See what others say, reviews and FAQs

While most tours highlight a city’s main attractions like loose pieces of a puzzle or fragmented, my tours present the story of Como, its people and its evolution as a complete picture, a work of art, from our geologic origins and Roman foundations to modern times. You will discover the consistent theme that has shaped Como for three thousands of years.

My specialized tours (Architect’s Tour, Natural Scientist’s Tour, Economist’s Tour, Fortifications Tour, etc.) give us time to focus on topics of your particular interest. 

Yes, I lead tailored excursions across the entire lake including the famous villa museums and gardens of Carlotta, Balbianello and Monastero and to towns such as Bellagio and Varenna. It depends on how much time you have.

I also lead tours to other cities: Milan, Florence, Rome, Modena, Bologna, etc.

Yes, I frequently do tours of Como and Bellagio. Bellagio is at least one hour from Como, so Bellagio is often a full day trip. Bellagio can be over crowded, so it’s better to plan well.

Yes, the ferry system (navigazione lago) can be complex. Part of my service is ensuring we use the most efficient transport—whether that’s the “free-circulation” ferry tickets, private water taxis, or public hydrofoils—to maximize our time and avoid long queues.

No problem! When it rains in Como, we try to schedule around the rain. We can walk under porticos and spend some time indoors in the two basilicas of Como.

We can reschedule or adapt the itinerary to include more indoor attractions such as our museums.

Como’s historic center is flat and pedestrian-friendly, but some lake towns have steep stairs and roads. I customize the pace and route for every group. For example, in Como I avoid traffic and crowds of tourist and walk where we find public benches.

If you have mobility concerns, please let me know in advance as I will adapt your tour for your comfort and convenience.

Como’s high season is late April through October. Weekends and Italian public holidays are the most busy days. Some villas and hotels close in January and February.

All the “boat tours” that you find online are simply “boat rides” with a local captain. The captain has a boat driving license, but not a tour guide license. As such the captain points out a few attractions on the lake and perhaps offers you a bottle of prosecco.

A tour leader and tour guide has a specific license and provides a “tour by boat”. For example, by boat I tell the story of Lake Como, its evolution and the story behind all the villas and their unique architectural secret.

Discover these and many other answers to good questions on a tour with me.

Absolutely! As a sommelier and wine lover, I can easily organize a quick tasting and walk through presentation of the local wines of Lake Como (Lariana). A tasting of local cheeses includes Taleggio, Gorgonzola and tome from the Valtellina.

Alternatively, I can organize a “tasting tour” and presentation of the wines of Lombardy from the sparking wines of Franciacorta to the reds of the Valtellina, which can be done in combination with a multi-course lunch or dinner.

Yes, as I am the only native-English speaking translator at the Courthouse and Chamber of Commerce of Como, so I can assist with translating and interpreting as well as related immigration and relocation topics.