house appetizers.
•    One second course of meat derived from the farm with a side dish

Tasting menu

The tasting menu includes:

•    House antipasti
•    Two homemade first courses
•    One second course of meat derived from the farm with side dish

Children's menu

For the little ones, the menu includes:

•    Pasta
•    Steak with potatoes

Cover charge and drinks are not included and will have to be purchased on site.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, it is possible to contact the facility after booking.

Enjoy an authentic and engaging experience with this tasting at a craft brewery overlooking the picturesque Lake Maggiore, just a stone's throw from Verbania.

You will be welcomed by the master brewer, who will lead you on a fascinating journey of discovery into the world of beer, passionately recounting the main stages of the production process, from grain milling to mashing, from boiling to fermentation and finally to isobaric bottling, which best preserves the characteristics of each beer.

At the end of the visit, you can enjoy five different carefully selected craft beers, accompanied by a rich platter of local cured meats and cheeses, for a combination of authentic flavors and conviviality.

For any food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the facility directly after booking.

Become a farmer for a day and participate in a tasting of local products at a farm in the Novara region of Italy.

Through this experience, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in farm life and spend a day in close contact with friendly animals.

Once you arrive at the farm, you will participate in milking the goats, either by hand or with the help of machinery.

Afterwards, you will feed the animals and collect and arrange the eggs. Any extra seasonal activities are also planned, such as harvesting vegetables in the garden during the summer.

To conclude this experience, you will taste local products accompanied by selected wines.

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the facility after booking.

Nature walk with views of Lake Maggiore, departing from Taino. 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.

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

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.

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.

Discover the mountains in winter with a snowshoe hike through whitewashed forests and alpine views of the Bobbio Plains.

You will walk with snowshoes along trails suitable for everyone, including children, accompanied in the snowy nature. The hike lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes and is perfect for groups of friends or families.

At the end of the snowshoe hike you can have lunch at the hut (to be paid locally).

You must show up with appropriate clothing for the weather conditions: gloves, jacket, goggles, sun mask, sunscreen.

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.

Discover the mountains of Foppolo with a snowmobile tour in the province of Bergamo. An experienced guide will take you through the magnificent landscapes of the Orobian Alps starting in Foppolo and continuing the tour to Carona.

Leaving from Baita Belfud for 5 or 6:30 p.m., you will ascend with the snowmobiles guided by you to an altitude of 2,200 meters to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alps at sunset and take photos. Afterwards, you will reach a mountain hut to have an aperitif at high altitude with your guide and the rest of the group.

Snowmobiles can accommodate up to 2 people. To drive a snowmobile you must be at least 18 years old and have a category B driving license. It is not compulsory to drive the snowmobile; you can book the excursion and be carried as a passenger.

Suitable winter clothing with waterproof clothing is recommended.

Excursions will be guaranteed when 3 snowmobiles are reached, otherwise the reservation may be subject to change. Excursions are also subject to change due to weather conditions.

Horseback riding among the vineyards in Franciacorta near Lake Iseo from Corte Franca will provide a unique activity immersed in the tranquility of nature.

Available rides are 1 or 2 hours and extend through local vineyards passing through villages and some of the most renowned wineries such as Berlucchi.

The walks are suitable for all levels of experience, and the instructor will teach you the basics of riding as well as accompany you throughout the itinerary.

Sportswear with long pants and closed shoes is required to participate in the activity.

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.

Take a friendly walk with alpacas on the Serio River in Romano di Lombardia in the province of Bergamo.

Before starting the walk there will be a small briefing to get to know these docile and curious animals.

The walk begins at the ranch and continues through the landscape of the Serio River Park, before arriving at the river, a protected natural area rich in biodiversity and pristine habitats.

During the experience you can take souvenir photos with your new friends. 

An alpaca will be delivered for each adult couple.

Children, up to age 7, participate in the walk free of charge and must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Discover the mountains of Foppolo with a snowmobile tour in the province of Bergamo. An experienced guide will take you through the magnificent landscapes of the Orobian Alps starting from Foppolo and continuing the tour toward Carona.

The departure is scheduled at 8:30 pm from Baita Belfud. Riding the snowmobiles you will ascend towards Passo della Croce and Val Carisole, which will offer you spectacular views.

To drive a snowmobile you must be at least 18 years old and have a category B driving license. It is not compulsory to drive the snowmobile, it is possible to book the excursion and be carried as passengers.

Finally, you will enjoy a typical multi-course dinner that includes appetizer, first course, second course and water. Extra drinks will be excluded. In case of special needs for dinner you need to communicate directly with the facility.

Dinner will be paid directly at the lodge. With the reservation of the experience the table is already reserved.

Suitable winter clothing with waterproof clothing is recommended.

Trips will be guaranteed upon reaching 3 snowmobiles, otherwise the reservation may be subject to change. The excursions are also subject to change due to weather conditions.

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).