Lake Como Experiences

Alluring Lake Como is known for its inviting blue waters surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. An upscale resort frequented by global leaders and celebrities for some relaxation time, Lake Como is a jewel in northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Small towns and villages line the Y-shaped lake, which is filled with grand villas, cultural gems and waterfront restaurants. Considered by many to be the globe’s most beautiful lake, visits to Lake Como bring world-class views from every angle. The perfect Italian hideaway that provides an opportunity to feel revitalised while living the good life, Lake Como is a holiday spot like no other.

Select an experience below to find out more.

Boat Tour of Lake Como & Comacina Island

An experience that allows you to explore the very best of Lake Como from the pristine waters, enjoy incredible views and discovering lesser known secrets on this extraordinary half day cruise.

We’ll depart from Tremezzo at 10:15 by boat to start our illustrious voyage around Lake Como. As we cruise along, your guide will give a full commentary of the scenery and dazzling localities we pass. In particular, the journey will take you past many of Lake Como’s most famous villas. This includes Villa del Balbianello – the former residence of an Italian explorer and a filming location for James Bond’s Casino Royale. Our tour will also pass near Villa Oleandra and Villa Margherita – George Clooney’s properties – as well as Villa Fontanelle at Moltrasio, which was Gianni Versace’s former residence. We’ll also go past the awe-inspiring Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, which dates back to 1538, and has more recently been voted the world’s best hotel.

After a morning of exploring the lake’s impressive villas and soaking up the majestic scenery, we’ll make our way to Comacina Island. This tiny island is wooded with delightful trees and has just a handful of buildings on it, including a cluster of artists’ houses, a restaurant and a café. There are also some fascinating archaeological sites to explore. It’s the perfect place to stop at the end of our boat trip for a drink while overlooking enchanting lake views. Afterwards, we’ll make the return boat journey to Tremezzo.

Operates on a Wednesday from 30 May – 18 September. Prices from £64 per person. Ferry tickets not included.  Other departure areas are on request such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

St Moritz & Bernina Express

Making the most of Lake Como’s proximity to Switzerland, this tour takes you to see alluring lakes and graceful glaciers in the Swiss Alps.

This full day tour departs Como at 6:45 or Tremezzo at 7:35, after which we’ll travel by coach along the northern edge of Lake Como. We’ll stop in the pretty Italian town of Tirano – which borders Switzerland – for a coffee, before travelling across the border. As we continue into Switzerland, we’ll reach the town of Poschiavo, where our mode of transport will change. The Bernina Express is a train that follows a route through such incredible scenery, it has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll join the train at Poschiavo for an hour-long journey to Diavolezza – widely said to be one of the most dazzling stretches of the railway’s route. In particular, we’ll travel past the White Lake, Black Lake and multiple towering glaciers.

After this spectacular train journey, we’ll continue by coach from Diavolezza to St Moritz. A world-famous holiday and ski resort on the southern side of the Alps, we’ll soak up the natural beauty found in abundance in St Moritz, including the numerous and crystal clear mountain lakes.

After this enchanting visit, we’ll gradually make our way back to Lake Como, stopping at Chiavenna along the way. This historic Italian town is the perfect place to have a stroll and enjoy some free time before our return to Como and Tremezzo.

Operates on a Monday. Prices from £77 per person. Ferry tickets not included. Other departure areas are on request such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

Como and Lugano

Providing an opportunity to explore an elegant Italian town and a bewitching Swiss locality, this day long tour offers the best of both worlds of two neighbouring countries.

We’ll depart by bus at 9:00 from Tremezzo or meet in Como at 10:00 for the Italian start of the tour. Here we’ll learn more about the history and culture of Como, while enjoying the glorious scenery at every twist and turn. In particular, we’ll take in the square that faces the lake, offering wonderful photo opportunities. We’ll continue on to Como Cathedral, which is widely described as being the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Italy. Although construction of the cathedral began in 1396, it wasn’t completed until 1770. As well as its architectural and religious significance, the interior is also home to some important tapestries and paintings. After walking through Como’s other streets of historic significance, we’ll continue by bus for the second leg of our journey.

After less than an hour’s journey, we’ll reach Lugano in Switzerland to explore another majestic lake-side town. Highlights in Lugano include Via Nassa, a chic shopping street filled with everything from boutiques to antique book stores. Piazza della Riforma is the town’s main square – an ideal spot for a snack or drink. Parco CIani is a local favourite worth visiting, as this tranquil lake-side park also offers excellent views of Lugano town. We’ll also enjoy a boat journey to the town of Porlezza for some free time to explore the glorious beach, shops and cafés.

Operates on a Friday. Prices from £67 per person. Ferry tickets not included. Other departures on request such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

Villa del Balbianello

This half day tour is all about exploring one of the most exquisite villas on Lake Como.

Departing at 15:15 from Tremezzo, we’ll make our way directly to Villa del Balbianello by boat. Located at the tip of a peninsula that is otherwise filled with glorious trees, our approach to the villa already gives a sense of its exclusive position on the lake. Today the villa belongs to the F.A.I. – the Italian equivalent of the National Trust – but the property has a long and illustrious history.

The site was formerly a 13^th century Franciscan monastery, which was converted into a villa by a cardinal of the Roman Catholic church in the 1700s. The villa passed into different hands over the years until it was sold to Count Guido Monzino in 1974.

Monzino was an explorer and the leader of the first Italian expedition up Mount Everest. He redecorated the interior of the villa during his ownership, adding in objects that related to his many expeditions. He also furnished it with Georgian and French antique furniture, Beauvais tapestries, oriental carpets, Chinese porcelain and reverse-glass paintings. Monzino also made a fascinating change to the layout of the building in the form of a series of hidden passages, as he feared assassination attempts.

When you visit Villa del Balbianello on this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the villa as it was left after Count Guido Monzino passed away, together with its enchanting gardens overlooking the lake.

Operates on a Sunday. Prices from £58 per person. Ferry tickets not included. Other departures on request such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

Milan City Tour

A design, fashion and artistic capital of the world, enjoy a day trip to Milan while holidaying in Lake Como.

This full day tour departs from Tremezzo at 8:30 or Como at 8:45, when we’ll make the hour-long journey to Milan by coach. An expert guide will introduce you to some of the most prominent sights of the city, starting with Storfza Castle. Built by Francesco Storfza – the 15^th century Duke of Milan – it was later enlarged to become one of the largest citadels in Europe, as well as the greatest Renaissance monument in Milan. It is now a hub of activity in the city, home to multiple museums and art collections, from the Egyptian Museum to the Museum of Rondanini Pietà, which showcases Michelangelo’s very last sculpture – the Rondanini Pietà.

After this, our tour will continue on to Milan’s historic centre, where your guide will take you to all the well-known highlights, while letting you in on secrets of the city too. One of our most popular stops on this part of the tour is La Scala opera house. Dating back to 1778, most of the world’s operatic greats have performed here. There is also a museum within La Scala, with an array of costumes, paintings and historical documents just waiting to be discovered.

At the end of the guided tour, you’ll have some free time to stroll around the city centre and make the most of the shops in this fashion capital.

Operates on a Tuesday. Prices from £70 per person. Ferry tickets not included and passport is required. Other departure areas on request such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia.

Lake Orta & Stresa

A day long tour taking you to the best spots in the lakes neighbouring Lake Como, embark on this tour to soak up beguiling scenery and pretty lake-side communities.

We’ll depart by bus from Tremezzo at 8:10 or Como at 8:45 and make our way directly to Orta San Giulio – a charming town on the banks of Lake Orta overlooking the island of San Giulio. With streets too narrow for cars, this is an enchanting place to stroll around on foot, while exploring the shops, restaurants and bars lining the cobbled lanes. Sooner or later your path will lead to Piazza Motta – a wide open square overlooking the lake and island of San Giulio. The square is nicknamed ‘salotto’ – meaning ‘drawing room’ – because it is such a beautiful place to simply sit and watch both people and nature.

After we’ve had plenty of time to soak up the rhythm of life in Orta San Giulio, we’ll continue to Lake Maggiore by coach, travelling straight to the town of Stresa. Known for its pristine palazzos, villas, charming fishing port and botanic garden, this is a lake-side town that has a little something for everyone. As well as enjoying Stresa, we’ll embark on a private boat journey to the Borromean Island of Isola Bella. Home to Palazzo Borromeo and it’s world-renowned gardens, this is an island with an illustrious history and postcard-perfect appearance where time stands still and magic comes alive.

After returning to the mainland, we’ll make our return journey to Lake Como.

Operates on a Friday. Ferry tickets not included. Prices from £78 per person. Other departures such as Bellagio and Cadenabbia on request.

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