Lake Como Itinerary: A Simple 7-Day Plan That Covers The Best Of The Lake
If you really want to experience Lake Como, it’s worth staying in different parts of the lake—each one reveals a different side of it, and that’s exactly how this Lake Como itinerary is designed. Staying overnight also changes the experience entirely. You see the lake after the day-trippers leave, when everything quiets down, and again in the morning, walking along the water with a cappuccino before it fills up.
After living in Milan for ten years and visiting the lake in different seasons, I’ve put together a 7-day Lake Como itinerary that shows off the best of the lake if you have a week to experience it.
You’ll start in the central triangle—Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio—for the classic views and easy ferry access, then move to a quieter base in places like Bellano or Moltrasio, where the views and the atmosphere shift completely.
I’ve also built in a short trip into the Valtellina—not just for the wine, but because it shapes the food and wine culture you’ll find around the lake. The train ride starts along the water, then turns inland to vineyards climbing up the mountainsides, giving you a completely different perspective to balance everything you’ve seen along the shore.
How This Lake Como Itinerary Is Structured (And Why It Works)
The biggest decision in any Lake Como itinerary isn’t what to do—it’s where to stay. Base yourself in one town and you’ll get a great trip, but only one version of the lake. Move once, and everything shifts—the pace, the scenery, and how your days feel.
This itinerary is built around two bases that show you different sides of Lake Como:
First stay (3 nights): the central lake
Stay in Varenna, Bellagio, or Menaggio. This is the most accessible part of the lake, where ferries connect everything and it’s easy to move between towns. It’s also where you’ll find some of the lake’s must-see historical villas and gardens, along with the grand dame hotels that are worth experiencing in their own right—whether that’s for a night, a long lunch, or an aperitivo with a view.
I recommend checking out spots on booking.com, as I think they have the best range of offerings and great photos to help the different types of rooms and facilities.
Second stay (3 nights): a quieter side of the lake
Then move to somewhere slower like Bellano, Torno, or Moltrasio. This side of the lake feels more local, less crowded, and more relaxed—where your days are built around a slow walk through narrow streets, a long lakeside lunch with a bottle of wine and open views, and fewer crowds competing for the same spots. These towns are smaller with a more limited number of hotels, so the best locations tend to book out quickly—especially in peak season. It’s worth checking availability and locking something in early.
You only change hotels once, but the experience feels completely different.
I’ve also built in a short trip into the Valtellina, just north of the lake. It’s not just about the wine—it adds context to the food you’ll see throughout the trip, and the train ride shifts from open water to vineyards climbing up the mountainsides, giving you a different perspective from what you experience along the shore.
Day 1: Arrive from Milan and ENjoy Varenna
Start your trip by heading straight from Milan to Varenna—it’s one of the easiest ways onto Lake Como if you’re traveling by train, and exactly why I structured this Lake Como itinerary to begin here. The ride to Varenna-Esino takes just over an hour, and when you step off, you’re already close to the water. No complicated transfers, just a short walk or quick taxi and you’re there.
A quick tip from experience: this train gets very busy, especially in the morning and early evening. Since you can’t reserve seats, get to the platform about 20 minutes early and walk toward the far end—it gives you a much better chance of finding a seat and starting this part of your Lake Como itinerary comfortably.
If the weather is sunny, go straight to Blanco Lounge Bar & Restaurant to grab a spot by the water and pick up a pool or lido pass. Otherwise, start with a walk along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, then make your way up through the old town where narrow streets and staircases open into small viewpoints. From there, head to Villa Monastero, one of the standout stops in this Lake Como itinerary. The lakeside gardens stretch for what feels like forever, but the interiors are just as worth your time—and on a hot day, the shaded paths make it one of the most comfortable places to walk.
As the light starts to shift, head up to Hotel Royal Victoria for a spritz. The bar sits high above Varenna, looking down over the lake, with curated, comfortable seating that feels removed from the crowds. It’s one of my favorite spots on the lake—great cocktails, a top-notch bartender, and views that make you want to stay longer than you planned.
From there, keep dinner simple and stay near the water. For more details on what to do and where to stay, you can dive into my full Varenna guide as you continue planning your Lake Como itinerary.
Day 2: Central Lake Loop — Villas and the Western Shore
Day two of this Lake Como itinerary is when you start moving between the central towns—Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio—which are incredibly well connected by boat. I always try to grab a seat outside, catch some sun, and just take it in—the breeze off the water, villas along the shoreline, church steeples, and towns cascading down the hillsides. It’s one of the best parts of being on the lake, and almost every time I’m on a boat, I spot somewhere I want to come back to.
Head straight across to Lenno or Tremezzo and build your day around one villa.
If you’re heading to Villa del Balbianello, take the ferry to Lenno. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk along the lake and then up a hill to reach the entrance. It’s a scenic approach, but it’s worth knowing in advance so you can plan your timing. Also, tickets here sell out regularly, so it’s best to book ahead rather than trying your luck on the day. If you choose the Lenno route, after visiting the villa, have lunch at Giulietta al Lago, right on the water.
If you’d prefer something centered more around gardens, go to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. The scale of the gardens and the setting right on the water make it one of the most visually impressive stops on the lake. Afterward, stay in Tremezzo for lunch at Grand Hotel Tremezzo—this is one of those places where you go as much for the setting as the food.
By mid-afternoon, start heading back toward your base and spend the rest of the day by the pool. Or if your hotel doesn’t have a pool, get a pool pass to The Victoria Beach Club in Menaggio. It’s one of the chicest lidos on the lake.
Day 3: Bellagio — Shops, Gardens, and Aperitivo
Day three of this Lake Como itinerary is all about Bellagio. It’s the busiest of the central towns, but it’s also where you’ll find the most variety—shops, cafés, and a bit more energy than anywhere else on the lake.
Start your morning wandering through the narrow streets and small boutiques. This is where I’d actually plan to pick something up—silk pieces, handmade shoes or sandals, or something small that reflects the craftsmanship the lake is known for. It’s easy to spend more time here than you expect just moving from one street to the next.
If you to walk through some incredible gardens, choose between Villa Melzi and Parco di Villa Serbelloni. Both give you a completely different vantage point over the lake.
In the late afternoon, head to Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni for an aperitivo. There are no reservations, so timing matters—arrive a bit early and wait it out for a terrace spot. If you see the gin experience on the menu, it’s worth it. You choose your gin, then build it out with different aromatics and botanicals they bring to your table on a silver platter. It’s a fun experience and I think I created the best gin and tonic I’ve ever tasted.
From there, you can either stay in Bellagio for dinner or head back to your base town. Remember to always check the ferry schedule to see when the last ferries are running, to avoid a potentially costly taxi trip home.
Day 4: Move to a Quieter Base — Bellano, Torno, or Moltrasio
Day four of this Lake Como itinerary is where the trip starts to feel different. After a few days in the central lake, you’ll notice the shift right away.
Check out and move to your second base. If you want something practical with easy train access—and the option to head up into the vineyard region—Bellano is a great choice. If you’re looking for something a bit more polished and slower-paced, Torno or Moltrasio work better, especially if you want to stay closer to Como.
This is where you settle in for leisurely relaxing days. Start with a long lunch, take a walk through town, and find your way to the water or lido for a swim.
If you’re staying in Bellano, make time to see the Orrido di Bellano. It’s a dramatic gorge with walkways built right into the rock, and it’s one of the more unique things to see on this side of the lake.
For more tips on what to do and where to stay, dive into my full Bellano guide as you continue planning your Lake Como itinerary.
Day 5: Long Lunches and Lake Time
If you’re not already in Torno, make your way there for lunch at Albergo Ristorante Vapore. It sits right on the water, and it’s the kind of place where you sit down for lunch and look up a few hours later wondering where the afternoon went.
Alternatively, head to Mandello del Lario to Ristorante Il Giardinetto, for another gourmet lunch option, this time at a terrace overhanging the lake. Or cross the lake to Locanda La Tirlindana, set in a small square just off the water.
If you’re staying in or near Moltrasio, this is also the night to plan ahead for a dinner at Passalacqua. The tasting menu, the views, and the setting in this renovated villa all come together—it’s one of those meals you’ll remember long after this part of your Lake Como itinerary is over.
Day 6: Valtellina Wine Region or the Lake Como Greenway
Day six of this Lake Como itinerary depends on where you’ve based yourself for the second half of the trip. If you’re staying on the eastern side of Lake Como in Bellano, this is the perfect day to head north into the Valtellina. The train runs directly from Bellano, making it an easy day trip—about 30 minutes to Morbegno (for wine tasting) or around 50 minutes to Sondrio (for pizzocheri and wine tasting).
The train trundles around the lake with some gorgeous lake views, then gradually moves inland as the landscape shifts to vineyards climbing up the mountainsides. It’s a completely different setting, and it gives context to a lot of the food and wine you’ll see around the lake—especially dishes like pizzoccheri.
If you’re staying on the western side instead—somewhere like Moltrasio or Torno—it’s not worth trying to force the Valtellina into your day. You’ll spend too much time getting there and back.
Instead, stay local and walk part of the Lake Como Greenway. It’s an easy, scenic route that connects small villages as you get some incredible views. It gives you a different perspective of the lake—less about landmarks and more about how life feels here. Take your time with it, stop when something catches your attention, and let it unfold into a relaxed half-day.
If you’re looking for more information, check out my complete planning guide to Lake Como.
Day 7: Return to Milan
The final day of this Lake Como itinerary is all about getting back to Milan smoothly and using whatever time you have left well.
If you have an early flight, head straight to the airport and keep things simple—but build in a bit of buffer. Trains in Italy are generally reliable, but small delays are common, especially on regional routes. I usually allow an extra 15–20 minutes, which covers most situations without adding stress. Even the Malpensa Express, which is typically on time, can run about 10 minutes late.
If your flight is later in the day, store your luggage at KiBag Milano Centrale on the ground floor of Milano Centrale and head into the city for a few hours. It’s an easy setup and makes a big difference not having to carry bags around.
From there, keep it simple. This is the moment for one last incredible Italian meal—I’ve put together a guide to my favorite restaurants in Milan, along with a separate guide for pizza if you want something more casual. If you’d rather keep things light, take a walk through the center around the Duomo di Milano, and check out my insider’s guide to the best things to do in Milan.
