Lake Como 7‑Day Itinerary from Houston, Texas

Day 1: Travel & Arrival in Como

Morning: Depart Houston on an early morning flight to Milan (MXP), typically with a connection in a major hub. Enjoy in‑flight meals and settle in for the ~12‑hour journey.

Afternoon: Arrive at Milan Malpensa, clear customs, and take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale, then transfer to a fast train to Como San Gallo (≈1 h). Check into your lakeside hotel and freshen up.

Evening: Stroll along the Lake Como waterfront in Como town, sip an aperitivo at a lakeside bar, and dine on local specialties such as risotto con pesce persico.

Day 2: Exploring Como & Brunate

Morning: Visit the historic Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) and the charming Piazza del Duomo. Wander the narrow streets of the old town, admiring Renaissance architecture.

Afternoon: Take the funicular from Como to Brunate for panoramic views of the lake. Hike the short trail to the Lighthouse of Brunate for photo opportunities.

Evening: Return to Como by funicular, enjoy a sunset cruise on the lake, and have dinner at a traditional trattoria in the historic center.

Day 3: Bellagio and Villa Melzi

Morning: Board a ferry from Como to the picturesque town of Bellagio. Explore the charming streets, boutique shops, and the lovely Church of San Giovanni Battista.

Afternoon: Visit the elegant Villa Melzi Gardens, strolling among statues, exotic plants, and lake‑front terraces. Optionally, rent a kayak to paddle around the peninsula.

Evening: Dine at a lakeside restaurant in Bellagio, sampling fresh fish from the lake, then catch the evening ferry back to Como.

Day 4: Varenna and Villa Monastero

Morning: Take a ferry to the tranquil village of Varenna. Wander the colorful waterfront and visit the historic Castello di Vezio for stunning vistas.

Afternoon: Explore the botanical masterpiece of Villa Monastero, with its beautiful gardens stretching along the lake shore. Enjoy a light lunch at the villa’s café.

Evening: Return to Como, relax at your hotel, and perhaps enjoy a gelato while strolling along the promenade.

Day 5: Lenno and Villa del Balbianello

Morning: Catch a ferry to Lenno and walk the scenic lakeside path to the iconic Villa del Balbianello. Take a guided tour of the villa’s opulent interiors and terraced gardens.

Afternoon: Relax on the small beach of Lido di Lenno or take a short boat trip to the secluded Isola Comacina for a historic lunch.

Evening: Return to Como, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a pizzeria, and savor the calm lake atmosphere.

Day 6: Menaggio, Monte Grona Hike & Boat Cruise

Morning: Travel by ferry to Menaggio. Explore the lively town square and the lakeside promenade.

Afternoon: Embark on a moderate hike up to Monte Grona for sweeping views of the lake and surrounding Alps. After descending, board a private boat for a leisurely cruise around the western shore.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a gourmet restaurant in Menaggio, featuring regional dishes such as polenta and lake trout.

Day 7: Relaxation, Shopping & Departure

Morning: Spend a relaxed morning shopping for souvenirs in Como’s boutique stores and the Mercato Coperto (covered market).

Afternoon: Pack your bags, check out of the hotel, and take the train back to Milan Malpensa airport.

Evening: Board your return flight to Houston, reflecting on a week of breathtaking scenery and Italian charm.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Round‑trip flight Houston ↔ Milan – 12 h total travel time – $1,150
• Train Milan → Como (round‑trip) – 2 h total – $60
• Ferry passes (Lake Como network, 7 days) – 6 h total – $85
• Accommodation (6 nights, mid‑range hotel) – 6 nights – $900
• Meals (average $45 per day) – 7 days – $315
• Villa del Balbianello entry – 2 h – $15
• Villa Carlotta entry (optional day trip) – 2 h – $12
• Monte Grona hike guide (optional) – 4 h – $40
• Miscellaneous (transport, tips, souvenirs) – – $200
• Total Estimated Cost – – $2,777

Tips

To extend your stay, add an extra day in Milan to explore its art museums and fashion districts, or spend a leisurely day on the western shore visiting towns like Cernobbio and Tremezzo. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Monte Grona hike and replace it with a relaxed lake cruise, saving both time and energy while still enjoying the region’s spectacular scenery.