Morning: Arrive in Como and start your day with a visit to the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), an impressive Gothic-Renaissance church in the city center.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk along Como Lakefront, then take the funicular to Brunate for panoramic views over the lake and city.
Evening: Dine at a local restaurant in Como’s historic center and stroll through Piazza Cavour to soak in the evening ambiance by the lake.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a ferry from Como to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” and explore its charming streets and gardens.
Afternoon: Visit Villa Melzi in Bellagio, renowned for its beautiful gardens. Then ferry to Varenna to explore the picturesque harbor and walk to Villa Monastero.
Evening: Return to Como for a relaxed evening walk along the lakeside promenade and enjoy dinner at a lakeside terrace.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Varese and visit Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a pilgrimage path and stunning views.
Afternoon: Explore Villa Panza and its contemporary art collections, followed by a walk through the expansive Villa Taranto Gardens nearby.
Evening: Enjoy a peaceful dinner in Varese’s town center, sampling local Lombardy cuisine before preparing to depart.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: €65
If you prefer to extend your trip, consider spending an extra day exploring more of Lake Como’s lesser-known villages like Menaggio or Tremezzo, or add a boat tour around the lake. For a shorter trip, focus on Como city and Bellagio only, compressing the itinerary into two days by skipping Varese and some villa visits.