The 20 best things to do in Lake Como, Italy

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.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Start from Cascina Sant’Andrea in Misinto and experience a one’hour horseback ride immersed in nature, accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you along picturesque wooded trails.

During the experience you will ride through Groane Park, discovering the pleasure of exploring the area from a different perspective in a group with other participants. From the first minutes you will get in tune with your horse, experiencing an’activity that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with animals.

The ride è suitable for both first-time riders and those who already have experience. The horses at the facility are selected for their balanced and reliable character, with options suitable for every level of training.

With the support of instructors, you can enjoy the course in total safety.

Dinner for 2 people on Lake Varese and overnight stay with breakfast included in Bodio Lomnago, in the province of Varese.

Program

Dinner opens the experience with a three-course menu at the Bottega Lombarda restaurant, built on seasonal ingredients. This is followed by a night for two at Hotel Equirelais, overlooking Lake Varese, with breakfast included the next morning.

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).

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

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.

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.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

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.

Dinner for 2 people on Lake Varese and overnight stay with breakfast included in Bodio Lomnago, in the province of Varese.

Program

Dinner opens the experience with a three-course menu at the Bottega Lombarda restaurant, built on seasonal ingredients. This is followed by a night for two at Hotel Equirelais, overlooking Lake Varese, with breakfast included the next morning.

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

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.

Indulge in a moment of pure relaxation at the Spa at the Tenuta de l'Annunziata, nestled in the beautiful setting of Lake Como.

During your 4-hour consecutive experience, you will have full access to all the spa's wellness areas, with kit included to make the most of every tranquil moment.

To make the experience even more special, you can choose the option with aperitif: you will be served a drink accompanied by delicious hot and cold finger food prepared by our Chef, to be enjoyed comfortably in the elegant Bistrot corner inside the spa.

Start from Cascina Sant’Andrea in Misinto and experience a one’hour horseback ride immersed in nature, accompanied by experienced instructors who will guide you along picturesque wooded trails.

During the experience you will ride through Groane Park, discovering the pleasure of exploring the area from a different perspective in a group with other participants. From the first minutes you will get in tune with your horse, experiencing an’activity that combines relaxation, adventure and contact with animals.

The ride è suitable for both first-time riders and those who already have experience. The horses at the facility are selected for their balanced and reliable character, with options suitable for every level of training.

With the support of instructors, you can enjoy the course in total safety.

Dinner for 2 people on Lake Varese and overnight stay with breakfast included in Bodio Lomnago, in the province of Varese.

Program

Dinner opens the experience with a three-course menu at the Bottega Lombarda restaurant, built on seasonal ingredients. This is followed by a night for two at Hotel Equirelais, overlooking Lake Varese, with breakfast included the next morning.

The canoe tour on Lake Orta is an experience that will allow you to rent a kayak, explore the serene waters of the Lake, and admire its magnificent views.

The tour will begin with a briefing, you will be explained in detail how to use the kayak, especially for those who are new to this activity.

Once the kayaks are prepared, you will dive into the waters of the lake to begin your adventure to discover a totally different perspective of the lake. Your guide will have you follow the shoreline in the direction of Orta, and in the first part of the route you will have the opportunity to admire the Pettenasco promenade that stretches along the lake, as well as the beautiful shores and small beaches. As you get deeper, the landscape will open up in front of you, giving us a 360-degree view of the most interesting points of Lake Orta. From this privileged position, you can simultaneously admire Orta, the Island of San Giulio, Mottarone, Pella and Madonna del Sasso. You will then spend, a few minutes relaxing to contemplate the view, after which you will quietly begin the return journey back to your starting point, enjoying the sun and the surrounding landscape.

Upon arrival, for those who wish, there will be an opportunity to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of this wonderful lake and you will be offered a glass of homemade sangria to recharge your batteries and end this wonderful kayaking experience in the best way possible!

Rent a 7-person boat equipped with a Mercury Pro 40 CV motor—which can be operated without a boat license—and set sail from Cernobbio to experience Lake Como in complete freedom. Rental options are available for various durations.

As you cruise across the lake, you’ll be able to admire some of the most iconic villas, such as Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s famous villa, Villa del Balbianello, and many other picturesque spots that make this area unique. Traveling by boat will allow you to easily reach villages, bays, and views that are hard to appreciate from the road.

Treat yourself to a stop at Isola Comacina, relax on the beaches along the lake’s shores, or take a dip in its crystal-clear waters. You’ll enjoy a day of relaxation and discovery, free from traffic and with complete freedom to explore Lake Como from its most authentic perspective.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Enjoy a wine tasting with a tour of a winery near Bergamo. You can tour the winery with a guided tasting of 4 wines or experience a more comprehensive tour that also includes the elegant villa of the Medolago Albani family and its historic chapel.

If you choose the full experience, you’ll step inside the Medolago Albani family’s splendid manor house, where history, art, and tradition intertwine in a journey brimming with charm. You’ll visit the chapel dating back to the 16th century and continue on to the historic winery, where you’ll discover the production processes for the wines and other products of the estate, concluding with a guided tasting of four selected wines.

Alternatively, you can choose an experience focused on the winery, visiting the production facilities and the charming historic chapel attached to the estate. Here, too, the tour concludes with a guided tasting of four selected wines—a perfect opportunity to explore the flavors and winemaking traditions of the region.

La Freschera is 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 is 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.