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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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