Lake Como 3‑Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Como Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Como and settle into your hotel. Stroll through the historic Como City Center, admiring its charming piazzas and shops.

Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Cathedral of Como (Duomo di Como) and then wander the lakeside promenade to the elegant Villa Olmo, enjoying its neoclassical architecture and garden views.

Evening: Take the Funicular to Brunate for panoramic sunset vistas over the lake, then dine at a local trattoria in Como’s old town.

Day 2: Bellagio & Varenna Island Hop

Morning: Board a ferry to the picturesque town of Bellagio. Explore its cobbled lanes and relax in the beautiful Villa Melzi Gardens, overlooking the lake’s fork.

Afternoon: After a lakeside lunch, catch a short ferry to Varenna. Visit the romantic Villa Monastero with its botanical garden and lakeside terrace.

Evening: Return to Como by ferry, enjoy an aperitivo at the waterfront, and wander the illuminated streets before retiring for the night.

Day 3: Western Shore Highlights

Morning: Take a boat from Como to Lenno and explore the iconic Villa del Balbianello, famous for its terraced gardens and cinematic history.

Afternoon: Relax on the sandy shore of Lido di Lenno before heading to nearby Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo to admire its art collections and expansive gardens.

Evening: Conclude your trip with a leisurely lakeside dinner in Tremezzo, savoring regional specialties as the sun sets over the Alps.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Como City Center – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: €0 (free)
• Cathedral of Como – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: €5 (entry)
• Villa Olmo – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: €6 (exhibition)
• Funicular to Brunate – Estimated time: 2 hrs (including return) – Estimated cost: €8
• Ferry to Bellagio – Estimated time: 1 hr (round‑trip) – Estimated cost: €12
• Villa Melzi Gardens – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: €8
• Ferry to Varenna – Estimated time: 0.5 hr – Estimated cost: €6
• Villa Monastero – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: €10
• Ferry return to Como – Estimated time: 1 hr – Estimated cost: €12
• Ferry to Lenno (Villa del Balbianello) – Estimated time: 1 hr (round‑trip) – Estimated cost: €15
• Villa del Balbianello – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: €12
• Lido di Lenno (beach) – Estimated time: 2 hrs – Estimated cost: €5 (sunbed)
• Villa Carlotta – Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – Estimated cost: €10
• Meals & Miscellaneous – Estimated cost: €120
• Total Estimated Cost: €227

Tips

If you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the charming town of Menaggio and a hike on the Greenway trail for stunning lake vistas. To shorten the trip, you can skip the Varenna ferry segment and spend the afternoon exploring more of Bellagio or simply relax on the lakefront in Como.