7-Day Itinerary for Lake Como, Italy

  • Day 1: Como
    0 minutes (0 miles) from previous location

    Start your trip by exploring the city of Como, situated at the southern tip of Lake Como. Take a stroll in the historic center and visit the Cattedrale di Como and the Villa Olmo for a magnificent view of the lake.

  • Day 2: Bellagio
    1 hour (22 miles) from Como

    Take a scenic boat ride to Bellagio, also known as the Pearl of Lake Como. Stroll along the narrow cobbled streets and visit Villa Melzi and La Punta Spartivento, a panoramic viewpoint that offers stunning views of the lake.

  • Day 3: Varenna and Menaggio
    2 hours (45 miles) from Bellagio

    Explore the picturesque towns of Varenna and Menaggio situated on the eastern shore of the lake. Admire the colorful houses and narrow alleys, visit the Villa Monastero and the Castello di Vezio for a fantastic view of the surroundings.

  • Day 4: Como Brunate Funicular
    40 minutes (9 miles) from Menaggio

    Take the Como Brunate Funicular Railway to reach Brunate, a small village perched on a hill overlooking Lake Como. Enjoy the amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the viewpoint.

  • Day 5: Villa Carlotta and Tremezzo
    30 minutes (9 miles) from Brunate

    Visit the stunning Villa Carlotta, located in Tremezzo, renowned for its beautiful botanical garden and art collection. Afterward, take a stroll along the scenic promenade, and enjoy the incredible views of the lake and the mountains.

  • Day 6: Villa del Balbianello
    30 minutes (8 miles) from Tremezzo

    Take a boat ride to reach the romantic and enchanting Villa del Balbianello, a striking mansion surrounded by immaculate gardens, overlooking Lake Como. The Villa is a popular location for movies and has been featured in films like Star Wars and James Bond.

  • Day 7: Lecco and Piona Abbey
    1 hour (19 miles) from Villa del Balbianello

    Explore the charming town of Lecco located at the southeastern end of Lake Como. Visit the marvelous Piona Abbey dating back to the Romanesque era. It is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and reflect before heading back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Cattedrale di Como (1 hour, free)
  • Villa Olmo (1 hour, free)
  • Boat ride to Bellagio (2 hours, $20-30)
  • Villa Melzi (1 hour, $10)
  • La Punta Spartivento (30 minutes, free)
  • Villa Monastero (1 hour, $10)
  • Castello di Vezio (1 hour, $10)
  • Como Brunate Funicular Railway (1 hour, $10)
  • Villa Carlotta (2 hours, $15-20)
  • Villa del Balbianello (2 hours, $20-25)
  • Piona Abbey (1 hour, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $95-125 USD

Transportation

Due to the limited availability of public transport and the scattered attractions around Lake Como, we recommend hiring a car to optimize your travel experience. A rental car cost ranges from $40 to $60 per day, and the travel time from one location to another averages around 30 minutes. Additionally, the most convenient way to get to Lake Como is by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), which is 35 miles away.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, don't hesitate to visit other locations around the lake, such as Lenno, Griante, and Cernobbio. You can also spend additional days exploring Milan, which is just an hour's train ride from Como. However, if you have a shorter trip, consider spending a day rather than two in Bellagio, as it is the farthest from Como.

Airports

The closest major airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), located approximately 35 miles south of the city. Other nearby airports include Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), located 45 miles west of Lake Como, and Milan Linate Airport (LIN), located 40 miles south of Como.

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