Welcome to the beautiful shores of Lake Como, a jewel nestled in the Italian Alps. This five-day itinerary will guide you through a magical journey, where you’ll be captivated by the stunning landscapes, historic towns, and elegant villas that Lake Como has become famous for.
Prepare to be enchanted by the romance and charm that have made Lake Como a favorite destination for artists, writers, and celebrities throughout history.
From the bustling city of Como to the timeless beauty of Bellagio and Varenna, you’ll explore picturesque villages, indulge in delicious cuisine, and soak in the serene atmosphere that surrounds you.Â
Whether you choose to relax on a boat cruise, wander through charming streets, or hike in the scenic mountains, Lake Como offers something for every traveler. So, get ready to immerse yourself in unmatched beauty with this 5 day Lake Como itinerary.
Where to stay in Como
Como offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. From luxury hotels overlooking the lake to cozy guesthouses in the historic center, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from.
Booking.comHow to get around Como
Como is a compact town that can easily be explored on foot. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance from each other. For longer distances, local buses are available, offering convenient transportation within the city and its surroundings.
The Best Lake Como Itinerary 5 Days Edition
5 Day Lake Como Itinerary Day 1: Arrival and Explore Como
Welcome to Como, the gateway to Lake Como and the starting point of your adventure. Day one is best spent in Como town exploring and getting a feel for the biggest city in the region. A rough outline of your day is as follows:
Arrival in Como: Arrive at Como by train from Milan (approximately 1 hour) or by flying into Milan Malpensa Airport and taking a direct train or bus to Como (approximately 1.5-2 hours). Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and get settled.
Note: Those who are short in time usually arrange a Day Trip from Milan to explore Como.
Explore Como’s Old Town: Start your exploration by wandering through the charming streets of Como’s Old Town. Admire the medieval architecture, browse local boutiques, and discover historic sites like the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como) with its intricate Gothic facade.
Visit the Como Cathedral: Make sure to visit the Como Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Marvel at the intricate carvings, step inside to admire the grand interior, and climb to the rooftop for panoramic views of the city and Lake Como.
Enjoy Lakefront Dining: End your day by indulging in a delicious Italian dinner at one of the lakefront restaurants. Savor regional specialties like risotto, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta while taking in the beautiful views of Lake Como.
5 Days in Lake Como Itinerary Day 2: Bellagio and Villa Balbianello
On your second day, embark on an excursion to Bellagio, one of the most picturesque towns on Lake Como. Then to Villa Balnianello, one of the most famous villas on Lake Como! Here’s what you can do:
Ferry to Bellagio: Start your day by taking a scenic ferry ride from Como to Bellagio. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake as you cruise across its sparkling waters. Ferry services operate regularly, and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Explore the Streets of Bellagio: Upon arrival, wander through the charming streets of Bellagio. Explore the narrow alleys, admire the colorful buildings, and discover local boutiques, artisan shops, and gelaterias. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and take in the stunning views of the lake.Â
Visit Villa Melzi Gardens: Head to Villa Melzi, one of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como. Stroll through the meticulously manicured lawns, admire the exotic plants and flowers, and relax in the serene atmosphere. Don’t miss the chance to explore the neo-classical villa and its collection of art and artifacts.
Lunch in Bellagio: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many charming restaurants in Bellagio. Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine while savoring the panoramic views of Lake Como.
Boat Tour to Villa Balbianello: Take a boat tour to the iconic Villa Balbianello, located on a scenic promontory overlooking the lake.
This stunning villa has been featured in several movies, including Star Wars and Casino Royale. Explore its beautiful gardens, stroll along the terraces, and marvel at the captivating views.
Return to Como: After your visit to Villa Balbianello, catch a boat back to Como. Relax on the return journey and soak in the beauty of the lake’s shores.
How to get around: In Bellagio, the town is easily explored on foot. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. For the boat tour to Villa Balbianello, you can join a guided tour that includes transportation, or rent a private boat for a more personalized experience.
Enjoy a day filled with beauty, history, and natural splendor as you explore Bellagio and Villa Balbianello. Lake Como’s charm will leave you enchanted and eager to discover more of its captivating treasures.
5 Day Lake Como Itinerary Day 3: Varenna and Villa Monastero
On the third day of your Lake Como adventure, venture to the charming town of Varenna and explore the beautiful Villa Monastero. Here’s what you can do:
Ferry to Varenna: Start your day by taking a ferry from Como to Varenna. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the lake and takes approximately 15-20 minutes. The boat ride is incredibly scenic with the rolling mountains and towns along the shore.
Explore Varenna: Upon arrival, explore the picturesque streets of Varenna. Wander through its narrow alleys, lined with colorful houses, charming cafes, and boutique shops. Take in the serene ambiance and breathtaking lake views.
Visit Villa Monastero: Make your way to Villa Monastero, a historic villa and botanical garden located along the lakefront. Stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, adorned with exotic plants and flowers. Discover the villa’s interiors, featuring elegant rooms and impressive art collections. Take your time to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and serene views of Lake Como.
Lunch in Varenna: Treat yourself to a delicious lunch in one of Varenna’s lakeside restaurants. Sample local specialties such as lake fish, risotto, or traditional Italian pasta dishes. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and soak up the beauty of the surroundings.
Lakeside Promenade: Take a leisurely walk along Varenna’s lakeside promenade. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como, the colorful fishing boats, and the charming waterfront. Find a cozy spot to sit and simply take in the beauty of the lake.
Return to Como: In the late afternoon, catch a ferry back to Como. Relax on the return journey, reflecting on the beauty and tranquility of Varenna.
How to get around: Varenna is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Most attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other. Ferry services operate regularly between Como and Varenna, providing convenient transportation.
Where to stay: While Varenna offers a few accommodations, many travelers choose to stay in Como and make day trips to Varenna and other towns on the lake. Como provides a wider range of hotels and amenities to suit different preferences and budgets.
5 Days in Lake Como Itinerary Day 4: Como’s Villas and Gardens
On the fourth day of your Lake Como itinerary, delve into the splendor of the region’s villas and gardens. Explore the elegant estates and their meticulously manicured grounds. Here’s what you can do:
Villa Carlotta: Start your day by visiting Villa Carlotta, located in Tremezzo. This neoclassical villa is renowned for its stunning gardens, featuring exotic plants, sculptures, and beautiful fountains. Take your time to wander through the gardens and explore the villa’s art collection.
Visit Villa d’Este: Villa d’Este on Lake Como is a must for those seeking architectural splendor and historical charm. The 16th-century villa showcases ornate frescoes, grand halls, and beautifully manicured gardens. Its lakeside location offers stunning views, making it a picturesque destination. Marvel at the villa’s grandeur and immerse yourself in its rich history for a truly memorable experience.
Visit Villa Erba: Make your way to the magical Villa Erba on Lake Como for a real treat for architecture enthusiasts. This stunning 19th-century villa features an elegant neoclassical design and overlooks the glistening waters of the lake.
Although not open to the public, admiring the villa from the outside allows you to appreciate its grandeur and admire its beautiful gardens, making for a delightful visit.
Return to Como: In the late afternoon, return to Como by ferry. Relax on the scenic journey and reminisce about the beautiful villas and gardens you have explored.
How to get around: To visit the villas and gardens, you can take advantage of the ferry services that connect the various towns on Lake Como. This allows you to enjoy the scenic views while traveling between destinations. In the gardens, most areas can be explored on foot.
Lake Como Itinerary Day 5: Lake Como Cruise and Departure
On your final day in Lake Como, embark on a memorable cruise along the lake’s tranquil waters. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and take in the last moments of your unforgettable journey. Here’s what you can do:
Lake Como Cruise: Start your day by hopping on a scenic cruise that will take you along the shimmering waters of Lake Como. Sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, charming villages, and opulent villas that dot the shoreline. Enjoy the gentle breeze as you glide across the lake’s serene surface.
Explore Lakeside Towns: During the cruise, the boat will make stops at various lakeside towns, allowing you to explore their unique charms. Disembark and wander through the streets of towns like Menaggio, Tremezzo, or Bellano.
Discover local shops, enjoy a leisurely lakeside lunch, and capture some final photographs of the stunning scenery. This is a great opportunity to explore smaller villages and towns you haven’t had the time to see yet, or ones you want to see more of.Â
Last Moments on Lake Como: Take your time to savor the beauty of Lake Como during the cruise. Admire the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, the lush greenery, and the sparkling waters. Reflect on the memories you’ve made and the incredible experiences you’ve had during your time on the lake.
Departure from Como: In the afternoon, return to Como and make your way to the train station or airport for your onward journey. As you bid farewell to Lake Como, take a moment to cherish the beauty and tranquility that you have experienced.
How to get around: For the Lake Como cruise, various companies offer regular boat services that operate along the lake. You can purchase a ticket at the Como ferry terminal or book in advance.
The cruise allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and explore lakeside towns.
In Summary
As you embark on your Lake Como cruise and bid farewell to this enchanting destination, take one last gaze at the majestic scenery and cherish the memories of your time spent on the shores of this iconic Italian lake. Lake Como will forever hold a special place in your heart as you carry the beauty and tranquility with you on your onward journey.
This is a post by Guest Contributor Samantha Karen
Author’s bio: Samantha Karen is the visionary behind Sam Sees World, a travel blog that captures remarkable journeys across the globe. As an intrepid adventurer in her twenties, Samantha embarks on a mission to embrace the unfamiliar, while documenting her experiences to ignite wanderlust in fellow explorers. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Sam Sees World, where you’ll find invaluable insights into the finest attractions and unforgettable encounters. Ask yourself this: when was the last time did you something for the first time? You can follow Samantha on Instagram and Pinterest.
