Things to do in Italian Lakes

There’s something particularly charming about travelling by train. The Bernina Express is Switzerland’s ultimate scenic train – despite its ‘express’ name, it leisurely navigates mountain twists and tunnels. Your adventure begins with a drive along northern Lake Como to Tirano, where’ll we stop for coffee before crossing into Switzerland to board the Bernina Express train for the most scenic part of its route. Our one-hour train journey from Poschiavo to Diavolezza takes in the sights of the White Lake and the Black Lake, as well as breathtaking glaciers. We’ll continue by road to the iconic ski resort of St Moritz on the southern side of the Alps where highlights include crystal clear mountain lakes. There will be free time to wander around the beautiful town of Chiavenna before returning to Lake Como.

• Departing Monday and Wednesday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates April - October
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

Afternoons don’t come much more picturesque than cruising across Lake Como to a beautiful 18th-Century villa. On the tip of the Lavedo promontory, Villa Balbianello sits in the most spectacular spot on the lake. It now belongs to FAI (the Italian equivalent of the National Trust) and has beautiful fragrant gardens. Explore the lavishly furnished interiors and see the collection of pre-Columbian objects, Chinese porcelain and terracottas, reverse-glass paintings, tapestries and carpets that belonged to previous owner Count Guido Monzino – a keen explorer who climbed Mount Everest in 1973. If you think the villa looks familiar, it might be because it starred in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

• Departing Sunday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates April - October
• Group experience

Explore like a local and get a deeper insight into the towns of Como and Lugano. This picturesque day of sightseeing begins in Como Town, where you’ll visit the cathedral and the beautiful square that faces the lake. We’ll also stroll through the streets of the historic centre. In Lugano – one of the most elegant towns in Switzerland – we’ll go window shopping along stylish Via Nassa and take in the buzz of Riforma Square. There’s time for photo-taking and browsing in the upmarket boutiques, or you could wander around the green heart of the town at lakeside Ciani municipal park and visit the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli to gaze up at Switzerland’s most famous Renaissance masterpiece. The day ends in style with a breathtaking boat trip from Lugano back to Porlezza.

• Departing Friday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates May – September
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to bring your passport as this experience crosses the border into Switzerland.

Channel your inner A-list celeb and glide across Lake Como on a private boat trip showcasing the most exclusive villas. Lake Como is known for its lavish villas and this idyllic private cruise will introduce you to a few of our favourites. Impressive Villa Balbianello has immaculate gardens and a stylish terrace with a breathtaking lake backdrop; it’s no wonder it was chosen to star in Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Then there’s Villa Cassinella, a wow-factor private estate with towering cypress trees and a secluded, romantic setting. We’ll also sail past Comacina Island: the lake’s only island, home to a charming little white church and a fascinating history.

• Departing daily from Lake Como hotels
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll have your private boat for one hour.

Push the boat out with this private evening cruise on Lake Como’s glistening waters. Sit back and relax as you sail across the calm lake, enjoying a romantic hour of sightseeing. You’ll pass glitzy villas and see pretty towns in the distance, and get an understanding of the serenity and size of this beautiful lake. On board, you’ll be served an aperitif and nibbles. For an ultra-private special occasion – perhaps a honeymoon or a proposal – this experience would be perfect.

• Departing daily from Lake Como hotels
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
You’ll have your private boat for one hour. Food and drink on board includes an aperitif with water/Aperol spritz/Prosecco and finger food.

Slow the pace with a laid-back day of architecture admiring and wine tasting. We’ll take you to Piona Abbey, which sits at the top of the Olgiasca peninsula on the Lecco bank of Lake Como. The abbey is a typical example of Comacina Art, with its exposed square stone, and is a rare jewel of Lombard Romanesque architecture. You’ll have time to explore this peaceful site – still enjoyed by the Cistercian monks who live there today – and take in the panoramic views of the lake and west coast. Valtellina is home to more than 850 hectares of vineyards and we’ll visit one of the oldest cellars: a natural fridge (‘crotto’) in a cavity between the mountain rocks. We’ll finish the day with four wine tastings accompanied by local produce.

• Departing Thursday from Lake Como hotels
• Operates May – September
• Group experience