Surroundings

Lake Como is the third largest lake in all of Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe at 656 ft. below sea level. With its ancient history, stunning scenery, numerous famous villas, gardens and quaint villages nearby, there are many discoveries to be made. Lake Como has been a popular romantic retreat for aristocrats and celebrities starting before the Romans.

Lake Como is, with the warmth of its local people in a private romantic setting apart from any other. Lake Como and its surroundings offer many diverse summer and winter activities year-round. The quaint villages of Varenna, Mennagio, Lenno, Tremezzo and many others as well as the only island on the lake, Isola Comacina should not be missed. The city of Como is known for its silks, the walled city and the Duomo. The famous village of Bellagio is known for its rich history and spectacular villas.

Lake Ferry

The ferry has been developed around the lakes area since the 1800’s, when the first steamship was intorduced on the lake. Ferries are a wonderful way to see the lake from another vantage point where classic Italian lake-images of sparkling water, splendid water-side villas, gardens, and tiered villages set against a background of green or distant snow-covered mountains create a stunning landscape. A day excursion ticket for the central lake area Bigletto Giornaliero per Il Centro Lago will allow day-long use of ferries to view the most beautiful villages of the lake. In this way you will be able to enjoy stops in each town to enjoy the sights, and linger over refreshments without the cares of driving.

Shopping

With its ‘hub’ location Lake Como is not far from other major towns and cities. To the east is Bergamo, the town has of two centers: “Città alta” (upper city), a hilltop medieval town and the “Città bassa” (lower city); famous for music, amazing fabrics and exceptional handmade furnishings. South of Como is Milan, known for the ‘Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci, La Scala Opera House, the Galleria (glass roof mall), Duomo, and designer shops such as Gucci, Versace and Valentino.

Local Bus Tickets

Bus tickets must be purchased prior to boarding at newsagents or Café’s/Tabacci which display a ‘T’ sign outside, or at the bus depot in Como. Fares depend on the distance. As most ticket sellers speak little English, it is advisable to have the route written down in advance for convenience. Tickets are not dated and so may be used on any future date.

Surroundings

Lake Como is the third largest lake in all of Italy and one of the deepest lakes in Europe at 656 ft. below sea level. With its ancient history, stunning scenery, numerous famous villas, gardens and quaint villages nearby, there are many discoveries to be made. Lake Como has been a popular romantic retreat for aristocrats and celebrities starting before the Romans.

Lake Como is, with the warmth of its local people in a private romantic setting apart from any other. Lake Como and its surroundings offer many diverse summer and winter activities year-round. The quaint villages of Varenna, Mennagio, Lenno, Tremezzo and many others as well as the only island on the lake, Isola Comacina should not be missed. The city of Como is known for its silks, the walled city and the Duomo. The famous village of Bellagio is known for its rich history and spectacular villas.

Shopping

With its ‘hub’ location Lake Como is not far from other major towns and cities. To the east is Bergamo, the town has of two centers: “Città alta” (upper city), a hilltop medieval town and the “Città bassa” (lower city); famous for music, amazing fabrics and exceptional handmade furnishings. South of Como is Milan, known for the ‘Last Supper’ by Leonardo da Vinci, La Scala Opera House, the Galleria (glass roof mall), Duomo, and designer shops such as Gucci, Versace and Valentino.

Lake Ferry

The ferry has been developed around the lakes area since the 1800’s, when the first steamship was intorduced on the lake. Ferries are a wonderful way to see the lake from another vantage point where classic Italian lake-images of sparkling water, splendid water-side villas, gardens, and tiered villages set against a background of green or distant snow-covered mountains create a stunning landscape. A day excursion ticket for the central lake area Bigletto Giornaliero per Il Centro Lago will allow day-long use of ferries to view the most beautiful villages of the lake. In this way you will be able to enjoy stops in each town to enjoy the sights, and linger over refreshments without the cares of driving.

Local Bus Tickets

Bus tickets must be purchased prior to boarding at newsagents or Café’s/Tabacci which display a ‘T’ sign outside, or at the bus depot in Como. Fares depend on the distance. As most ticket sellers speak little English, it is advisable to have the route written down in advance for convenience. Tickets are not dated and so may be used on any future date.