United States President John Fitzgerald Kennedy once stayed at the historic Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio. The castle is generally open from March through November. Culture Trip | 54,128 followers on LinkedIn. Many will spend a lifetime seeking it out time and time again for a peace and magnificence not found anywhere else. Youll find a similar array of pastel buildings, but in Menaggio, theyre separated by broader streets and larger squares. Perhaps the most impressive building in Como, if not the entire lake, is the magnificent Como Cathedral. Once you get to the top, panoramic views of the lake will open out in front of you! Voltas invention inspired and spurred further research into the scientific fields of chemistry, physics, medicine, and the modern technology we have access to today. 11 Como Cruises & boat tours. This makes it a great escape from the crowds of Bellagio, and one of our favorite things to do in Lake Como! The city is often considered among the most beautiful spots in the Lombardy region. If youre looking for a lake view at a bargain, this is where to find it! If your base village doesnt have any waterside bars or restaurants, enjoy a drink at one of the following before heading back to where youre staying. Bellano is easily accessible from Varenna via train, bus, and ferry. Within each of the towns on Lake Como, getting around on foot is the best method of transportation. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Be sure to plan your time accordingly during day 2 of your Lake Como Itinerary! While some villas are located in more secluded and remote areas, others are nestled in the heart of local villages or sit lakeside in all their grandeur. It was our good fortune that we were matched with Marina and that we were the only 2 tourists in her group. This tour allows you to feel with all your senses the, Youll join one of our hosts and enjoy a day out of the city together, relaxing in the paradise of Lake Como. A small wooded island in the western arm of Lake Como, Isola Comacina is an important historic site. Here, tucked amongst the base of craggy mountains dotted with green, visitors will find grand entertainment in the form of picturesque lakeside villas, top of the line spas, and leisure water sports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. The Breathtaking Scenery, Review of: Bellagio, the pearl of lake Como. Day 3: Lake Como Guided Day Trip Bellagio, Lake Como. We left with a lot of good memories and a new friend in Marina. We get it done. Despite being perched in the mountains, winters at Lake Como arent as frigid, and summers are not as sweltering as in other areas of a similar altitude! We do not represent World Nomads. After walking through the village, soak up the lakeside atmosphere with a gentle stroll along the waterfront promenade and stop for a cup of coffee with a view. The climate is mild and consistent, with small variations in temperature both daily and throughout the year. We are arriving at Lake Como on Wednesday - spending 5 nights in Menaggio and 3 in Bellano. One of the most important works of Italian literature, I promessi sposi (The Betrothed) by Alessandro Manzoni is set in the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, with many scenes taking place in the Lake Como area. Lake Como has inspired beauty and delight in its residents since the very first settlers were drawn to it centuries ago and it is still a popular, luxurious getaway for both the famous and everyday travelers who come from near and far. Culture Trip is your trusted shortcut to booking travel thats good, and makes you feel good. Here's the car ferry schedule which basically connects towns at the center of the lake. Doing so is a great way to learn more about the town and the lake! Paddling offers an enchanting combination of scenery, fun, and tranquillity, with a healthy dose of interesting stories and information if you decide to book a tour! The whole family agreed that it was our best day of our holiday visiting Lake Como. Ive included routes, times, and helpful tips for each stop, but feel free to switch my choices around! I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. Although it was once part of an ancient communication route running through the medieval village of Varenna, today it is a tourist favorite featuring a central tower, a functioning drawbridge, and surrounding olive trees, all of which make this castle one of the most picturesque in the area. Admire its vibrant streets, historic churches, and waterfront during the walking tour. Since the fortress is considered private property, tourists must check for availability well in advance of a visit. These privately owned boats allow you to carry out your Lake Como itinerary with greater flexibility but come with a higher price tag than public transport. Trees and vegetation are plentiful, and the views are wonderful. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Brunate is a tiny town set high up in the mountains above Como. Varenna is gorgeous. Not sure? We wanted to feel the nature, be out of the crowds and visit some true local places. Pack a picnic and some drinks or pay a visit to Restaurante La Punta. In Como, the Castle of Baradello is excellent for touring as well as taking in spectacular aerial views of the town below. Beautiful green plants tangle from the walls, trees arch overhead, and the path takes you through a charming tunnel of ivy. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_3").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); IN A RUSH? Generally speaking, Lake Como is a very safe place to visit. In-house teams work with this network to produce inspiring stories and travel recommendations for our site, app, newsletter, and social channels. Granted, it doesnt quite have the same charm as the small towns and villages at the lakes centre, but it does offer its own attractions and appeal! With roots stretching back to the 1100s, this tiny baroque-style church features some stunning paintings. A good option for sundowners in Bellagio is Ristorante La Terazza Belveder. A handful of the buildings are private, but most villas are open to visitors. Our USA-based team of Italian born travel experts have been hand crafting custom Italian vacations for over 15 years! The best views, however, will be enjoyed once you reach the top! As with pretty much anywhere on Earth, particularly where tourists congregate, theres always a slight risk of petty theft. Located just a 10-minute walk from the historic heart of Bellagio, this guest house offers affordable and comfortable accommodation on Lake Como. Here are the 20 best day trips to take while staying at lovely Lake Como - we have sorted them according to distance to make it easier for you. We have unreasonable ambitions for ourselves and our company. I got to see Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano, switzerland. Its a quaint and gorgeous lakeside paradise, steeped with a rich and far-reaching history. Avoid the hassle of planning. Short on time but still want to visit lake Como? 2023 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Youll pass through tunnels and rocky gorges as the city slowly recedes below. Our guide, Violetta, sets this tour apart from the rest. Resting on the shores of Varenna, Villa Monastero is a gorgeous lakeside villa complex, surrounded by a terraced botanical garden. Its a good spot to find a bit of nightlife in Lake Como if youre craving drinks and dancing! So, not so bad after all! Furthermore, the 2019 films Burnt Orange Heresy starring Mick Jagger and Donald Sutherland as well as Murder Mystery starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston were both filmed in Lake Como. Calmly discover the historical surroundings with, Best way to visit the area. Known as a peaceful fishing village, the hamlet is separated from Bellagio by a hill. Giovanni is so knowledgable and makes a great guide. Make the short journey on foot to The Tower of Rogaro, a medieval tower perched on a hill. Lake Como is quite unique in that it is surrounded by great hiking trails too, which are undeniably gorgeous. Most of the towns and villages around the lake arent prone to the usual dangers associated with big cities! Set on the slopes of Mount Tremezzo, the village offers many of the same charms as the other lakeside villages; A beautiful waterfront promenade, narrow alleyways, and historic buildings. Visiting Lake Como may not be an action-packed adventure, but we think its one of the most enchanting experiences of a lifetime! In one single platform, you can get inspired, and discover and book spot-on stays and experiences, and now also TRIPS by Culture Trip. The best route up to the castle can be found right next to Albergo Ristorante Montecodeno. Originally built in the 11th and 12th centuries, the now dilapidated castle is a beautiful and important historic site. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Pescallo may be quaint and peaceful, but its not lacking in recreation. Day 1: Bellagio Town Center | Punta Spartivento | Pescallo | Bellagio Water Sports | Menaggio | Sunset Drink Day 2: Varenna | Walk of Lovers Promenade | Hike to Castello di Vezio | Villa Monastero | Orrido di Bellano | Bellano Unlike TripAdvisor its not full of tours. Several important poets of English literature were both hypnotized and inspired by the fairytale qualities of the area. When the sun is hanging low in the sky, itll be time to find a picturesque lakeside bar or restaurant where you can enjoy the scenic sunset drink of a lifetime! The site originally housed a 12th-century Cistercian convent, which now lies beneath the villa. Absolutely breath taking : r/travel. Its also exceptionally gorgeous! Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. First, go to Varenna by fast ferry, skipping long ticket lines. If youre in the midst of planning a trip to Lake Como, we hope our Lake Como itinerary has helped smooth out the process. Even more charming, though, are the towns that populate its shores. For more awesome hostel options, check out our favorite hostels in Milan. Just make sure the town you choose is well connected to the other towns, and caters well to tourists. See our full disclosure here If you're wondering how to get from Milan to Lake Como, you're in the right place. Bellano is a little off the traditional tourist track, and as such is a great place to find cheap accommodation right on the edge of Lake Como. It also offers some incredible scenery! Shawn Grant. As a prosperous trade route under Roman rule, Lake Como was frequently subjected to invasions by foreigners. Our tour guide Oleg was very helpful and polite, provide exceptional service and made the trip even more enjoyable. It's a taste of local life. more, Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked according to revenue made by Tripadvisor on those bookings, plus the number of page views by Tripadvisor users, and the quantity and quality of reviews. The atmosphere is quaint and authentic, making this a perfect spot to discover what life is really like on Lake Como! Its well worth a visit during your time in Varenna, and the walk-up is incredible in its own right! However, March isn't a bad shout either, letting you miss the crowds. The exteriors of these villas boast grand stairways, statues of Greek mythology, and immaculate gardens. Youll be marching down the coast to find the top villas and towns! Since the early 1400s under the Sforza family, hundreds of mulberry trees were planted to attract hungry silkworms. With the majestic aesthetics of Lake Como, its presence in cinematography is no surprise. After youve checked out the Orrido di Bellano, its time to get stuck into the town itself. Here is our pick of the best. Super happy with this experience. Culture Trip was founded in 2011 to inspire people to go beyond their cultural boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special, unique and meaningful. Opened in 1894, the funicular has been hoisting locals and visitors up to 700m (2,300 feet) above sea level, on a track with a gradient as steep as is allowed! Your Lake Como itinerary wouldnt be complete without experiencing it! The design is a funky blend of traditional and modern, and there are some amazing places to chill. ct intro final View All Trips We accept responsibility and prioritise to make decisions fast and commit to them. Suite 220 ct intro final View All Trips These cookies do not store any personal information. From Piazza Garibaldi stems Menaggios celebrated lakefront promenade. It just offers a bit of "orientation" as to what to see in Como, plus agency services to get on and off the boat, which is a regular transfer line boat. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Unlike guidebooks, which are only updated occasionally, there are frequent new insights, and sometimes on restaurants/cafes, provided on key destinations by different writers. Additionally, American musician Bruce The Boss Springsteen frequently visits the area during the summer. My top-tier Lake Como Itineraryis set-up to help stimulate your imagination, kick those cogs into gear, and provide an outline to whats out there. A young German whos currently living in Bali, Lus been strolling around on the Island of Gods for the last three years. Book risk-free with fully refundable, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Italy's gorgeous Lake Como is filled with breathtaking towns, an intriguing history, and a welcoming culture. If lavish comfort is something you enjoy, Residence LUlivo is a stunning option. Along the way, youll pass the magnificent Grand Hotel Tremezzo, as well as a series of lakeside restaurants where you can stop for a bite or a drink. The variety here is astounding; from bamboo forests and succulent rock gardens to romantic roses, citrus tunnels, and classic Italian gardens. Cultural Tours Hiking Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Culinary Tour Dining Experiences Full-day Tours Photography Tours Mountain Bike Tours Day Cruises Historical Tours Rail Tours Airport & Hotel Transfers Top Picks Ports of Call Tours Likely to Sell Out Weddings & Honeymoons Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Special Offers Classes & Workshops Spas The hall is well-known thanks to Nobel Prize winner Enrico Fermi holding numerous physics classes here during 1954! It overlooks the northern arm of the lake, with the sloping lanes offering impossibly romantic views. Also, be sure to pay a visit to the islands only restaurant, Locanda dellIsola Comacina. Enjoy your breakfast and head out for a full day on Lake Como, Italy's third-biggest lake.It's easy to get there by train, departing from Milano Centrale Station and arriving at the city of Como, located at the southwestern end of the lake.The area is known for its upscale resorts, villas owned by celebrities, dramatic landscapes, and views . Bellagio is set in a famously wonderful location on the broad triangular peninsula that splits Lake Como in two! Renowned for its spectacular architecture, this 14th-century Roman Catholic cathedral features a gothic design. That being said, pretty much any town on the Lake could act as a comfortable base for a 3-day itinerary in Lake Como. She even provided me helpful advice on how to buy a ticket for the high speed ferry to get to a different tour I took the following day saving me hours of standing on line and frustration. Insider Tip: Youll find a series of narrow lanes and alleyways in Tremezzo, so take some time to get lost and appreciate the quaint charm. There are dozens of towns and villages on Lake Como, but Varenna is often cited as a favourite among those who have visited. If staying at one of the gorgeous villas of Lake Como, it is not unusual to be starstruck when crossing paths with a visiting celebrity. Whether you're looking for a relaxing lake cruise to views some of Europe's most gorgeous lake villas or exquisite cuisine from chic lake-side towns, Lake Como has it all. Its first notable on-screen appearance was in the 2002 film Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. All rights reserved. Fast-forward to today, and Culture Trip has evolved from a travel content publisher into a travel ecommerce brand with content at its core. Every month, we have millions of visitors to our site, app downloads have leapt to almost 3 million, social followers have increased to over 8 million and our videos have been viewed more than 2 billion times. In Como, youll also find a much wider range of evening establishments than in the villages. Insider Tip: The villa closes at 4:30 pm each day and is closed on Mondays and Wednesday. Keep it up Culture Trip!. If you have time, perhaps hike up to the medieval part of Menaggio higher up the hill, with steep staircases, narrow alleyways, and stone buildings. Sunset is a beautiful time on the lake. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Additionally, in gorgeous Mandello del Lario on the eastern border of the lake, Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi founded legendary Italian motorcycle business, Moto Guzzi. Youll find a myriad of restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias, where you can sit and enjoy the views. Venture outside the villa and youll discover the incredible exotic gardens that surround it! Just a 10-minute scenic stroll from the center of Bellagio, the park offers entirely unobstructed views of the lake! Culture Trip was founded in 2011 to inspire people to go beyond their cultural boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special, unique and meaningful. Many hotels and restaurants close their doors, but those which stay open usually offer significant discounts for the offseason. By far the most popular attraction in Tremezzo is Villa Carlotta, but the small town is worth exploring in its own right as you pass through! We all need a break. And be prepared for year-round crowds. Travel with Culture Trip and we will help you get it right, before and during every precious trip. Each Network also has an executive sponsor and an employee lead to ensure their sustained progress. Doesn't need to be anything fancy! We have a car booked, so would love to recommendations on where to travel. For those who are unfamiliar, a funicular is like a tram or a streetcar but set at an angle on a hill. And because we know that booking travel with confidence is more important now than ever, we are committed to making it hassle-free for you. Plinys nephew, Pliny the Younger, owned two villas on the shores of Lake Como and is renowned for his letters describing the Eruption of Mount Vesuvius, during which Pliny the Elder perished. The quiet tranquil beauty of Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy was perhaps most appropriately captured by composer and writer Franz Liszt who said of Lake Como, I do not know of any place which is more demonstrably blessed by heaven; I have never seen another one where the charms of a life of love can appear more natural. Fantastic Tour! 8 Days. Here's the Colico to Como schedule which you would need to review to get from Bellagio to Como. Try the sun-soaked terrace, hammock lined courtyard, and well-stocked bar! Situated on the tip of a quaint, wooded peninsula, the 18th-century lakeside villa is gorgeous and grand. Written May 7, 2023. When youre out in public, keep your personal belongings close and try to stay aware of your surroundings. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Both are worth a visit if you have time! The art collection includes work from notable artists such as Hayez, Canova, and Migliara. Learn more. Furthermore, the area around Lake Como was the first part of Italy to develop an industrial sector, and after the Industrial Revolution Lecco was known as one of the principal metallurgy centers in the world. Dominating the Como side of the lake is the cupola of the Duomo of Como. That being said, there are some general precautions you can take in order to ensure a smooth and safe trip! If youre wondering when to visit Lake Como, Italy, we would recommend the warmer months (May October). Bar Il Molo also offers sensational lakeside views and tasty local dishes! Buses and trains connect many of them, and the best way to get between the central and most popular towns on Lake Como is by boat. Liszt isnt the only one who thought so. In fact, theyre considered one of the best water sports providers on the whole of Lake Como! From Como we will take the, Let yourself be fascinated by one of the most amazing and popular lake in the world: Como Lake. Simply tell us where youd like to go and what youd like to do and let our Italian travel experts do the work. Around mid-afternoon, itll be time to make the journey over to Menaggio. Discover nearby recommendations hand-picked by global experts and local insiders, plan unique trips that are right for you, and easily book spot-on places to stay and experiences - all in one app. The specialities here are kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing). Today, the silk district here receives orders for fine silk from across the globe. 106. The mission is to let people experience extraordinary places in unexpected ways, together with other culturally curious travelers. The lakes inspirational effects on famous writers are well documented throughout the globe. Lake Como is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages, including Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Youll wind up the hill over moss-covered bridges and ivy-draped buildings. Smaller and quieter than its popular neighbours, (Menaggio and Bellagio), Varenna is overflowing with undeniable rustic charm! If youre visiting with your partner, strolling the promenade is a vital addition to your Lake Como Itinerary, but the walk is a wonderful experience for any kind of traveller. A number of feature films have used the villa as a shotting location. Theres only one restaurant in Pescallo: La Pergola. The scenery at Punta Spartivento is well worth the short uphill walk! Free cancellation. Everything moved very smoothly on and off ferries and during the walking tours of the towns. Lake Como also hosts the Lake Como International Music Festival each year from June to September. Here we'll highlight the 8 best Lake Como tours from Milan, all with an English-speaking guide. We are a diverse team composed of travel experts, engineers, creators, data scientists, marketers and more across offices in London, NYC, and Tel Aviv. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Lake Maggiore is spectacular and the Borromeo Islands just fantastic. We ideally want do a bit of swimming each day (combined with sightseeing) but really don't want to spend 30 or 40 euros for lidos - especially if we only stay for an hour! Here are the best bars on Lake Como, Italy. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. That includes Beyonc, who enjoyed a day off from her Renaissance World Tour to enjoy a two-day trip to Lake Como, Italy, with JAY-Z. However, it does help with the whole planning of a day trip in Como, and the guide was really kind and sweet. Outstanding value and great experience. Just like Tremezzo, its one of Lennos prized villas that attracts most of its visitors. Here the rugged land flourishes wild and untamed, where locals can partake in freshwater fishing and agricultural farming. Milan is super close to Lake Como, and youll probably be passing through on your way to the lake. Lenno is also well known for its incredible olive oil, so be sure to pick up a bottle to take home with you or enjoy while touring Lake Como! In fact, Verdi composed the world famous La Traviata opera inside the walls of Villa Margherita in Griante. Throughout the centuries, the island has been both a principal political and religious centre. Thus, water transport is generally the shortest and quickest method for getting between them, perfect for a 3-day itinerary in Lake Como. American actor George Clooney went one step further and purchased Villa Oleandra in Laglio as a summer residence. The daytime energy fades into the ambience of the night, with the air still warm from the heat of the sun. The garden is lush and the dining area is light and spacious. 645K Followers, 1,467 Following, 8,319 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Culture Trip (@culturetrip) Its quaint, beautiful, fun, and relaxing, and a perfect place to spend a few days in the sun! Varenna to Bellagio is about every 45 minutes.it's a quick trip over. In 2011, Culture Trip was created to inspire people to go beyond their culture boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special, unique and meaningful. The structure Ive chosen to go with is great for active vacationers, who like to be occupied and really engage with their surroundings. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Then youre going to need a plan! Again, thank you! THE 10 BEST Lake Como Cultural Tours Cultural Tours in Lake Como Enter dates Filters 1 Traveler favorites English Italian Spanish French See what travelers are asking Learn how forum content is selected Free beaches Lake Como Slightly last minute question! Lake Como is also home to quite a few churches and chapels including excellent examples of Romanesque architecture and beyond. The eleventh century wonder of the Castle of Vezio is as scenic as it is historic. The hike is steep but relatively short, taking around 20 30 minutes. Its well worth spending some time exploring Menaggio. The beauty and tranquility of this stunning lake tucked away into the craggy mountain landscape of Italy is truly an unparalleled treasure for all who behold its beauty.
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