Morning: Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport and take the train to Como (1.5 hours). Check into your lakeside hotel and enjoy a quick coffee at a local café.
Afternoon: Stroll through the historic center, visiting the stunning Cathedral of Como (1 hour) and the elegant Villa Olmo gardens (1 hour, free). Enjoy a lakeside lunch with views of the lake.
Evening: Take a sunset ferry ride from Como Harbor to Bellagio (1.5 hours) and dine at a waterfront restaurant, savoring regional dishes.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the picturesque streets of Bellagio, wandering through its boutiques and the beautiful Villa Melzi Gardens (1.5 hours, €12 entrance).
Afternoon: Catch a short ferry to Varenna and visit the historic Church of San Giorgio (30 minutes, free). Then head to Villa del Balbianello (2 hours, €20) for breathtaking views of the lake.
Evening: Return to Como by boat (1 hour) and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a traditional trattoria, followed by a stroll along the lake promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Funicolare Como-Brunate (30 minutes, €5 round‑trip) and enjoy panoramic views from the Brunate lighthouse.
Afternoon: Explore the charming town of Menaggio, wandering its lakeside promenade and visiting the Menaggio Museum (1 hour, €5).
Evening: Return to Como, enjoy a final gelato in the historic piazza and prepare for the train back to Milan for your departure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day to explore the western side of the lake, visiting the tranquil town of Griante and the historic Riva del Garda. For a shorter trip, focus on the central towns of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, and skip the Menaggio segment to reduce travel time while still experiencing the lake’s highlights.