Enjoy a luxury experience by cruising around Lake Como on a vintage Riva boat, an iconic style loved by celebrities. These tours often include champagne and the option for custom routes, stopping in scenic lake villages. Options vary in length and amenities, with some including meals at exclusive lakefront restaurants.

Discover the secrets of Italian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class in Bellagio. You’ll learn how to make classic Italian dishes with fresh, local ingredients, guided by professional chefs. The experience usually ends with a shared meal of the dishes you created, making it both a culinary lesson and a memorable meal.

This stunning villa, known for its appearance in films like James Bond and Star Wars, features breathtaking terraced gardens and incredible lake views. You can book a guided tour of the villa and gardens, accessible by private boat or a short walk from Lido di Lenno. It’s perfect for photography and exploring unique historical artifacts.

Overlooking Lake Como from the hills of Varenna, Castello di Vezio offers panoramic views and the chance to experience falconry demonstrations at sunset. The castle itself dates back centuries and includes medieval dungeons, a lookout tower, and lovely gardens.

For sweeping lake views, take the scenic Funicolare from Como up to Brunate. It’s a short but scenic ride, and once at the top, you can enjoy views of the lake and Alps, with options to hike or dine at one of the restaurants in Brunate. This is a great, low-cost way to experience the landscape from above.

Located in Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is famous for its botanical gardens and exquisite art collection, including sculptures and paintings. A guided tour provides insight into the villa’s history and its botanical treasures, making it a must-visit for art and nature lovers alike.

Experience Italian arts at Teatro Sociale in Como, where you can attend opera, ballet, or theater performances in an elegant historic setting. This venue provides an immersive cultural experience and an opportunity to see a different side of Italian heritage.

Explore the nearby vineyards of Domaso, where you can sample locally-produced wines while learning about winemaking traditions in Lombardy. Many tours include visits to cellars and tastings of regional specialties paired with wines, offering a deep dive into Italian winemaking.

The gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio are a botanical haven with rare plants, statues, and beautiful views of the lake. Visitors can stroll through its beautifully manicured gardens and explore the small museum showcasing Italian Renaissance artifacts.

Lake Como’s only island, Isola Comacina, offers a mix of history, archaeology, and local dining. The island features Roman ruins and ancient churches, and visitors can dine at the Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, a well-known lakeside restaurant serving traditional fare.

Try authentic Italian gelato at Gelab, a highly-rated gelato shop in Como offering a range of innovative flavors. A perfect treat after a day of sightseeing, it’s known for using natural ingredients and creating vegan-friendly options too.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grigna mountains offer various trails with spectacular lake views, from beginner paths to more challenging routes. It’s a fantastic way to see the region’s natural beauty, especially in spring or fall when the trails are less crowded.

These experiences combine Lake Como’s natural beauty, Italian culture, and culinary highlights, allowing you to explore the lake’s charm in unique and memorable ways.