A 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Scenic Lake Como

  • Day 1: Bellagio
    1 hour (29.7 km) from Como

    Explore the stunning town of Bellagio, famously known as the "Pearl of Lake Como." Walk along the charming and colourful streets, visit Villa Melzi Gardens for beautiful views of the lake, and indulge in a delicious Italian lunch at Bilacus.

  • Day 2: Varenna and Menaggio
    1 hour 5 minutes (30.7 km) from Bellagio

    Visit Varenna, a charming fishing village with a scenic promenade, colourful houses, and the beautiful Villa Monastero. Continue exploring Lake Como and stop by Menaggio, known for its unique architecture, beautiful gardens, and charming waterfront cafes.

  • Day 3: Como Town
    40 minutes (32.3 km) from Menaggio

    Experience the largest city on Lake Como, Como Town. Admire the exquisite panoramic views from the beautiful Como Cathedral. Indulge in a delicious local lunch at Trattoria del Gallo and visit the Basilica of Sant'Abbondio, a beautiful church built in the 11th century.

  • Day 4: Lenno and Tremezzo
    35 minutes (23.6 km) from Como Town

    Visit Lenno, a quaint town with beautiful waterfront views and home to the remarkable Villa Balbianello. Next, head to Tremezzo and indulge in a gourmet lunch at Ristorante La Darsena. Visit the stunning Villa Carlotta for a beautiful blend of art and nature.

  • Day 5: Brunate and Faro Voltiano
    30 minutes (9.5 km) from Tremezzo

    Explore the charming hilltop village of Brunate and take the funicular to reach the top for breathtaking views of Lake Como. Visit the Faro Voltiano lighthouse for stunning panoramic views of the lake from above. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Trattoria Brunate before leaving.

Time and Costs Estimates:

  • Bilacus (1 hour, $25)
  • Villa Monastero (1 hour, $10)
  • Trattoria del Gallo (1 hour, $30)
  • Villa Balbianello (1.5 hours, $20)
  • Ristorante La Darsena (1 hour, $50)
  • Villa Carlotta (1 hour, $15)
  • Funicular to Brunate (40 minutes, $10)
  • Faro Voltiano (2 hours, $5)
  • Trattoria Brunate (1 hour, $30)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding accommodations): $195

Transportation:

Reach Lake Como by plane to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). From here, take a train or drive to Como San Giovanni Station. Hiring a car is the best option to explore the region. Expect to spend approximately $200 for hiring a car and around 40 minutes to an hour in travel time between the locations.

Useful Tips:

If you have less time, skip Brunate and Faro Voltiano. If you have more time, explore the nearby town of Cernobbio or take a boat ride to the scenic village of Laglio. Check the ferry schedules and book tickets in advance.

Airports:

Lake Como is located near Milan and can be accessed via two airports, Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Milan Linate Airport (LIN). MXP is the largest international airport in the area and located 53 km from Lake Como. LIN is closer, only 39 km away, and serves mostly domestic and European flights. From the airport, you can hire a car or take the train to Como San Giovanni Station.

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