We are traveling to Lake Como in May and need suggestions of things to do. I would like to hire a boat if anyone has suggestions for legitimate companies.
Posted by
Louisiana
106 posts
Ask the hotel concierge about reputable boat rentals. We hired one thru the villa de Serbollini(sp?) concierge and it was a great time. Bellagio was our favorite locale in Como area. Captain was very informative.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
Where were you planning to stay on Lago di Como? There are a wide variety of towns in various parts of the lake. The usual favourite with many here is the small town of Varenna in the mid-lake area. Have a look at THIS website for some boat rental information (there are others). The suggestion to ask your hotel staff is one thing I'd also recommend.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
We plan to stay in Varenna. Thanks for the information about the boat rental. We will check with the concierge when we arrive. Are there any other suggestions of must see things while we are there?
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
We've stayed on Lago di Como twice, staying once in Como and once in Varenna. We much preferred our Varenna experience to staying in Como. We toured the lake by lake steamer instead of renting a boat and it was a beautiful way to spend a day. It took two hours to reach Bellagio and two hours to return. Very peaceful.
Our hotel in Como was the Hotel Tre Re and it was ok. The staff was terrific, but the hotel is past its former grandeur and in need to renovation. In Varenna we stayed right on the lake at the Hotel Olivedo at the pontillo, lake dock. The hotel was immaculately clean and it contained many antiques. Our room was lakefront and very spacious and comfortable. The owner has a different personality all of her own, but the staff was first rate.
Varenna is in need of a first rate gelato. The Gelatoria Larianna in Como along the lake serves huge portions of delicious gelato. They need to open a location in Varenna.
Buon viaggio,
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10224 posts
One of the highlights of my trip to Italy was a cooking class at Il Caminetta. They will pick you up in Varenna and return you afterwards. It was very reasonably priced and they feed you well. Be aware that it will take the entire day.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Do we need to or can you purchase tickets to Villa Balbianello or Villa Carlotta ahead of time?
Posted by
OP
13 posts
How do we make reservations to take the cooking classes?
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10224 posts
You might check on their website - http://www.ilcaminettoonline.com/lezioni_e.html. I was there in 2010 and I think I called them. You should reserve as soon as you know your dates. During our class they received a couple of phone calls to make reservations a couple of months in the future and they were already booked up.
Posted by
Alexandria, VA
771 posts
I just made reservations for a class during our stay in May. They offer classes during the day (they are a restaurant at night) on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. The email is info@ilcaminettoonline.com. They got back to me in a few days. Website is www.lacanoeva.com.