Our trips to Lake Como are designed to include a mix of guided sightseeing and free time so you can see everything on your Lake Como wish list. Here are some can’t-miss things to do on our tours of Lake Como.

• Take a boat cruise. It’s one of the can’t-miss excursions on tour in Italy! Staffer Claudia agrees that it was one of her highlights from her tour of Lake Como. “The best way to experience Lake Como is by boat, and the Lake Como Cruise excursion is a must,” she said. “You hop on a small cruise with your group and get to spend the afternoon exploring beautiful lakeside villages like Bellagio, and marveling at some of Italy’s most stunning estates, including George Clooney’s breathtaking Villa Oleandra.”
• Stroll along the Lake Como Greenway. If you enjoy taking in striking views while you walk, this nature path is one for the books. Beginning in Colonno, the path takes walkers through a few of Lake Como’s villages, past colorful gardens, and of course, past stunning villas. You won’t want the trail to end!
• Shop on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi. If you’re looking for a place to shop for authentic, local goods, this road—the main road of Bellagio’s Old Town—is where you’ll want to begin.
• Take in the views from Punta Spartivento. If you’re a bit tired after your shopping trip in the Old Town, this viewing point in Bellagio is the perfect place to slow down and take in more beauty. The foot bridge out onto the lake will give you a 360-degree view of the lake’s famous “branches.”
• Walk along Sentiero del Viandante. Craving more nature walks? Good, because we have another one for you! This path on the eastern coast of the lake dates back to the Roman period and has some interesting spots for you to stop along the way, including the Castle of Vezio that sits on a hilltop overlooking the lake.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit the Lake Como area is from April to October, when the weather is warm and mild. But, like traveling in Italy, the best time to travel on tours to Lake Como depends on factors such as your ideal weather and whether you want to experience any cultural events that take place during certain times of year.

For more tips on choosing the best time of year for travel to Lake Como, check out our Ultimate Lake Como Travel Guide.

Dozens of spectacular sights await travelers on Lake Como tours. Here are a few you can see while traveling on our Lake Como guided tours.

• Bellagio. We visit the charming hilltop town of Bellagio on our tour of Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice for a reason! Bellagio is right on the tip of land where the two “branches” of the lake come together and has earned its title as the Pearl of Lake Como. It’s famous for its villas along the water, narrow cobblestone pathways, and boutiques selling local food, perfumes, leather goods, and keepsakes.
• Villa Carlotta. Located in the town of Tremezzina, right across the lake from Bellagio, this impressive 17-acre property features ornate gardens, an on-site museum, and sweeping views of Lake Como.
• The Como-Brunate Funicular. Want to keep soaking in gorgeous views of the lake? Look no further than the funicular railway that connects the city of Como with the village of Brunate. It made its first journey in 1894; today it runs dozens of times daily for tourists and locals alike.
• Forte di Fuentes. If you’re a history buff, these hilltop ruins—among the few remains of Spanish domination in this area—are a must-see.
• Villa del Balbianello. Consisting of two residential buildings, a church, a terrace, and elaborate gardens, this spot has made cameos in many famous films. Head inside during your free time while on tour in Lake Como and you’ll be surrounded by sculptures, artifacts, and glass paintings.

Lake Como tours can include everything from casual strolls through charming towns to cruises to meals at elegant restaurants. You’ll be ready with these essentials in your suitcase.

• A bathing suit. Travelers on summertime Lake Como tours won’t want to miss taking a dip in the lake’s cool waters.  
• Comfortable walking shoes. The Lake Como area is laced with scenic walking paths, and sensible shoes will make exploring all the more enjoyable.
• Light layers. On our tours of Lake Como you can experience a variety of temperatures and weather conditions, from bright sun to light rain to wind. You’ll be ready for anything with a light jacket or wrap in tow.
• Sunscreen. The sun can be strong in Italy, so bring a hat, sunglasses, a light wrap, and sunscreen.

Italy serves up some of the best food in the world, and our Lake Como tour packages include opportunities to sample Italian classics and regional, Lombardian specialties alike. Here are several to try while traveling on our Lake Como trips.

• Polenta. This dish originated in Lombardy (the region of Italy where Lake Como is located) and is a must-try. Polenta is boiled cornmeal that can be served hot and creamy, or as a loaf once it has had time to solidify. It has a mild flavor, so is often topped with delicious cheese, cooked vegetables, and sauces.
• Risotto alla Milanesa. This simple yet sophisticated dish gets its bold yellow color from the addition of saffron.
• Tortelli di zucca. This pumpkin-stuffed pasta dish is available year-round in the Lombardy region of Italy. Made with fresh pumpkin puree, a blend of spices, Parmesan, crushed amaretti biscuits, and candied fruits, this delicate balance of sweet and savory is what makes the dish unique.
• Torrone. You will find that nougat is a popular dessert or snack in many European countries. The Lombardy region is known for its “Torrone di Cremona.” There’s even a celebration in Cremona in honor of this sweet treat made with honey, almonds, and vanilla.
• Panettone. Filled with candied fruit, almonds, and honey, this festive bread is usually served around Christmastime in Italy. You can find it at European Christmas markets, but be sure you try it while you’re in Lombardy, where it originated.
• Gelato. If you ask us, no trip to Italy is complete with a cone or cup teeming with this beloved Italian treat. Staffer Claudia recalls, “When summer starts, there are so many gelaterias to choose from… Don’t forget to add a delicious waffle cookie to the gelato of your choice!”

Wondering what to wash it all down with? Check out our Ultimate Lake Como Travel Guide for tips on what to drink →

One of the best ways to get around Lake Como is by boat. We recommend taking a boat ride (or two!) to take in everything this spectacular region has to offer. Once you’ve docked, the best way to get around the small lakeside towns is on foot.