Is Cremona a do-able (logistically) and worthwhile excursion from Lake Como?
If you don't mind 3 hours on the train each way (from Varenna, if you are in Varenna).
Take a tour:
https://goo.gl/maps/5Cf4d8ejhn82
Tourist info here:
http://www.turismocremona.it/index.php/
Consider also Bergamo, if Cremona is too far.
Didn't realize it was that long...another trip then!