Explore Bellano and Menaggio on Exclusive Lake Como Tours

 

Do you want to treat your special someone to something unforgettable? There’s no better gift than a week-long getaway for just the two of you! And if you’re looking for romantic spots, Italy has everything to offer—from the sweet gondola rides in Venice to the dreamy lights in Florence. And for those seeking a little more privacy, a Lake Como tour would be a perfect choice.

Discovering the beauty of Bellano and Menaggio on your private Lake Como tour

Lake Como, locally known as Lario, is a natural wonder of the world located in northern Italy. It is the third-largest lake in the country, spanning 146 square kilometers across the region of Lombardy.

What makes Lake Como special is that it has a glacial origin. It was formed around 10,000 years ago when glaciers started to melt and erode the land. Fun fact: Its unique Y-shaped is also a result of this geographical phenomenon.

At the intersection of Lake Como’s three branches, you’ll find the towns of Bellagio, Menaggio, and Varenna. There is the small village of Bellano on its eastern shore.

A tour of Lake Como will take you around the area, cruising through the crystal clear shores as you take in the sight of luxurious villas and untouched landscapes. In addition, you can visit two of Lake Como’s prettiest villages: Bellano and Menaggio.

Things to do in Bellano

·         Get to know nature like never before

Bellano is a charming town found at the foot of Mount Muggio. And because of its geography, this tiny village has a lot in store for the nature lover.

The Orrido Gorge, for instance, is a majestic riverside area that can only be accessed through suspended footbridges. This naturally formed canyon cuts through the Pioverna River, taking you through a path filled with stunning pools and mysterious caves.

·         Set sail on icy blue waters

Are you a big fan of water sports? Then, Bellano has something just for you—the Bellano Sailing Club. Established in 1970, this sailing school has become the host of one of the world’s most popular sailing races. The association is open to anyone who wants to become the captain of their own ship, experienced or not.

You can even watch professionals make their way through the lake during CoppaBellano, a racing competition that has reached global status.

·         Stroll through an ancient village

If you’d much rather spend your day on land, you can explore the villages and stroll through its ancient streets. Bellano has a rich history that dates back to the 14^th century, and you can see it through the numerous hamlets dotting the town.

You can start your trip at Bellano’s highest point in Pennaso, going down the road to Valsassina. Continuing further down, you’ll find Oro, the first hamlet at the bottom of the Pioverna. Then, make sure to end your day at Ombriaco, a bustling village that serves as home to oratories for St. Bernardino and St. Sebastiano.

 

Things to do in Menaggio

·         Take a trip through the town center.

Menaggio is a little livelier than Bellano, making it one of the more popular tourist spots in the area. But don’t let this stop you from living like a local—you can visit the town center for a taste of what it’s like to reside near a historical lake.

The town center is filled with enchanting boutiques perfect for souvenir shopping, so make sure you buy a trinket or two for your loved ones back home. You can also satisfy your cravings at the many restaurants and food stalls in the area, experiencing the taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

For instance, La GrollaMenaggio offers filling Italian classics such as spaghetti alloscoglio and grigliatamista di pesce. Then, you can cap the day off with desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta.

·         Spend a relaxing day at the lake promenade

The lake promenade is one of Menaggio’s most attractive sites. It starts at Piazza Garibaldi in the center of the town, taking you on a colorful and refreshing stroll through well-kept flower beds and brightly-colored houses.

This is also a great spot for you to start exploring the rest of Lake Como. Along Viale Benedetto Castelli, you’ll find several facilities that will allow you to rent a boat and visit the neighboring towns of Bellagio and Varenna.

·         Discover a piece of history

One thing about Italy is that the locals hold high regard for the country’s history. As a result, even the oldest structures and archaeological landmarks are well taken care of and open for tourists to marvel at.

In Menaggio, for example, you’ll notice that the upper part of the town is a pocket of medieval history in the middle of a modern village. Here, you can explore narrow alleys and walk up steep stone steps as you take in medieval buildings.

Plus, make sure you don’t forget to visit the ancient bridge that connects the two ends across the Senagra stream. You can end your day by listening to the water as it cascades down the falls or exploring the old chapel built in the name of Madonna di Caravaggio.

You can enjoy numerous other activities at Lake Como, from participating in sports to admiring the waters on a ferry tour. The local cuisine is also a must-try, featuring delectable dishes such as risotto with freshly caught fish, polenta, and braised wild boar.

And, of course, Lake Como tours aren’t just for couples and solo travelers. You can also visit the area with a group of friends or your family, whichever you prefer. There’s no need to worry about the logistics of everything—a trusted tour operator in Italy will take care of the laborious tasks while you sit back and relax.

For instance, leading Italian tour providers offer full assistance and porterage from the airport, cruise terminal, or train station, so you don’t have to walk around carrying luggage. These companies can also arrange private transportation for you when traveling long distances!

Don’t wait any longer and book an exclusive tour of Lake Como now with the best operators in the world.