Start your luxurious trip to Lake Como in Como City. Visit Cattedrale di Como, a beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the city. After exploring the cathedral, head to the Tempio Voltiano Museum, dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery. Finish your day at Trattoria Imbarcadero, a charming restaurant near the water’s edge.
Take a luxurious boat ride to Villa del Balbianello, located on a scenic spot overlooking Lake Como. The villa’s gardens are stunning and offer a perfect place to relax. After touring the villa, head to Bellagio, one of the most stunning towns in Lake Como. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautiful views of the lake from the town’s vantage points. Cap off your day at Ristorante Bilacus, a fine-dining restaurant serving delectable local cuisine.
Take a ferry to Varenna, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Stroll around Varenna’s charming streets and visit the Church of San Giorgio. Then, hike up to Castello di Vezio and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como. After the hike, relax and enjoy a cocktail at Bar Il Molo Varenna.
In the morning, head to Menaggio, a picturesque town with an old-world charm. Visit the San Carlo Church and take a stroll along the promenade. Then, take a luxurious boat ride to Villa Carlotta, a neo-classical villa with a beautiful botanical garden. After visiting the villa, have lunch at Ristorante La Darsena in Tremezzo, a highly regarded restaurant with delicious dishes.
Start your day in Lenno, a charming village located at the end of Lake Como. Take a walk to the Sacred Mountain of Ossuccio, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon, visit Villa Balbianello, which was featured in many films, including the Star Wars series. Enjoy a lovely sunset at the villa, and then have dinner at a remote restaurant, La Barcolaia, serving traditional cuisine in a romantic setting.
Return to Como and visit Pinacoteca Civica Como, a museum that houses a collection of works from the Renaissance to contemporary art. In the afternoon, take the funicular to Brunate, a scenic mountain village overlooking Lake Como. Enjoy the breathtaking view and visit the Volta Lighthouse. Have a delicious dinner at Ristorante Gatto Nero, which offers a breathtaking view of Lake Como.
End your luxurious trip to Lake Como with a boat ride around the lake. Visit Villa Melzi Gardens, which includes a museum, a chapel, and a beautiful garden. After the tour, have lunch at Trattoria Al Prato, a local restaurant that offers delicious cuisine.
Travelers in Lake Como can move around easily by ferry or boat. Fares for the ferry range from €5 - €15 per journey, depending on the destination. Travelers who prefer a private and comfortable ride can hire a car with a driver, which costs €150-200 per day.
Travelers with more time can explore more towns around Lake Como, such as Lecco, Laglio, and Cernobbio. Those with less time can shorten the itinerary by omitting Villa del Balbianello or Varenna and Castello di Vezio.
The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is located approximately 50 miles from the city center. Other options for international travelers are Milan Linate Airport (LIN) and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY), located approximately 50 and 35 miles respectively.