10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary: Lake Como, Monaco, and Portofino

• Day 1: Arrival in Lake Como. Spend the day exploring the picturesque Italian town of Como. Take a boat ride on Lake Como, the third largest lake in Italy, to admire the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains and villas. Visit the Cathedral of Como, a historic church with stunning architecture. Stroll along the Piazza Cavour, the lively city square lined with cafes and shops.
• Day 2: Spend a relaxing day in Bellagio, the charming village known for its beautiful gardens and quaint streets. Visit Villa Melzi Gardens, a stunning estate with exotic plants from all over the world. Take a walk along the promenade and enjoy the breath-taking panoramic views of Lake Como.
• Day 3-4: Travel to Monaco, the glamorous city-state on the French Riviera. Marvel at the luxurious yachts in Port Hercule, the famous marina. Visit the Prince's Palace of Monaco, a historic fortress with breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Monte Carlo Casino, one of the most luxurious casinos in the world.
• Day 5-7: Head to Portofino, the charming Italian fishing village on the Ligurian coast. Take a boat ride along the Riviera di Levante, the scenic stretch of coastline known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Visit the Portofino lighthouse, an iconic landmark with stunning views of the harbor. Shop for local crafts and souvenirs in the colorful shops of Piazzetta.
• Day 8: Return to Lake Como for a day trip to Varenna. Visit Villa Monastero, a gorgeous botanical garden with over 100 species of plants. Explore the picturesque alleys of the historic town center and enjoy the stunning views of the lake from the Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle.
• Day 9-10: Spend the last days of your honeymoon in the charming town of Cernobbio on the shores of Lake Como. Take a Cable Car ride to the top of the Brunate mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps. Visit Villa d'Este, a 16th-century villa with stunning gardens and a renowned gourmet restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Lake Como Boat Ride (2 hours, €35)
• Cathedral of Como (1 hour, Free)
• Villa Melzi Gardens (2 hours, €6)
• Monte Carlo Casino (2 hours, €17)
• Portofino Lighthouse (1 hour, Free)
• Piazzetta Shopping (2 hours, €50)
• Villa Monastero (2 hours, €8)
• Castello di Vezio (1 hour, €4)
• Cable Car ride to Brunate (1 hour, €5)
• Villa d'Este (2 hours, €15)
Total Estimated Costs: €135

Transportation

Travel between locations will be done via train or car rental, depending on preference. These modes of transportation allow for flexibility and efficient travel between destinations. Approximate costs are €30-40 for train rides and €100-150 for car rentals. The travel time between Lake Como and Monaco is approximately 4 hours by train, and between Monaco and Portofino is approximately 2 hours by car. The travel time between Portofino and Lake Como is approximately 3 hours by train.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to St. Moritz, the luxury resort town in Switzerland. If you have less time, shorten your stay in Monaco to 2 days. Don't forget to pack comfortable walking shoes and light layers for the fluctuating weather. Remember to book tickets in advance for popular attractions to avoid lines and potential closures.