ANNOUNCEMENT: This location is an INCLUDED post cruise tour in the Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps River Cruise for a LIMITED TIME on select cruises in 2021 and 2022. To learn more, call or attend the presentation on Jan 7th. Must deposit by January 15, 2021.
Sign up for presentation on January 7th at 7:00 pm here
Lake Como is situated in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region. Also know as Lario, Lake Como is the third largest of the Italian lakes. At 448 yards deep at maximum, it is considered one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, with three branches that meet at the resort town of Bellagio. The unique shape is a result of melting glaciers combined with the erosion from the Adda river.
At the bottom of the southwest branch lies the city of Como, home to Renaissance architecture and a funicular that travels up to the mountain town of Brunate. An upscale resort area known for its dramatic scenery, set against the foothills of the Alps sets the scene for breathtaking views. With the serenity of the inland lake surrounded by beautiful hills dotted with villas from the Renaissance period, Lake Como's charm lures almost a million and a half visitors each year.
When there, make sure to pick up ceramics made by local artisans and talk to painters who are drawn to paint the beautiful water and mountain vistas The best time to visit is between March and November when temperatures are warm and the sun shines as much as 15.5 hours a day. The weather in July and August is the best.
Things to do
Take a Ferryboat Tour of the Lake. Relax and enjoy the splendor of touring the sites around the towns that sit on the Lake including Bellagio. The Italian Alps tower above as your backdrop. Enjoy a day trip sightseeing the incredible villas of the rich and famous. Be sure to ask your boat driver to sail past Villa Balbionello where James Bond "Casino Royale" was filmed, as well as George Clooney’s villa and Richard Branson's villa.
Make a visit to the small towns around Lake Como with authentic Italian restaurants serving freshly made pasta and wines. A hydrofoil runs from Como to Bellagio, making stops at the other towns on Lake Como along the way. A relaxing way to soak in the magnificence of the beautiful Swiss and Italian Alps is to choose an outdoor table and enjoy some fine food and wine.
A ferry also runs to Varenna, a quiet fishing village north of Bellagio. A perfect getaway from the more populated Italian cities, Varenna has ancient cobblestone streets and the 10th-century Church of San Giovanni Battista.
Stop by the Botanical Garden at the Hotel Villa Cipressi in Verena It was built in the 1400s,
the Botanical Garden is open to the public, but the rest of the building belongs to the hotel and its restaurant. The century-old garden, running down to the lake, features an abundance of plants and flowers that nature lovers will adore. It is spread over different levels that overlook the water so you get plenty of beautiful views.
The Basilica of Sant’ Abbondio, in the town of Como, dates back to the 5th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the area; however, the current Romanesque structure was built in the 11th century. Here you will see frescoes dating back to the mid-14th century. The building was constructed over different periods, so you can see how it was shaped by the trends of each era to enhance your understanding of the history of Como.
If you enjoy seeing ancient ruins, stop by Forte di Fuentes in the northern section of the lake near Colico. This historic fortress is significant in that it represents one of the few remains of the Spanish reign of the area. It dates back to the 17th century. If you want to know more about local history, this really is a must, as walking through what used to be a stronghold, including a square and a church, will unravel tales of war and culture to boot.
Time for wine. Enoteca Principessa, a wine shop in Bellagio, is a great find. The proprietor is knowledgeable and friendly and will guide you through his wide selection of great local wines. They offer tastings and will arrange to ship wine purchased to your home.
Como offers many options when it comes to hiking. One option is the Sentiero del Viandante hiking trail is 28 miles long, so it should be broken up into three or four stretches. It dates back to Roman times and takes you through the east coast of Lake Como, it is a great way to explore the beauty of nature and art in the area.
There is quite a bit to do in Lake Como and the surrounding areas and I’ve only listed a few. Or just relax, take it easy, and enjoy the view. It is easy to see why so many make this a regular summer event with the beauty of the alps, the lake, the small villages, proximity to bigger cities, and the food. Is it time to put this one on your list?
Click here to see Rhine Castles and Swiss Alps itinerary that includes Lake Como
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