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Explore Italy's most magnificent Lake, Lago di Como

Lago di Como (Lake Como) is the most famous of the Italian lakes, and for good reason. Its unique shape, which looks like an upside down 'Y', is surrounded by awe-inspiring views of magnificent mountains, deep valleys and clear waters that change beautifully from light green to dark blue shades.

Lake Como's shoreline is also scattered with picturesque villages that have been around since Roman times. There are also many villas on its shores with horticultural gardens that thrive thanks to the mild climate caused by the presence of the lake water.

The most famous of these gardens is the Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, which is over 70,000 square metres in size. The botanical garden has over 150 varieties of spring flower, as well as classic varieties of camellias and sequoias. There are also the Rock Garden and the Ferns Valley, the Rhododendrons Wood and the Bamboos Garden, an agricultural tools museum and the magnificent views on the lake to behold.

On Villa Carlotta's doorstep you will also find one of the most famous villages on Lake Como's shoreline, the luxurious Bellagio. A big draw for the rich and famous, it is filled with winding streets, lakeside restaurants and glasses of sparkling Prosecco.

2 results matching: Explore Italy's most magnificent Lake, Lago di Como

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Lake Maggiore
Save up to £150pp
4.2 stars(63 reviews)
2024MayJunJulSepOct
8 days from
£1,449 pp £1,299 pp
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Save up to £150pp
8 days from
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  • DestinationItaly, Switzerland
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Lake Orta
New tour
Save up to £150pp
4.2 stars(47 reviews)
2024AprMayJunSepOct
8 days from
£1,399 pp £1,299 pp
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Save up to £150pp
8 days from
£1,399
£1,299
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  • DestinationItaly
  • Starts / EndsSt Pancras International
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Our customers love our Lake Como tours
Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta and the Alps
03 Oct 2023
customer
4 stars
“Overall it was a really good holiday. The Itinerary was good. On the first day we set off fairly early on Eurostar but then had to wait at Gare de Lyon for more than 2 hours and finished up dining at 9 pm. I think that this was due to unforeseen circumstances but perhaps could have been handled better. The holiday we wanted to go on was cancelled, and we took the last two places on this tour, resulting in our hotel room not being up to the standard we are used to from previous Rail Discoveries holidays. On the way home we used the same stopover hotel and had free time before returning on Eurostar. Personally , I would have liked to have returned earlier to catch our train home. We had to spend an extra night in London , which was expensive for basic food and accommodation and did not enhance our holiday.
Collected by Trustpilot
The Best of the Italian Lakes & the Matterhorn
28 Sep 2023
R Lower
4 stars
“The hotel was in the most beautiful setting on lake Orta - food was excellent and the infinity pool superb. The journey both ways was long but worth it - especially with the first night in Turin. Our tour guide, Linda, was first rate - I would thoroughly recommend the trip especially if you’ve never been to the mountains and lakes before.
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Getting around on the ferries

During your free day, you may want to explore the wonders of Lake Como. The easiest way to get around is via a relaxing ferry cruise. Ferries are operated by Como-based company Navigazione Lago di Como. They operate year-round from the small pier at the northern end of Piazza Cavour. Single fares range from €1.80 (Como-Cernobbio) to €9.50 (Como-Lecco). There are other tickets available, including day cruises with lunch and admissions to numerous lakeside villas.

A history of Villa Carlotta

The history of Villa Carlotta is equally as captivating as its gardens. The stunning villa was built towards the end of the 17th century by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici. The building is perched between lake and mountains, facing the Grignas.

In 1801 Gian Battista Sommariva, a famous politician, businessman and patron of arts, bought the property. He made it into one of the main attractions in the region, creating the romantic garden and filling its walls with masterpieces from the world of art, including The Last Kiss of Romeo and Juliet - by Fransesco Hayez.

Princess Marianne of the Netherlands then bought the villa in 1843. She gave it to her daughter, Carlotta, as a wedding present, but tragically she died at the young age of 23. The villa was named after the princess and remained in the Sachsen-Meiningen family until the time of World War I.

Hidden gems around Lake Como

Moto Guzzi

Discover the history and culture of Moto Guzzi, the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production, come to life through a special exhibition. There are over 150 pieces in the collection, including production motorcycles, sport bikes, prototypes and experimental engines.

The exhibition area features over 80 vehicles, from the first dedicated touring machine Norge 1928 to the Guzzi Sport and GT series of the thirties.

The Moto Guzzi Museum is located in Mandello del Lario, Lake Como. It is the original birthplace of the Moto Guzzi Eagle emblem, developed in 1921 to honour the death of one of the company's founders. His name was Giovanni Ravelli, a decorated pilot who fought in the Royal navy during World War I.

To dine for... Al Veluu Ristorante

Food and drink is at the heart of Italian culture and Lake Como offers some of the very finest Italian cuisine. It is home to a number of world-class restaurants, with one of the most celebrated being Al Veluu Ristorante.

Even before you walk towards the restaurant entrance through splendid manicured gardens, you sense that you are about to experience something special. You are then taken to the restaurant's beautiful terrace on the gentle slopes of Tremezzo in front of panoramic views of Lake Como and its surrounding mountains.

A wonderfully warm and attentive family team look after you throughout your meal, serving delicious food that is produced and handpicked from their nearby garden.

If you are looking for a romantic meal in a magical setting, then there is nowhere better than Al Veluu Ristorante as dusk settles on sparkling Lake Garda.

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