How many days do you need in Lake como?

This itinerary covers 5 days in Lake como, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Lake como?

Plan your perfect 5 days trip to Lake como. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

5-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Lake Como, Italy

Day 1: Arrival and Como Exploration

Como, Italy on June 22, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Caffè Mazzini

Start your day with traditional Italian pastries and espresso at this charming downtown café, known for its fresh produce and cozy atmosphere.

EUR10, 1h0m

10:15am

Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)

Visit this impressive Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, one of Como’s most significant landmarks, to admire its stained glass, sculptures, and impressive façade.

EUR3, 1h0m

11:30am

Funicular Ride to Brunate

Take the funicular from Como to Brunate for panoramic views over Lake Como and the Alps. The ride lasts about 7 minutes and offers excellent photo opportunities.

EUR6.50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Colombetta

Enjoy classic northern Italian cuisine specializing in fresh lake fish and homemade pasta in an elegant setting near the lakefront.

EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Walk Along the Lake Como Waterfront

Stroll the scenic promenade along the lake, discover charming gardens, and appreciate the beautiful villas dotting the shore.

Free, 1h30m

4:15pm

Visit Villa Olmo

Explore the neoclassical Villa Olmo and its vast gardens open to the public, featuring art exhibitions and stunning lake views.

EUR5, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria del Gallo

Dine on authentic Italian dishes with a lakeside ambiance known for its sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere and quality local ingredients.

EUR40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Como

Day 2: Bellagio and Villa Visits

Bellagio, Italy on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bar Pasticceria Rossi

Grab a quick coffee and delicious Italian pastries at this well-known spot before boarding the ferry.

EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Ferry to Bellagio

Enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Como to Bellagio, taking approximately 1 hour with beautiful views over Lake Como’s central basin.

EUR14, 1h0m

10:15am

Villa Melzi Gardens

Explore the lush and elegant gardens of Villa Melzi, featuring exotic plants, sculptures, and lakeside views, a must-see Bellagio attraction.

EUR6, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Bellagio Village

Wander through the cobblestone streets filled with boutique shops, cafes, and historic buildings to absorb the charm of Bellagio.

Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria San Giacomo

Savor regional specialties such as risotto with lake fish at this traditional trattoria in the heart of Bellagio.

EUR35, 1h15m

2:45pm

Visit Villa Serbelloni Park

Take a guided tour of the expansive Villa Serbelloni Park, offering panoramic views and a rich history of aristocratic villas.

EUR15 (guided tour), 2h0m

6:30pm

Return Ferry to Como

Catch an early evening ferry back to Como, enjoying the sunset over the lake.

EUR14, 1h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Sociale

Experience fine dining with local and seasonal ingredients at this highly rated restaurant in Como’s historic center.

EUR45, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Bellagio

Day 3: Varenna’s Scenic Charm

Varenna, Italy on June 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Du Lac Café

Enjoy breakfast with a lakeside view, featuring fresh pastries and Italian coffee specialties.

EUR12, 0h45m

9:00am

Train or Ferry to Varenna

Travel from Como to Varenna either by train (1.5 hours) or ferry (1 hour) for a day immersed in lakeside beauty.

EUR10-14, 1h0m -1h30m

10:30am

Villa Monastero

Tour the magnificent lakeside gardens and the historic villa, famous for its botanical variety and stunning views.

EUR8, 1h0m

11:45am

Castello di Vezio

Hike or take a short taxi to this medieval castle ruins for spectacular panoramic views and falconry demonstrations.

EUR5, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Vista

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Italian dishes with breathtaking views overlooking the lake.

EUR30, 1h15m

2:30pm

Stroll Varenna’s Promenade and Waterfront

Relax and discover the tranquil beauty of Varenna’s picturesque streets, local shops, and cafes along the waterfront.

Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Como

Ferry or train back to Como for your next day’s adventures.

EUR10-14, 1h0m -1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Il Gatto Nero

Dine at this celebrated hillside restaurant near Como, offering rustic Italian dishes and stunning sunset views over the lake.

EUR40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Varenna

Day 4: Menaggio and Outdoor Activities

Menaggio, Italy on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Manzoni

Enjoy fresh croissants and rich Italian coffee at this delightful bakery in Menaggio.

EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Ferry to Menaggio

Travel by ferry from Como to Menaggio on Lake Como’s western shore; the ride is about 1 hour with scenic views.

EUR14, 1h0m

10:45am

Walk the Menaggio lakeside promenade

Explore the charming waterside promenade with gardens and views of Bellagio across the lake.

Free, 1h0m

12:00pm

Hike or Rent Bikes to Lake Front Trails

Rent a bike or hike the Menaggio to Bellagio Greenway trail for stunning lake and mountain panoramas. Trails are well marked and scenic.

EUR15 bike rental, 2h30m

2:30pm

Lunch at Osteria il Pozzo

Refuel with traditional Italian food, including homemade pasta and regional specialties, in Menaggio’s historic district.

EUR25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Lido di Menaggio Beach

Enjoy some downtime swimming or sunbathing at this popular beach spot with facilities and lake access.

EUR10 entrance, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at La Baita Belvedere

Experience dinner with a view at this rustic restaurant perched above Menaggio, serving authentic alpine and Italian cuisine.

EUR40, 1h30m

Find Hotels in Menaggio

Day 5: Tremezzo and Departure

Tremezzo, Italy to Como, Italy on June 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar Club Tremezzo

Start your day with coffee and fresh baked goods in the quaint lakeside town of Tremezzo.

EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Villa Carlotta

Tour the elegant Villa Carlotta and its magnificent botanic gardens known for art collections and spectacular lake views; open 9am-7pm.

EUR10, 2h0m

11:45am

Boat ride on Lake Como

Take a private or shared boat tour around the lake to admire villas, gardens, and natural scenery before heading back.

EUR30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ristorante La Darsena

Enjoy lunch at this waterfront restaurant serving lake fish specialties and Italian classics with a view of Bellagio.

EUR35, 1h15m

2:30pm

Return to Como

Ferry or drive back to Como, preparing for your departure or further travel plans.

EUR14, 1h0m

Find Hotels in Tremezzo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

5-Day Scenic and Cultural Exploration of Lake Como, Italy

Day 1: Arrival and Como Exploration

9:00am

10:15am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:30pm

4:15pm

7:00pm

Day 2: Bellagio and Villa Visits

8:00am

9:00am

10:15am

11:30am

1:00pm

2:45pm

6:30pm

8:30pm

Day 3: Varenna’s Scenic Charm

8:00am

9:00am

10:30am

11:45am

1:00pm

2:30pm

5:00pm

7:30pm

Day 4: Menaggio and Outdoor Activities

8:00am

9:30am

10:45am

12:00pm

2:30pm

4:00pm

7:00pm

Day 5: Tremezzo and Departure

8:30am

9:30am

11:45am

1:00pm

2:30pm

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