1. For the water lovers, take a boat trip around Lake Como

This is popular among tourists to do. There are several types of boats to choose from depending on what you want to do; Motor-ships, Hydrofoils, Ferryboats and private taxis. For the best boat trip for pictures, take the Motor-ship. It goes coast-to-coast on Lake Como. You are able to visit some places such as Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Varenna. The Hydrofoils are fast but come at a higher price. Ferries are the best if you want to travel with your car, but check to see if the village you’re visiting allows cars as not all do. And if you want a private tour then getting a private taxi boat would be your best option. All of them are fantastic!

Boat trips around Lake Como

Address: Depends on where you depart.

Price: Vary in price depending on what boat you take.

Opening Hours: Check individual websites for each port.

Duration: Depends on the route.

Contact: Go to website and choose where you want to depart from and call. Each port has its own contact number.

Website: Lake Como Travel

2. For the land lovers, visit a Gothic Cathedral

Como Cathedral (Duomo), is the last of the Gothic Cathedrals in Como; which started in 1396 and took three and a half centuries to complete. From the outside, you will notice that its facade is white and made from lake-stone. Inside you witness art work, tapestries and statues dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The two large organs occupying the end of the Cathedral were made in the early 17th century. The oldest presence of an organ in the Cathedral dates back to 1441 and over the centuries the organs have undergone a number of changes to adapt to the technological advancements of today.

The Cathedral is still a place of worship. Mass still occurs from Monday to Sunday as well as holding confession every Monday to Friday. Make sure to check the website to see what time these will be commencing. Truly a piece of history that you do not want to miss out on.

Cattedralle di Como

Address: Via Maestri Comacini, 6, 22100 Como CO - Italy

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Sunday and Holy Days: 7.30am - 9.30pm, Monday - Saturday: 7.30am - 7.30pm

Contact: +39 0313312275

Website: Cattedralle di Como

3. Explore the beginning of Lake Como

There are several museums in Como but if you had to choose one we recommend checking out Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio. It tells the story of Como starting in prehistorical times straight through to the Greek ruins. The first Sunday of every month offers free admission. A ticket is 4 EUR (4.25 USD). The museum does participate in a promotion where you pay 6 EUR (6.37 USD) and you receive admission to all museums. Check out this link to gain entry into all museums.

Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio

Address: Square Gold Medals 1

Price: from 4 EUR (4.25 USD)

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays - 8, 25 and 26 December, 1 and 6 January.

Duration: At your own leisure

Contact: +39 031252550

Website: Museo Archeologico Paolo Giovio

4. The Piona Abbey

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Another spectacular place to visit is the The Piona Abbey. It is still a monastery where the monks live, read, elect by secret vote, the Superior discuss issues, and admit any financial invoices. You can purchase naturally made goods such as medicinal herbs, creams, honey and famous liquors that are skilfully distilled by following antique traditions.

The Piona Abbey

Address: Piona Abbey 23823 Colico, LC

Price: Free

Duration: around 3 hours required.

Contact: +39 0341940331

Website: The Piona Abbey

5. Learn about and purchase one of the softest souvenirs on your trip

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Not very many people know this but Lake Como has a long history with silk. It dates back to the 1400s when Mulberry trees were planted along the lake, and silk worms were bred. The entire process is quite lengthy. From breeding silk worms to weaving to finishing, several factories were built with each one doing a specific job. By 1972, Como’s silk production was out producing that of China and Japan.

Mantero was founded in 1902 and its historical factory is a 15-minute drive from Lake Como. Mantero is still considered one of the top silk brands in the world. At the factory, you will also find an outlet that sells woman and men fashion. Two other famous places to purchase silk is in the center of Como, A. Picci and In Seta. Being right in the heart of where silk began why not go home with a soft souvenir!

Website: Mantero

6. Check out how the one of Hollywood's Royalty vacations here in Lake Como

Of course, we would not think about leaving out George Clooney’s estate, Villa L’Oleandra. George Clooney purchased the villa in 2002 from the Heinz Family. Located in the heart of Lake Como, it mixes the contemporary with old world touches. It offers mountains views and is right on Lake Como and is also where Clooney filmed parts of Ocean’s 12. If you want a luxury home to stay in that is fit for royalty while in Lake Como, well you can rent this villa for 4,860 USD per night.

Villa L’Oleandra

Address: Via Vecchia Regina, 20, 22010 Laglio CO, Italy

Price: 4,860 USD/night

Number of Guests: Sleeps 20

Contact: USA & Canada: 1 8774158045 Int. +1 5144005109

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Discover a world away from all the hustle and bustle of city life

Lake Como is a place that you can visit several times and still not be able to see it all. The spectacular little villages to visit and little hidden treasures to see are numerous. Time feels like it is standing still while you marvel at the beauty of everything that is around you. Its peaceful and serene lake with the mountains surrounding you will make it hard to leave. Lake Como is a place to add to your bucket list!