Activities in Lake Como

Culture

One of Italy’s most prestigious and romantic lakes, Lake Como is a place for relaxation and indulgence. Beautiful turquoise waters are surrounded by traditional Venetian villas and attractive lakeside villages.

Sip a macchiato outside one of the many cafes and dream of owning one of the villas in the distance. Get to know the locals in one of the bars in Cadenabbia or head along to cosmopolitan Menaggio and devour a 4 course meal overlooking the pretty piazza. To find the buzz, catch the ferry across to Bellagio where you can wander into the endless artisan shops before settling down in one of George Clooney’s favourite watering holes for a well earned Spritz.

The Gardens of Villa Carlotta are not to be missed. And for the film buff, you can visit the 16th century Villa Balbianello, used as Mr White’s hideaway in Casino Royale. For the adrenalin junkies maybe a high speed boat trip on the lake is more your thing, or how about paragliding from the top of the mountain?

Why not try -

• Flying around the lake on a speed boat - get your binoculars ready for spotting the glitterati
• Head to one of the lakeside lidos to cool off from the midday sun
• Take a cable car up to the local village of Brunate for fantastic views
• Take a trip to Como town and discover its medieval walls, Renaissance palazzi and the 11th century cathedral
• Head out on a mountain biking tour and explore the surrounding hills

Boat tour of Villa Balbianello (Sun) from £34
This trip by private boat will show you Villa Balbianello on the Lavedo promontory. Visit the 18th Century villa that overlooks Lake Como. Famous for beautiful and elaborate gardens, the James Bond film Casino Royale used the villa for location shooting.

St Moritz & Bernina Express (Mon) from £49
Travel over the panoramic Maloja Pass to Switzerland. Here you board the Bernina Express train on which you will take in amazing views. St Moritz, the world famous, exclusive Swiss resort is set beside a lake and surrounded by magnificent mountains.

Lake Orta and Stesa Tour (Thurs) from £51
A full day tour with a drive to Lake Orta followed by a visit to the elegant town of Stresa on Lake Maggiore.

Bergamo Guided Tour (Fri) from £45
Visit one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Northern Italy. The trip includes a guided tour around Bergamo followed by free time to stroll along the cobbled lanes full of art and crafts shops.

Milan City Tour (Tues) from £39
Spend a day in Milan, a city of history, music, fashion and shopping. The city is best known for its mighty Duomo and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie housing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper. Also worth a visit are the impressive Sforzesco Castle and La Scala Opera Museum.