Lake Como: visit and tasting at the Valsassina dairy + Orrido tickets

Travelers craving a genuine taste of Italy combined with a touch of natural wonder will find this tour to be a delightful choice. It offers a balanced blend of gastronomic discovery and scenic beauty, making it perfect for those looking for a casual yet enriching experience in Lombardy.

What we love about this tour is its focus on authentic local traditions, especially the chance to learn about cheese-making at a Valsassina dairy, enjoy regional wines, and explore the dramatic Orrido di Bellano gorge. The intimate size of the experience (around 3 hours) keeps it manageable and relaxed.

One thing to consider is that transportation between the dairy and the Orrido is not included, which means you’ll need to arrange your own transfer, adding a layer of planning.

This experience will appeal most to food lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those eager to uncover lesser-known parts of Lake Como’s surroundings. If you’re okay with a flexible schedule for transportation, this can be a highlight-filled half-day adventure.

Good To Know

• Authentic Flavors: Visit a traditional Valsassina dairy and taste local cheeses paired with regional wines.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about cheese production and regional culinary traditions firsthand.
• Natural Wonder: Explore the spectacular Orrido di Bellano gorge, carved over thousands of years.
• Flexible Transit: Self-organized transfer means more control over timing and pace.
• Value for Money: At $65, it offers a good balance of tasting, learning, and sightseeing.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for those with mobility issues or food allergies.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An Authentic Taste of Valsassina and the Dramatic Orrido

This tour begins at Da Carozzi – Formaggeria con cucina, a spot that exudes local charm. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the focus here is on genuine, traditional flavors. The guided visit to the dairy lasts about 50 minutes, during which you’ll learn how the famous cheeses from Valsassina are crafted. The guide’s explanations, delivered in both Italian and English, add a personal touch that makes the process more engaging.

What stands out is how informative and approachable the guide was, sharing stories about cheese-making. As one reviewer mentioned, “It was fascinating to see the cheese being made and then taste it right there.” The temperature inside the dairy can be cool, so bringing a light sweatshirt is wise, especially if you tend to get chilly in cool environments.

Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a cheese and regional food tasting, which lasts about an hour. This part of the experience is where the journey really pays off—sampling fresh cheese, complemented by carefully selected wines. The tasting is described as “delicious and authentic,” emphasizing the high quality of the local produce.

The value here lies not just in the tasting itself but in the chance to truly understand local traditions. Given the price of $65 per person, this part of the tour offers an immersive glimpse into Valsassina’s culinary culture that many travelers might pay more for in a restaurant without the context.

Transitioning to Nature: The Orrido di Bellano

The second part of the tour involves a self-organized transfer to Bellano, where the Orrido di Bellano awaits. The gorge, carved out by nature over thousands of years, offers a stark contrast to the warm, cozy dairy. The entry ticket is included, so you can explore this stunning natural formation at your own pace.

A quick 15-minute visit, the Orrido offers dramatic views of the rocky gorge and the rushing waters below. Travelers have described the experience as “spectacular,” with some noting how the natural erosion patterns and the sound of water create a fascinating atmosphere. The experience is particularly suitable for those who love a brief but impactful natural stop.

Adjacent to the Orrido, you can explore Cà del Diavol, a site reputed for its legends and mysterious atmosphere. Though brief, the visit to the gorge is a highlight for many, especially given the ease of access and the photogenic scenery.

Practical Details and Considerations

While the tour is priced at $65, it’s important to consider that transport between the dairy and Bellano is not included. The itinerary assumes you’ll arrange your own transfer, which can be done by car or local transportation. Reviewers note that this flexibility allows you to choose your timing but does require some planning.

The tour lasts about 3 hours in total, making it ideal for a morning or early afternoon activity. The group size is small, guided by bilingual guides, which enhances the personalized experience.

Comfortable shoes are recommended because of the uneven surfaces at the dairy and the natural terrain of the Orrido. Also, since the dairy environment can be cool, layering your clothing is advised.

Authentic Experience and Value

This experience is designed for those seeking a slice of authentic Lombard life—where food, tradition, and nature converge. The combination of cheese and wine tasting with a visit to a local dairy lets you appreciate the regional craftsmanship firsthand, rather than just tasting on a plate.

Adding the Orrido di Bellano introduces a geological marvel that’s easily accessible and visually stunning, making the tour well-rounded. For travelers who enjoy discovering local customs, scenic landscapes, and natural formations, it’s a thoughtfully curated half-day.

The $65 price point is reasonable, considering the guided tour, tastings, and entry ticket, especially if you value authentic experiences over tourist traps. The reviews indicate that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, adding to the overall satisfaction.

However, the need to arrange your own transportation is a minor inconvenience—it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of logistical planning.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal for foodies eager to explore regional specialties, lovers of authentic Italian flavors, and those interested in natural scenery. It’s perfect for travelers with flexible schedules who don’t mind managing their own transfer and want a deeper look into local traditions.

Those with mobility impairments or food allergies should consider alternative options, as the tour is not designed for accessibility. It’s also best for travelers who appreciate a casual pace and small-group interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation between the dairy and the Orrido included? No, the transfer is not included, so you’ll need to organize your own way to get from Valsassina to Bellano.

How long is the entire tour? The guided dairy visit lasts about 50 minutes, with a one-hour tasting session, followed by a 15-minute visit to the Orrido, total around 3 hours.

Can I join the tour in other languages? Yes, the guides speak both Italian and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes are recommended, and bringing a sweatshirt is advised since the dairy can be cool.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues? No, it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or individuals with food allergies or lactose intolerance.

What is included in the price? The guided visit to the dairy, cheese and wine tasting, and the entry ticket to the Orrido di Bellano are included.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a compelling mix of culinary tradition and natural beauty, crafted for travelers who want to indulge in authentic local flavors while also enjoying some of Lake Como’s lesser-known sights. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides help create a friendly, intimate atmosphere, making it easy to learn and taste at your own pace.

The combination of cheese-making insights, regional wines, and the breathtaking Orrido makes for a memorable half-day adventure in Lombardy. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy discovering the real Italy beyond the crowded tourist spots, seeking a taste of local life and scenery.

While the logistics of self-organizing transportation require some planning, the experience itself promises a genuine, enriching encounter with the region’s culinary and natural charms. For anyone wanting to combine a love of food with a quick dose of nature, this tour hits all the right notes.

You can check if your dates are available here: