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Weekend in Lake Como

Weekend in Lake Como

Trip Overview

This compact weekend stitches together the lake's two most atmospheric towns with the classic ferry glide across Como's ink-blue water. Catch Bellagio's stepped lanes in early light, linger over a midday espresso beside bobbing wooden boats, then watch Varenna's pastel façades blush pink while you nurse late-day negronis. The rhythm is unhurried: slow strolling, long lunches, one sunset cruise you'll replay in your head for years, all tied together by mid-range Lake Como hotels two minutes from the dock.

Pace
Relaxed
Daily Budget
$120, 160 per day
Best Seasons
May to early October for warm ferry decks and open-air dining
Ideal For
First-time visitors, Couples, Photography lovers, Food-focused travelers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A complete plan for every day of your trip

1

Bellagio: Gardens & Gelato Steps

Bellagio
Step off the morning ferry, drift through Villa Melzi's gardens, order a lakeside aperitivo, and stay overnight in the town everyone calls the Pearl of Lake Como.
Morning
Ferry from Como City to Bellagio
Claim the upper-deck rail; terracotta roofs shrink, emerald cypress rows sharpen. Queue at the tiny bar for an espresso, let the cool lake breeze slap your cheeks, and lock the first postcard view of Bellagio's pastel waterfront into memory.
1 hour 45 minutes $15–17
Tickets at the dock. No reservation needed
Lunch
Trattoria Portichetto
Lombardy lake fish
Afternoon
Villa Melzi Gardens
Walk beneath plane-tree tunnels, listen to gravel crunch under your sandals, breathe boxwood and late-spring roses. The neoclassical chapel's yellow stucco flares against the dark water. Snag the bench facing Isola Comacina and stay awhile.
2 hours $8
Pay at the gate. Last entry at 6 p.m.
Evening
Sunset spritz at Bar Rossi then dinner
Take a pavement table for Aperol spritzes that match the sky, then stay for risotto al pesce persico at Ristorante Suisse.

Where to Stay Tonight

Bellagio historic core (Hotel Belvedere Bellagio)

Two tight bends above the ferry dock. Wake to church bells and walk downhill in three minutes for your morning coffee.

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Ask the ferry crew to point out George Clooney's Villa Oleandra on the western shore during the crossing.
Day 1 Budget: $140
2

Varenna: Fishermen's Lanes & Castle Views

Varenna
Short ferry hop, medieval alleyways, steep hike to Castello di Vezio, and a final lakeside toast.
Morning
Lake Como ferry Bellagio, Varenna
Ten-minute hop that feels like gliding across liquid glass. Watch fishermen mend nets on Varenna's tiny beach and smell charcoal grills firing up for lunch.
15 minutes $5
Pay on board. Runs every 30 minutes in high season
Lunch
Cavallo Bianco
Lombardy pasta with lake perch
Afternoon
Castello di Vezio hike and falconry show
Climb stone steps through olive terraces. Taste dust and wild rosemary. The ruined tower gives 360° views, snow-capped Alps to the north, Bellagio's point to the west. Live falcons swoop overhead during the 3 p.m. display.
3 hours including show $10
Buy castle ticket at the gate. Falconry starts on the hour
Evening
Sunset aperitivo at Borgovino wine bar
Sit on the tiny wooden jetty, legs dangling above the water, sipping Franciacorta while swallows skim the surface.

Where to Stay Tonight

Varenna waterfront (Hotel Royal Victoria)

Steps from the ferry and the old laundry trail. Wake to lapping water and church of San Giorgio's bells.

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Skip the main piazza stairs. Use the covered passageway beside Bar Il Molo for a shortcut up to the castle trail.
Day 2 Budget: $130

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you go

Getting Around
Lake Como ferries are the scenic backbone. Buy a one-day hop-on ticket ($26) for unlimited Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio crossings. Trains from Milan Centrale reach Varenna-Esino in 1 h 5 min. Buses run to Como City if you fly into Milan Malpensa.
Book Ahead
Reserve Lake Como hotels for Friday and Saturday nights in high season. Book Castello di Vezio falconry online during July, August.
Packing Essentials
Light sweater for breezy ferry decks, comfortable walking shoes for stepped lanes, swimsuit for impromptu pebble-beach dips, polarized sunglasses for glare off the water.
Total Budget
$270, 300 for two days excluding international flights

Customize Your Trip

Adapt this itinerary to your travel style

Budget Version
Stay at Albergo Milano in Varenna (rooms under $100), picnic lunch from Bellagio's deli, and skip the castle ticket, walk the free Sentiero del Viandante instead.
Luxury Upgrade
Check into Grand Hotel Tremezzo, book a private Riva boat transfer between towns, dine at Michelin-starred La Terrazza, and add a seaplane tour over Lake Como.
Family-Friendly
Trade the castle hike for the gentler Greenway trail from Colonno to Lenno (ice-cream stops every kilometer), then splash at Lido di Lenno beach before the ferry back.
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Tours, tickets, and experiences in Lake Como

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Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Lake Como

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Lake Como

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Lake Como

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Lake Como