Things To Do
Take a Boat on the Lake
If you do one thing while you’re here, make it getting out on the water. The great news is that if you join our boat transfer to the welcome dinner, you’ll get this experience! But there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the lake. • Take a ferry from Varenna to nearby lakeside towns. Spend a few hours exploring and return later in the day. • Book a private boat tour to see famous villas, including George Clooney’s villa or the iconic Star Wars villa, Villa Balbianello. There are many options available on popular travel booking sites.
Explore Varenna
Varenna is one of the most charming towns on the lake, and where many of our guests will be staying. The entire town is walkable. What to do: • Walk the “Lovers’ Walk” along the water • Visit Villa Monastero for beautiful lakeside gardens • Wander the small streets, shops, and cafes Where to eat: • Bar Il Molo – perfect for drinks right on the water • Al Prato – great for a relaxed dinner in a charming square • La Scarpetta – cozy spot for traditional Italian cuisine • Il Cavatappi – casual and delicious local fare • Riva Gelateria – a must for gelato while strolling the lakefront
Explore Bellagio
Bellagio is known as the “pearl of Lake Como” and is perfect for a day trip. How to get there: • Ferry from Varenna (~15 minutes) What to do: • Walk the famous stone steps and browse local shops • Visit Villa Melzi Gardens • Enjoy lunch or aperitivo by the water Tip: We recommend going in the morning to avoid peak crowds.
Dining in Lake Como
A few helpful tips for dining in Lake Como: • Make dinner reservations in advance, especially for groups • Request outdoor or lakefront seating when possible • Dinner typically starts later in Italy (around 7:30–9:30 PM) • A service charge is often included, but it is customary to leave a small tip of 5–10% for excellent service. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is perfectly fine. You truly can’t go wrong—everything here is delicious!
Exploring Other Parts of Italy
Here is a collection of other popular sites in Italy along with estimated travel times: • Milan – 1–1.5 hours by car or 1 hour by train. Italy’s fashion and design capital. • The Dolomites – 3–4 hours by car. Breathtaking alpine scenery, hiking trails, and picturesque mountain villages. • Venice – 3 hours by car or 3.5 hours by train. Canals, gondolas, and stunning architecture. • Florence – 4 hours by car or train. Renaissance art, Tuscan cuisine, and world-renowned wineries in the surrounding countryside. • Rome – 3 hours by high-speed train from Milan. Iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican, and endless history. • Cinque Terre – 4 hours by car or train. Colorful seaside villages on the Ligurian coast. We’re happy to share tips and itineraries to help you make the most of your Italian adventure!
