Set in the shadow of the snow-covered Rhaetian Alps and encapsulated by steep wooded hills, discover Italy’s infamous glacial lake destination, Lake Como.
We spoke with Tommasso Mandrisi from Grand Hotel Victoria to give us a rundown on the best of Lake Como.
Where can a traveller find an authentic local experience in Lake Como?
In this area you will find a lot of authentic things to do. I recommend having dinner in a typical restaurant known as a “Crotto”. This is an old, rustic restaurant where guests can find locals tastes like Polenta Uncia, Pizzoccheri, Risotto with Persico or homemade hams and cheese.
One of my favourite restaurants is called Crotto Isidoro and is located in Stazzona – a small village in the mountains overlooking the lake. Here you will have an unforgettable Italian experience!
What city tour would you recommend?
If you are looking to immerse yourself in this amazing area you cannot miss a guided boat tour with our ERREBOAT. Roberto, our captain and guide, will be sure to take care of you and help you to discover the hidden places on Lake Como.
Discover destinations such as Varenna village, where you can see the Villa Cipressi – a historical villa with botanical gardens – and Villa Monastero. You can’t miss the beautiful and famous Bellagio and Villa Lucertola in San Giovanni, as well as a trip to Isola Comacina, Villa Balbianello (the set of James Bond movie), and Lenno area (Golfo di Venere).
At the end our Captain will be more than happy to show you the Tremezzo area with Villa Carlotta, Villa Giuseppina and Castello Meresi until Menaggio.
The tour goes for approximately 5 hours, where you will have the opportunity to stop and visit one villa and have lunch in a local restaurant.
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What day trips outside of the city should not be missed?
One of the most favoured activities that we organise for our guests during their stay is a wine tasting at Mamete Prevostini, where you can also enjoy a special lunch with typical local products. This winery is an historical wine cellar located in Mese – around 40 minutes by car from the hotel.
The area from Chiavenna to Sondrio is very famous for the Nebbiolo, which you can taste inside the cellar with a typical bresaola valtellinese.
Afterwards you will have the opprutinity to enjoy a meal at the winery’s restaurant. “Crotasc” offers a typical Valtellina lunch or dinner with Pizzoccheri, Sciattasti or Polenta Taragna.
What’s the best advice for someone visiting your city?
I lived in Milan for a long time before recently moving to Menaggio. Part of my job is to explore the area and find the best suggestions for my guests. I love to discover the Lake from different view points; by boat and on different hiking trails.
Visit Lake Como as part of our Italian Lakes and Swiss Mountains Small Group Tour – find out more here.
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Tommaso MandrisiMr Tommaso Mandrisi is the Head Concierge at Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, Lake Como. Since January 2016 he has been an Official Member of the Concierge Association “Les Clef d’Or” and from April 2019, a Regional Secretary of the Lombardy section.
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About the Grand Hotel Victoria
The Grand Hotel Victoria is located in Menaggio, a paradise corner on Lake Como, with enchanting promenades and the breathtaking views.
Its central position makes it the ideal departure point to discovering the most picturesque villages of the lake and the surrounding natural beauty.
It is the newest 5-star-luxury hotel on Lake Como – completely renovated, this late 19th century liberty neo-classical masterpiece, enriched by beautiful gardens and surrounded by breathtaking views of the lake and its mountains, this hotel aims to celebrate Italian art concepts.
The Hotel is composed of 81 rooms with garden or lake views, separated across two different buildings – the Palazzo and the Villa.
Head Chef, Martin Vitaloni, produces innovative Italian cooking and traditional local specialties in a unique setting, such as Ristorante Lago or the eccentric gourmet restaurant, 1827. Find out more here.
