Overview

Discover Lake Como: Private Tours, Experiences & Custom Travel

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful of the Italian Northern Lakes.  Surrounded by extraordinary villas that were built by the Italian elite, mostly from Milan, this lake welcomes European Aristocrats and Hollywood stars, like George Clooney who has an exceptional lake-front property, directly accross from the town of Bellagio.

The lake is a Y shape and is is Italy's 3rd largest lake.  Como is the largest town on the lake and has the most hotels, however there are dozens of other towns that dot the lake and the top 10 worth-while of a visit, include:

This is perhaps the most famous of the towns on Lake Como, situated at the junction of the lake’s two legs, this is an extremely attractive town yet less crowded and quieter than the others in the vicinity.
 
Bellano – located on the east side of the lake just to the north of Varenna, this lesser visited town features a pedestrian-only area in the center of town.
 
Colico – although the town may not appear to be as attractive as the others surrounding Lake Como, it is still worth visiting because of its views from the top of the lake.  There is a historical World War I fort that is open to the public once a week.
 
Como – the main town of the group is Como which is located at the southern end of the lake.  It is a more elegant resort than most and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas and towns.
 
Griante – situated on Lake Como’s western plateau, this small village is well worth visiting because of its spectacular vistas out over the lake and the surrounding countryside villas.  Be sure to visit the small church that is perched high up the village’s mountain side.
 
Lecco – sitting at the southeastern end of Lake Como is the quaint town of Lecco and its 25,000 or so residents.
 
Menaggio – located on the western shoreline, this attractive tourist destination is not as busy as Bellagio and Varenna.  There is a youth hostel located here but it is usually filled on weekends so keep that in mind.  Additionally, the pedestrian-only area in the heart of town is populated with coffee shops, gelaterias, a lakefront mini-golf course and snack bar, and several restaurants.
 
Nesso – located about halfway between Bellagio and Como, this very small town is situated on Lake Como’s western leg.
 
Tremezzo – right across the lake from Bellagio is the beautiful little town of Tremezzo.  The main attraction of the town is Villa Carlotta with its botanical garden and waterfront.
 
Varenna – sitting across from Bellagio and Menaggio along the eastern shoreline is this beautiful town with its charming villas of Villa Cipressi and Villa Montastero, the attractive and relaxing gardens of which are worth visiting.
 
One of the best ways to visit these towns is by boat and there are ferries that depart every hour that are inexpensive to take, about 8 Euro and will give you a wonderful tour of these areas from the lake and allow you to get off where you choose to browse the shops, enjoy a delightful coffee or just marvel at the spectacular scenery that Como has to offer.
 
 

Map

Get your bearings before you go

Multi-Day Holidays Tours

Whole journeys, planned end to end

Private & Small Group Tours in Lake Como

Days out with people who know the way

Private Tour of Lake Como

If you are staying near Lake Como, treat yourself to a day on the water with a private boat tour of the lake and some of its most popular towns.

Private
6 hours

Day Trip to Lake Como

Escape the bustling city and spend a day exploring the charming town of Bellagio and one of Italy's most beautiful and popular lakes with a private driver.

Private
8 hours

Private Tour of Lake Como including a Stop at the Villa Balbianello Gardens

This is a private tour by boat of Lake Como that includes a stop at one of the most beautiful gardens in the Italian Lake District, Villa Balbianello. This is a great tour for people who want to experience the extraordinary villas around Lake Como an...

Private

Private Tour of Lake Como by Boat including the Gardens at Villa Balbianello and stop for Lunch at Isola Comacina

This is a private tour by boat of Lake Como and includes a stop at one of the most beautiful gardens in the Italian Lake District, Villa Balbianello. This is a great tour for people who want to experience the extraordinary villas around Lake Como and...

Private

Villas

Private homes with stories of their own

Our Featured Properties

Stays we picked one by one

Getting here

The Road to Lake Como

Most of our guests arrive by private car, with a driver who knows these roads and where it is worth stopping along the way. These are the journeys we arrange most often.

Starting somewhere else? Tell us where, and we will arrange the car.

Plan my transfer

Quick Enquiry Form

Tell us about your dream trip and we'll craft the perfect itinerary for you.

Lake Como, Italy

In their words

Stories That Stay With You

Here's what our guests share about their unforgettable journeys

“I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want…”

JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse Read their story

“Dear Guiseppe and Jesse, We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future. Hotels 1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wond…”

Ron and Deb Crosby Read their story

“I am a travel agent with All About Honeymoons and I would highly recommend Italy Vacation Specialists. Jessica was wonderful in helping us plan in a last minute anniversary vacation during high season without any issues. She even checked on our clients while o…”

Tammy Joyce, All About Honeymoons Read their story

“My husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She…”

Emily and David Davison Read their story

“In August 2018, my family of four and myself travelled from Vancouver, BC to Rome Italy and spent 3 weeks touring Italy with IVS. This company had come highly recommended by many friends and associates of ours who had used them before and indeed to say they do…”

Vijaya Sunil CPA, CGA Read their story

“In September of 2018 I brought a group of 12 from Venice to Sicily and organized all of my services with the Italy Vacation Specialists. Being a travel agent and in the business, I know how complicated organizing travel arrangements can be in Italy and the IVS…”

Ann Brownell, KHM Travel Group Read their story

Plan it with us

For customized holidays and expert advice for travel in Italy and the Mediterranean, Get in touch with your travel agent or contact us via our.

  • Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314

  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565