Three-Day Lake Como Itinerary

• Day 1: Visit the beautiful Villa del Balbianello that sits at the tip of the Dosso di Lavedo peninsula. The villa attracts many visitors because of its stunning gardens and terraces. From here, head to Como Cathedral. It is renowned for having been built between the 14th and 18th centuries in Gothic and Renaissance styles. Lastly, to end the day, visit the Basilica di Sant'Abbondio, an incredible church that dates back to the 11th century.
• Day 2: Spend the day exploring Cernobbio, a charming village on the west shore of Lake Como. Start with a visit to the Villa D'Este, an incredible palace turned hotel that looks out over the glittering waters of the lake. After, visit the Giardino della Valle, where visitors can hike, cycle or walk around the park's beautiful lake. Finally, end the day with dinner at the scenic restaurant Ristorante Miralago.
• Day 3: Take a boat to the beautiful village of Bellagio. Located at the point where the three branches of Lake Como meet, Bellagio is known as the 'Pearl of the Lake.' Once in Bellagio, plan to visit the Villa Melzi Gardens, a magnificent garden that is home to a large number of rare and exotic plants. After, visit the beautiful Cimitero Monumentale cemetery, a peaceful place that is home to many famous graves, including that of the Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini. Finally, head to the Punta Spartivento viewpoint, where visitors can get an unforgettable view of Lake Como.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Villa del Balbianello (2-3 hours, €20)
• Como Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Basilica di Sant'Abbondio (1 hour, free)
• Villa D'Este (2 hours, €15)
• Giardino della Valle (3-4 hours, free)
• Ristorante Miralago (1.5-2 hours, €30-€50 per person)
• Boat to Bellagio (1 hour, €15)
• Villa Melzi Gardens (2 hours, €10)
• Cimitero Monumentale (1 hour, free)
• Punta Spartivento (1 hour, free)
• Total Estimated Costs: €75-€95 per person

Transportation

Getting around Lake Como is relatively easy as long as you have the right transportation. You can take the train from Milan's Central Station to Como San Giovanni Station, which is located near the city center. From here, you can take a local train to any of the smaller towns around the lake. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to get around the lake itself. A one-day ticket for the ferry costs around €15-20, depending on the season. Keep in mind that the ferry schedule can change with the seasons, so it's always a good idea to check ahead of time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Menaggio, Torno, or Varenna, some of the other picturesque towns around Lake Como. If you have less time, consider skipping the Cimitero Monumentale or Punta Spartivento visits. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking and bring a jacket for the cooler evenings during the spring and fall months. Lastly, try to avoid the peak tourist season in July and August if you can, as the crowds can make it difficult to enjoy the beauty of this incredible location.