Top Things to Do in Lake Como: Italy’s Understated Gem

Lake Como—a serene speck on Italy’s map, cradled by steep hills, elegant villas, and romantic towns—is a place of soulful beauty and timeless charm. Whether you’re seeking slow-morning walks or stately garden tours, here’s how to savor every moment with top things to do in Lake Como.

Why Lake Como Should Be on Every Traveler’s Radar

Lake Como has long been Italy’s best-kept open secret. While destinations like Venice, Florence, and Rome often grab the spotlight, Lake Como quietly offers one of the most enchanting escapes in Europe. Nestled against the foothills of the Alps, its shimmering waters reflect snowcapped peaks, Renaissance villas, and charming pastel-colored villages. 

Unlike Italy’s more crowded hotspots, Lake Como delivers a slower rhythm, where life moves gracefully with ferry rides, leisurely walks, and evenings on candlelit terraces. It’s a destination where luxury and authenticity converge—a place both for Hollywood stars and for travelers seeking genuine Italian culture. No wonder it’s consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful lakes, even if it’s often overlooked by first-time visitors.

Top Things to Do in Lake Como

1. Cruise the Lake by Private Boat

Floating across the glassy waters on a private boat is pure Lake Como magic. You glide past opulent villas, scalloped gardens, and hillside towns framed by green slopes. It’s intimate, elegant, and quintessentially Italian. Travelers often say “chartering is the way to go” for a memorable, luxurious experience, ideally paired with champagne and pastries.

2. Discover Bellagio & Varenna

Bellagio, perched mid-lake where the arms of Como meet, is famed for its flower-strewn lanes and panoramic viewpoints. Wander through Piazza della Chiesa, visit Villa Serbelloni’s botanical gardens, or climb to Punta Spartivento for sweeping views. Varenna, opposite Bellagio, charms with its Walk of Lovers, stair-lined lanes, and peaceful ambiance—perfect for gelato by the water.

3. Visit Stunning Villas & Gardens

Villa del Balbianello, with its wraparound terraces and cinematic pedigree (“Star Wars,” “Casino Royale”), is a must-see. Combine it with a ferry ride and gardens stroll for a stately half-day. Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi offer additional garden-filled splendor, each with stories sculpted into their landscapes.

4. Go for Leisurely Walks and Hidden Adventures

Take it slow: stroll along the lakeside in Menaggio, indulge in a gelato, or venture onto a scenic hiking trail. The Greenway walk between Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta offers both views and pastoral calm.

5. Take a Day Trip into the Alps

From Lake Como, the dramatic landscapes of the Alps are within easy reach. Venture into the mountain passes and alpine villages where crisp air, sweeping views, and hearty regional cuisine await. This detour offers a striking contrast to the lake’s serene elegance and is perfect for travelers who crave both tranquility and adventure.

6. Step into Verona – The City of Romeo & Juliet

A bit farther afield, Verona offers a romantic and historical extension to your Lake Como stay. Known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the city brims with Renaissance architecture, a well-preserved Roman arena, and charming piazzas. It’s a city where love and history intertwine beautifully.

A Glimpse at Nada’s Italy Lake Como & Piemonte Tour

Nada’s Italy’s Lake Como & Piemonte Tour spans 11 days and 10 nights—starting in Milan and ending in Turin—and offers an immersive northern-Italy journey with a perfect blend of scenic elegance, culinary charm, and history.

• Milan – Kick off in style with a night in Italy’s fashion and art capital, where centuries of history meet cutting-edge design. 
• Lake Como (4 nights) – Stay in graceful lakeside accommodations, cruise the lake in private boats, and enjoy private walking tours of historic villas. This tour truly captures the beauty and tranquility of one of Italy’s most romantic destinations.
• Swiss Alps & the Bernina Express – One of the highlights is the ride aboard the Bernina Express, consistently rated among the world’s most scenic train journeys. The route winds through towering alpine peaks, glacial valleys, and viaducts with jaw-dropping views that leave travelers speechless. Experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage railway is more than just a train ride—it’s an immersion into the grandeur of the Alps.
• Piemonte – Le Langhe (3 nights) – Explore Alba, the capital of white truffles, known also for chocolate and its lively markets. Here, the itinerary celebrates the flavors of the land—winery tours, truffle hunting, and farm-to-table culinary experiences. This region is the soul of slow food and refined tastes.
• Torino (2 nights) – End the journey in Turin, the first capital of a unified Italy. Known for its baroque palaces, grand squares, and café culture, Torino elegantly blends its regal past with modern dynamism. Walking its streets is like stepping into both history and innovation at once.

Included in this Tour:

• Small groups only (max 12 travelers)
• Highly praised, full-time Tour Leader from beginning to end
• Private transfers in Mercedes Executive vans
• Meals (breakfasts, select lunches and dinners) with wine included
• Expert logistics: priority entrance, tips, fees, service, and an A+ rated customer service

Why Nada’s Italy Small-Group Tours Shine

Looking for an Italian escape that blends tranquility with authenticity, without any stress? That’s Nada’s Italy.

• Personalized Pace in Small Groups
  With just up to 12 travelers, Nada’s Italy creates an intimate atmosphere—perfect for making connections and experiencing places more authentically. (Read more about the Benefits of Small Group Tours.)
• Hassle-Free, Hidden-Gem Discoveries
  Skip the queues and tourist traps. Your local guides handle everything from entrances to meal reservations, while you simply wander, taste, and soak in the moment.
• Authentic Encounters & Culinary Journeys
  Imagine truffle hunts in forest trails, farm-to-table cooking on family farms, and wine tasting among rolling vineyards. That’s just a taste of the regionally immersive experiences included.
• Peace of Mind from Start to Finish
  From seamless transportation to expert coordinators who manage every little detail (and special perks like no bag limits), Nada’s Italy handles the logistics so you can savor the journey.
• Trusted by Real Travelers
  Glowing 5-star reviews consistently highlight Nada’s Italy’s personalized service, seamless logistics, and transformative travel experiences. Guests often say it feels less like a tour and more like traveling with close friends who know all the hidden gems.
  🌟See why travelers Love us!

In Summary

Lake Como is a timeless dreamscape—villa-dotted waters, fragrant gardens, alpine adventures, and romantic towns beckon. Whether you’re charting your own course (with ferry maps and private boats) or joining a thoughtfully crafted Lake Como & Piemonte Tour with Nada’s Italy, you’re in for stunning vistas, cultural treasures, and memories to last.

Ready to explore more? Discover Nada’s Italy’s small-group offerings for stress-free, soul-nourishing journeys. Or, let us curate a custom private trip, just for you and your group!

With over 20 years of curating trips to Italy and receiving all 5-star reviews, Nada’s Italy is a brand that you can trust. Whether it’s your first or fifth trip to Italy, with Nada’s Italy, every day feels like arriving home—even when you’re halfway across the world.

👉 Have more questions about your dream trip to Italy? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions or explore our blogs.

📧 Contact us at: info@nadasitaly.com
🌍 Explore our tours: www.nadasitaly.com
📞 Call us: +1 (877) 959-8365

📌 Follow us for travel inspiration!
📷 Instagram: @nadasitaly
📘 Facebook: Nada’s Italy
💼 LinkedIn: Nada’s Italy