After arriving in Como City, you'll have the freedom to explore its cathedral, shops, and cable car to Brunate before continuing on to Villa del Balbianello, where you can admire the terraced gardens and lake views, all at your leisure. Meanwhile your driver will wait for you near by, ensuring an stress-free return trip.
Como has long been a place of historical significance. It was the arch-nemesis of Milan, birthplace of Pope Innocent XI and scientist Alessandro Volta, and an early adopter of the printed word. One of the cityâs oldest structures, the 4th century San Carpoforo, was built on a former temple to Mercury, and houses the remains of Saint Carpophorus and other local martyrs. The famous Gothic cathedral is flanked by statues of the famous, local born comaschi Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger, and the neoclassical Villa Olmo, has housed Napoleon, Franz Ferdinand I, Giuseppe Garibaldi, and other eminent figures. To best experience the natural wonders of Lombardy, take some extra time to ride the funicular from Como to nearby Brunate, 715m up a mountain. Como is so renowned that in 1902 William Rockefeller purchased the fountain from the main square and moved it to the Bronx Zoo.
In 1785, Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini purchased a 13th century monastery, and built Villa del Balbianello in its place. Over the years, the estateâs illustrious owners tailored the estate to suit their tastes, with Count Guido Monzino, leader of the first Italian expedition to summit Mount Everest, filling the interior with artefacts from his expeditions, and adding secret passageways. The villaâs groomed grounds and breathtaking views have wowed visitors and Hollywood alike, and make it a popular location for weddings. Inside, the villaâs various buildings, visitors will find French and English furnishings from the 17th and 18th centuries, glass paintings, and ethnic sculptures and artefacts from around the world. The upper floor is dedicated to the life of Guido Monzini, and is filled with his belongings, including one of the dogsleds he used to reach the North Pole. The Villa is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from November through March. Please book your tickets in advance at https://ticket.fondoambiente.it/events/villa-del-balbianello/villa-del-balbianello
Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youâre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youâll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.