Lake Como tour packages

Your questions about Lake Como, answered

We’ve gathered the questions our travel experts hear most often about Lake Como.

And here’s some peace of mind upfront: when you choose us, you can Book With Confidence, knowing your payments are protected. Curious about the details? You’ll find them in our booking terms and FAQs.

1. When is the best time to visit Lake Como?

May to October. Late spring and early autumn are especially good – warm enough to swim, calm enough to have a lakeside village almost to yourself.

June through August brings the warmest weather and the liveliest atmosphere, though the most popular towns do fill up. Our guide to the best time to visit Italy breaks it down month by month.

2. Is Northern Italy good for a self-drive trip?

Northern Italy is perfect for a self-drive holiday. Roads are well-maintained, the distances between stops are short, and the scenery changes every 20 minutes – vineyards, lake shores, mountain passes, medieval hill towns.

Your rental car comes with unlimited mileage, CDW insurance, and a second driver included. Our guide to driving in Italy covers everything from toll roads to ZTL zones.

3. What else is near Lake Como?

Milan is under an hour south. Verona and Lake Garda sit to the east. Head north, and you’re in the foothills of the Alps, with Switzerland close enough for a day trip.

Our longer packages combine Lake Como with these destinations. Some stretch all the way to Venice or loop through the Dolomites – have a look at our self-drive tours to compare routes.

4. How long should I spend in Northern Italy?

Our shortest package runs around 6 days – Milan, Lake Como, and a taste of the wider region. The longest is 17 days, covering everything from Milan to Venice with the lakes, the Dolomites, and plenty of detours along the way.

But if Lake Como is the main draw, 7–9 days gives you solid lake time with room to explore Verona, Lake Garda, or the Cinque Terre on either side.

5. Can I customise my tour package?

Yes, and most travellers do customise their tour. Want an extra night in Bellagio? A cooking class in the hills above the lake? A detour to a vineyard your travel consultant told you about? Just let us know. We’ll rework the itinerary so it works for you.

6. Can I book flights through Nordic Visitor?

We don’t include flights in our tour packages. This way, you’re free to plan the journey that works for you. You choose your airline, where you fly from, and flight times that suit you.

We recommend looking into flights first, then booking your tour. Just wait for our confirmation before buying tickets.

7. Do I need an international driving licence?

If your licence is in English and issued in the UK, US, Canada, or Australia, you won’t need one for short visits. For licences in other languages, an International Driving Permit is recommended.

Your personalised itinerary covers all the driving details, and our complete guide to driving in Italy answers the rest – parking, speed limits, and what to keep in the car.

8. How do I get around Lake Como itself?

Your rental car handles the longer drives, but the lake’s ferry network is how you’ll really want to move. Regular ferries and hydrofoils connect Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, Como, and smaller towns in between – it’s slow, scenic, and the locals use it too.

Your itinerary includes our picks for the best ferry routes and connections.

9. What kind of hotels do you use?

Relaxing properties and locally owned hotels – many with lakeside pools and the kind of views you’ll photograph from 17 different angles. Every hotel is one we’d choose for ourselves. Your personalised itinerary includes our notes on each property, so you’ll know what to expect before you arrive.

10. What should I pack for Lake Como?

Your Italy packing list depends on when you’re travelling and how you plan to spend your days.

But we really recommend light layers. Summers are warm, often above 30°C (86°F), but evenings by the water cool down, and ferry rides add a breeze. Comfortable shoes matter: cobbled streets are charming to look at, less charming in sandals.

Pack a swimsuit for those hotel pools. And something you’d be happy wearing to a waterfront dinner.