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Lake Como is where Italian charm meets alpine elegance. A thoughtfully planned travel itinerary lets you cruise the lake, explore historic villas, and unwind in stylish lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna.

Best Starting Point for Exploring the Region

A Great Destination for Foodies

An Unbeatable View of Lake Como
The city of Como is one of the must-see destinations around Lake Como and a perfect starting point for your travel itinerary. Explore the stunning Gothic cathedral—one of the most impressive in Italy—and visit the historic Broletto, Como’s medieval town hall. For a deeper look into the region’s past, stop by the Museo Didattico della Seta, which traces the history of the local silk industry. And don’t miss the funicular ride up the hillside to the village of Brunate for sweeping views of the lake and mountains.
Sitting high above Como, the hilltop village of Brunate offers unbeatable views over Lake Como and its surrounding landscapes. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want your camera ready at every turn. A highlight here is the Faro Voltiano, a lighthouse dedicated to local physicist Alessandro Volta, which doubles as a spectacular viewpoint.
Bellagio is an elegant lakeside village known for its charm, cuisine, and upscale shopping. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and enjoy a meal at one of its top-rated restaurants. If you’re into art, make time for Villa Carlotta—an impressive waterfront estate that houses a remarkable collection of sculptures and paintings. On cooler days, take a peaceful walk through the Giardini di Villa Melzi, a refined botanical garden right along the lakefront.
Varenna is a picturesque village on the eastern shore of Lake Como, known for its romantic waterfront and peaceful atmosphere. Stroll along the "Lover’s Walk" promenade or explore the lush gardens of Villa Monastero. The village also offers great access to hiking trails and has a charming old town perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
Located directly across from Bellagio, Menaggio combines lakeside relaxation with alpine beauty. Walk along its scenic promenade, relax at a lakeside café, or take a ferry to explore nearby towns. It’s also a gateway to mountain hikes and cycling routes for active travelers.
Tremezzo is home to some of the lake’s grandest villas, including the iconic Villa Carlotta. Known for its terraced gardens and lakefront views, this elegant town is ideal for a relaxing stay. Art lovers and garden enthusiasts will especially appreciate the blend of natural and cultural beauty.
This charming town is famous for Villa del Balbianello, one of the most scenic and cinematic spots on the lake—featured in films like Star Wars and James Bond. After your villa tour, enjoy a lakeside aperitivo or take a boat ride to explore hidden coves nearby.
Just a short distance from Como, Cernobbio is a favorite weekend retreat known for its luxury villas and relaxed atmosphere. Visit Villa Erba or the opulent Villa d’Este, then unwind at one of the elegant cafés along the waterfront.
The best time to visit Lake Como is from May to September. This is when the temperatures in northern Italy are warm, the sun shines frequently and there is less rainfall. Ideal conditions for a successful vacation!
For a one-week vacation at Lake Como, you can expect to budget around $2,150 per person, excluding flights. That breaks down to about $305 per day. This budget covers a stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel, group activities like wine tastings or kayaking tours, a mid-range rental car, and meals at casual local restaurants.
Lake Como is located in Italy in Central European Time (CET).
Lake Como is located in Italy and uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Lake Como. Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which allows travelers from the U.S. to enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period with a valid passport.
Italian is the official language in Italy and therefore also on Lake Como.
We recommend spending at least three days and nights on Lake Como so that you can discover the region's best attractions.
Lake Como is located in northern Italy, about 37 miles north of Milan and roughly 300 miles north of Rome. It also borders Switzerland and sits around 150 miles east of the French border—making it a great base for exploring multiple regions of Europe.
It is best to fly to Milan (Malpensa or Linate) or Bergamo. From there, the drive to Como takes about 1 hour.
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Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Our travel experts will help you build a Lake Como itinerary tailored to your pace and preferences. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore mountain trails and art towns, your personalized trip awaits.