Comprehensive Two-Week Lake Como Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Northern Italy in October

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Como

Como, Italy on October 1, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Monti

Start your day with excellent Italian pastries and coffee at this popular bakery in Como town centre, open from 7:30am to 7pm.
EUR7, 1h

10:30am

Visit Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

Explore the magnificent Gothic-Renaissance cathedral in the heart of Como, which opens at 9am and offers beautiful stained glass and sculptures.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Walk along the Lake Como promenade

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade with views of the Alps and boats.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria del Gallo

Try traditional Northern Italian dishes like risotto and polenta in this cosy, family-run osteria open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

3:00pm

Funicular ride to Brunate

Take the funicular (runs 7am-7pm) up to Brunate village for panoramic views over Lake Como and the town below.
EUR6, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale

Dine on refined Italian cuisine near the lake with an open kitchen, open from 7pm to 10pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Villa del Balbianello & Lenno

Lenno, Italy on October 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Gelateria Pasticceria Ferrari

Local café offering freshly baked goods and strong Italian coffee, open from 7am.
EUR6, 1h

10:00am

Villa del Balbianello visit

Tour this stunning lakeside villa with historical gardens featured in James Bond films, open 10am-6pm in October.
EUR16, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Colombetta

Savour fresh fish dishes by the lakeside in Lenno, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax at Lido di Lenno

Enjoy lakeside views and peaceful walks; the outdoor lido is quieter in October perfect for relaxation.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Take ferry to Bellagio

Scenic ferry ride from Lenno to Bellagio, taking around 30 minutes with beautiful views.
EUR10, 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria San Giacomo, Bellagio

Enjoy authentic Northern Italian flavours in a cosy setting, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Exploring Bellagio

Bellagio, Italy on October 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Sancassani

Treat yourself to fresh croissants and espresso at this popular Bellagio bakery, open from 7am.
EUR8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll the elegant gardens along the lake shore, open 9am-5pm in October, offering stunning autumn colours.
EUR6, 1.5h

11:30am

Boat tour around Lake Como

Take a 2-hour small boat tour departing from Bellagio harbour to explore the main villas and scenic lake views.
EUR30, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante Silvio

A historic lakeside restaurant specialising in fresh fish and risottos, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

4:00pm

Explore Bellagio old town

Wander through cobbled lanes with artisan shops and cafes, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at La Punta

Enjoy dinner with lake views at this charming restaurant, open from 7pm to 10pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Varenna and Castello di Vezio

Varenna, Italy on October 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Il Molo

Cozy lakeside café in Varenna serving pastries and excellent coffee, open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Visit Villa Monastero

Tour the botanical gardens and historic villa along the lake, open 9:30am - 5pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

11:30am

Castello di Vezio visit

Walk uphill to this medieval castle for panoramic views and falconry displays, open 10am - 6pm.
EUR5, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Il Cavatappi

Enjoy homemade pasta and local wines in this charming Varenna eatery, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Ferry to Menaggio

Short ferry ride to Menaggio, a pleasant lakeside town with lovely walks, costs EUR8 and takes about 20 minutes.
EUR8, 0.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Ristorante di Paolo, Menaggio

Taste classic Italian dishes with a lake view in a relaxed atmosphere, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR35, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano, Switzerland on October 5, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at hotel in Menaggio

Have a light breakfast where you stay before setting out to Lugano.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Travel to Lugano by bus and ferry

Combination of ferry and bus from Menaggio to Lugano; takes about 1h 15 min.
CHF20, 1h15m

10:00am

Explore Parco Ciani

Visit Lugano’s beautiful lakeside park offering walking paths, sculptures, and gardens.
Free, 1.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Grotto Morchino

Enjoy Ticinese cuisine in a traditional grotto setting, open 12pm-2:30pm.
CHF40, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Museum of Cultures

Discover diverse exhibits from Asia, Africa, and Oceania; open 10am-6pm.
CHF10, 1.5h

4:00pm

Stroll via Via Nassa shopping street

Explore boutiques and cafes along Lugano’s main pedestrian shopping street.
Free, 1h

5:30pm

Return to Menaggio

Reverse the earlier route by bus and ferry back to Menaggio.
CHF20, 1h15m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria il Pozzo, Menaggio

Enjoy delicious regional Italian dishes in a lovely setting, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR30, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Explore Menaggio

Menaggio, Italy on October 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Moccagatta

Popular local café offering coffee, croissants and sandwiches, open 7am onwards.
EUR7, 1h

9:30am

Walk along Menaggio waterfront

Enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains along a flat scenic pathway.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Bottega del Gusto

Sample contemporary Italian cuisine made with local ingredients, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit the old church of Santa Marta

Explore this historic hilltop church with great views of lake and village.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Relax in a lakeside café

Enjoy coffee and pastries before an early dinner.
EUR10, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Kristall

Award-winning restaurant offering delicious lake fish and Italian dishes, open from 7pm.
EUR45, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Day Trip to Bergamo

Bergamo, Italy on October 7, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel in Menaggio

Fuel up with light breakfast before your day trip.
Included, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Bergamo by car or bus

About 1.5 hours travel from Menaggio to Bergamo city centre.
EUR20 (bus), 1.5h

10:00am

Explore Città Alta (Upper Town)

Visit Bergamo’s medieval old town with its piazzas, historic architecture, and shops.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Da Mimmo

Authentic Bergamasque cuisine in a traditional trattoria, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR30, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Accademia Carrara art gallery

Enjoy an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art, open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

5:00pm

Return to Menaggio

Drive or take bus back to your base on Lake Como.
EUR20, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at local pizzeria

Casual dinner option after your day trip, enjoy classic Italian pizzas, open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Return to Como Town & Shopping

Como, Italy on October 8, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Menaggio

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departure to Como.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Travel to Como by ferry

Enjoy comfortable scenic ferry ride back to Como in about 1 hour.
EUR12, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Il Gatto Nero

Fine dining offering spectacular views over Lake Como, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR45, 1.5h

2:00pm

Shopping in Como town centre

Explore boutiques, silk shops, and artisan stores in the historic centre.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Villa Olmo

Elegant dining in a villa setting beside Lake Como, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR50, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Explore Como Countryside

Como, Italy on October 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Teatro

Charming café with excellent coffee and pastries, open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Visit Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo

Explore the villa’s art and botanic gardens, open 10am-5pm in autumn.
EUR13, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at La Darsena

Enjoy lakeside dining with focus on fresh fish and local recipes, open 12pm-3pm.
EUR35, 1.5h

2:30pm

Boat trip to Isola Comacina

Discover the only island on the lake, rich in history and with a popular restaurant open in October for tasting local cuisine.
EUR14, 3h

6:30pm

Return to Como

Boat or ferry back to Como town.
Included in previous ticket, 1h

8:00pm

Light Dinner at Enoteca da Gigi

Enjoy wine tasting and light plates at this popular wine bar in Como, open till 10pm.
EUR20, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Hiking & Nature Day

Northern Lake Como, Italy on October 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hiking.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Hike Greenway del Lago di Como

Walk part of this 10km route featuring lakeside villages, open access.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch at Local Trattoria in Laglio

Enjoy simple homemade cuisine in a tranquil setting.
EUR25, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or a lakeside café

Recharge with views of the lake after your hike.
EUR10, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante La Darsena in Tremezzo

Savour classic Italian dishes with high-quality ingredients.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Relaxing Day & Spa

Como, Italy on October 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed start with breakfast included in your stay.
Included, 1h

10:30am

Spa at QC Terme San Pellegrino

Day trip to the luxury thermal spa, open 9am-10pm offering relaxation and wellness treatments.
EUR55, 5h

4:30pm

Return to Como

Travel back after a rejuvenating spa experience.
EUR20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Momi

Casual dining recommended for fresh pasta and lake fish, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR30, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Cultural & Historical Day

Como, Italy on October 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Latte

Popular spot for coffee and pastries in Como, open from 7am.
EUR7, 1h

10:00am

Visit Tempio Voltiano

Museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electric battery, open 9am - 6pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

12:00pm

Walk to Broletto and Piazza San Fedele

Explore medieval buildings and the historic centre's charming squares.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria La Costa

Traditional Italian comfort food in Como, open 12pm-2:30pm.
EUR28, 1.5h

3:00pm

Shopping in Silk Museum and Outlet

Como is famous for its silk - visit the showroom and museum.
EUR7, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Il Solito Posto

Modern Italian dining with local ingredients, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR40, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Day Trip to Milan

Milan, Italy on October 13, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Have breakfast included before the day trip.
Included, 0.5h

7:30am

Train to Milan

Train from Como San Giovanni to Milan Centrale takes about 40 minutes.
EUR10, 0.75h

9:00am

Visit Duomo di Milano

Explore Milan’s iconic cathedral, open 9am - 7pm.
EUR5, 1.5h

11:00am

Walk through Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Historic shopping arcade with luxury shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try traditional panzerotti, a favourite Milanese snack, open from 10am to 8pm.
EUR10, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Fine arts gallery with masterpieces of Italian art, open 8:30am-7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h

4:30pm

Stroll Brera district

Charming neighbourhood with galleries, shops and cafes.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Train back to Como

Return train to Como San Giovanni.
EUR10, 0.75h

7:00pm

Dinner in Como at Osteria dei Amici

Relaxed dining serving local dishes to end your day, open 7pm-10pm.
EUR30, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure Day

Como, Italy on October 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last Italian breakfast in Como.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Leisurely walk or last-minute shopping

Spend your final morning soaking in Como’s atmosphere or picking up souvenirs.
Free, 1.5h

11:00am

Check-out and travel to airport or next destination

Arrange transportation based on your onward travel plans.
Varies, Varies
View Hotel Availability