Postcard Worthy Itinerary
If you dream of winding streets, colorful villas, sparkling water, and that perfect glass of wine in hand, Lake Como should be on your Italy itinerary. This dreamy corner of northern Italy delivers big on beauty and charm, and with just three days, you can soak in the best of Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio. Here’s how we spent 3 perfect days in Lake Como—including a private boat tour, iconic villas, and plenty of pasta with a view.
Bulleted Lake Como Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Milan and off to Bellagio Lake Como
- 11:00 AM – Arrive in Milan
- 11:30 AM – Take the 40 minute train from Milan to Lake Como
- 12:30 PM – Ferry to Bellagio
- 1:30 PM – Arrive in Bellagio, Stow bags and grab a quick bite
- 2:30 PM – EXPLORE BELLAGIO!
- 4:30 PM – Check into Airbnb + freshen up
- 5:30 PM – Early dinner at Babayaga
Day 2: Lake Como Boat Rental Day!
- 8:00 AM – Wake up in Bellagio
- 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Hotel du Lac
- 9:15 AM – Walk to La Punta Spartivento and Enjoy the views!
- 10:30 AM – Walk to boat rental dock
- 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Full-day private boat rental (BYO snacks and wine!)
- 4:30 PM – Get back to Lake Como Airbnb and rest/freshen up!
- 6:30 PM – Dinner at Ristorante Bilacus (Reservation recommended—no-show fee applies)
- 8:00 PM – Wine + Limoncello at Aperitivo et Al Wine Bar
Day 3: Complete the “Golden Triangle”
- 8:00 AM – Wake up in Bellagio
- 9:00 AM – Take the Ferry to Varenna
- 9:30 AM – Breakfast at Bar Il Molo
- 10:00 AM – Visit Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi (combo ticket) in Varenna (or for a cheeper route, view the gardens from above and explore the town)
- 12:00 PM – Ferry to Menaggio
- 12:30 PM – Lunch Pizzeria Lugano
- 1:30 PM – Explore Menaggio
- 3:30 PM – Ferry back to Bellagio + freshen up
- 5:300 PM – Go for a walk off the beaten path
- 6:30 PM – Dinner at Pub il Tiglio (Best burger we have ever had, and that is coming from Americans)
Day 1: Milan to Lake Como + Pizza Dreams
We got to Milan around 11:00 AM and hit the ground running, straight to Milano Centrale for a quick 40-minute Milan to Lake Como train. From there, we hopped on a ferry bound for Bellagio. Pro tip: book your Como-to-Bellagio ferry in advance! We didn’t… but honestly, zero regrets. We grabbed a bottle of wine, found a park bench with a dreamy lake view, and started our Lake Como vacation in the most Italian way possible. The ferry ride itself took about an hour, stopping at several charming towns along the way. It’s not just transportation—it’s a full-on scenic experience and your first real introduction to the magic of Lake Como.
By 1:30 PM, we arrived in Bellagio, dropped our bags, and grabbed a quick bite before hitting the cobbled streets. We wandered through winding alleys, browsed adorable shops, and stocked up on boat-day essentials—think sandwiches, snacks, and (of course) more wine—from a corner market.
Around 4:30 PM, we checked into our Lake Como Airbnb perched right on Salita Serbelloni, the famous cobblestone staircase that cuts through the heart of Bellagio. The views from our window… Unreal. Hauling our luggage up those steep stairs? A humbling experience, but we earned a few cheers (and chuckles) from passing tourists and locals. Core memory unlocked.
After a quick freshen-up, we headed out for an early dinner. Luckily, our Airbnb had umbrellas ready for the famously unpredictable lake weather—an absolute blessing on our rainy stroll. Just steps away, we stumbled into Babayaga, a cozy little spot where we scored a table on the covered patio. No reservation needed, just perfect pizza and the soothing soundtrack of rain on canvas. We’re not being dramatic when we say it was the best pizza of the entire trip—crispy, cheesy, and absolutely unforgettable. If you’re in Bellagio, this place is a must.
Day 2: Bellagio Boat Day + Lakeside Sips
We started our second day in Bellagio with breakfast at Hotel du Lac, enjoying espresso and pastries while watching the lake come to life. From there, we took a short walk to La Punta Spartivento, a beautiful lookout point where you can see where all three branches of Lake Como meet. It’s a peaceful, photo-worthy spot—go early to beat the crowds (We had the whole place to ourselves at 9:30).
By 10:30 AM, we made our way to the boat rental dock and picked up our private boat for the day. Renting your own boat on Lake Como is so worth it—it gives you total freedom to explore, swim, snack, and take in the iconic villas (yes, even Clooney’s). We brought our own wine and picnic snacks, and spent the next few hours cruising, sunbathing, and diving into the water whenever we felt like it.
Lake Como has a distinctive upside-down “Y” shape, which naturally divides it into three main branches:
- Lecco Branch – the southeastern stretch, extending beyond the town of Lecco
- Colico Branch – the northernmost arm, reaching toward the mountains past Colico
- Como Branch – the southwestern section, home to the city of Como and many iconic lakeside towns
We started our trip in the Lecco Branch, which felt incredibly peaceful and secluded. With fewer towns and more untouched nature, it almost felt like an entirely different lake. From there, we made our way north into the Colico Branch, the most rugged and windswept part of our journey. The lake grew noticeably choppier as we got closer to the Alps, but the views were breathtaking.
Our favorite part of the trip, without a doubt, was the Como Branch. It’s packed with charming towns and iconic sights—we cruised past Villa Balbianello (a filming location for Star Wars), spotted George Clooney’s famous lakeside home, and even jumped off the bridge in Nesso. We’ll be sharing a full blog post soon dedicated entirely to our unforgettable boat day.
Chartering a boat on Lake Como can cost a small fortune—some one-hour charters are priced the same as what we paid for our Lake Como boat rental for four hours. And unless you’re ready to splurge, most budget-friendly charters mean sharing the boat with a bunch of strangers. Renting and driving the boat yourself? Way more cost-effective, completely private, and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
We’d be totally remiss not to give a huge shoutout to Mirko from Boat Hire Bellagio—the real MVP of our Lake Como adventure. From the moment we met him, he was warm, welcoming, and effortlessly cool. He gave us a quick (and surprisingly simple!) crash course in boat driving and even kept tabs on the weather for us like a proud Italian dad making sure his kids stayed safe. If you’re thinking about adding a DIY boat day to your Lake Como Itinerary, Mirko’s your guy.
After returning the boat around 4:00 PM, we grabbed a pistachio gelato and returned to our Airbnb to rest and clean up before dinner. That night, we dined at Ristorante Bilacus, a romantic restaurant tucked into one of Bellagio’s stepped streets. Bonus points to this spot because it was directly across the street from our Airbnb, which was welcomed after a tiring day in the sun. The terrace is covered in flowers, the wine list is strong, and the pasta? Chef’s kiss. Just be sure to make a reservation—they do charge a no-show fee.
To end the evening, we wandered next door to Aperitivo et Al Wine Bar, a cozy wine bar that was perfect for sipping limoncello and soaking in the atmosphere. The place was buzzing with locals celebrating birthdays and catching up with friends after work, which made it all the more charming and authentic.
Day 3: Villas, Villages, and the Best Burger in Italy
We woke up early, determined to complete the “Golden Triangle” — Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio — all in one day. First stop: a quick ferry ride to Varenna, one of the most enchanting villages on the lake. We had seen it from the water the day before, but stepping into the town felt like walking into a watercolor painting. Varenna was quieter and more romantic than Bellagio, and honestly, we’d probably stay here next time we visit Lake Como with family or friends for a more laid-back vibe.
We grabbed breakfast at Bar Il Molo, a charming café with panoramic lake views. Between sipping espresso, people-watching, and watching tiny birds nibble on leftover crumbs, we felt like we were in a storybook. After breakfast, we wandered over to Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi, two gorgeous lakefront villas with lush botanical gardens. You can purchase a combo ticket for both, but if you’re on a budget (or just not in a museum mood), the views from outside are still pretty magical. And don’t skip the adorable cobbled streets of Varenna—they’re half the charm.
Around noon, we ferried over to Menaggio, where we stopped at Pizzeria Lugano for a casual (and delicious) lunch. The vibe here was noticeably more relaxed, perfect for a slow stroll along the promenade and popping into a few local shops. It had a laid-back, sunny-day energy that we loved. Before hopping on the Ferry back to Bellagio, we actually stopped to look at some Lake Como real estate through the window of a local brokerage. Trust us, there is nothing like looking at Lake Como homes for sale and dreaming of moving to Italy!
By mid-afternoon, we were back in Bellagio for a refresh and a sunset walk far from the crowds. We wandered well beyond the city center, taking in our last golden hour on the lake. And okay—we’ll admit it: after nearly a week of nonstop pasta and pizza, we were craving something different. So, for dinner, we went rogue with burgers at Pub il Tiglio. And let us tell you: it was phenomenal. Hands down the best burger we’ve had—yes, even by American standards. Since this cozy little pub is tucked away from the main tourist spots, we were the only non-locals in sight. The place was buzzing with friendly locals chatting us up, and it was the perfect low-key, heartwarming way to wrap up three unforgettable days on Lake Como.
🧳 What to Pack for 3 Days in Lake Como
A thoughtfully curated list for travelers exploring Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio with boats, bites, and breathtaking views.
🎒 Essentials
- Passport + Copies
- Credit/Debit Cards (Let your bank know you’re traveling!)
- Train & Ferry Tickets / Printed Itinerary
- Travel Insurance Info
- Daypack or stylish tote for daily village-hopping
- Travel Adaptor – Italian outlets require a Type C, F, or L plug
- Copies of Airbnb & Dinner Reservations (some restaurants charge a no-show fee)
👕 Clothing
- 2–3 breezy daytime outfits (think flowy dresses or shorts and breathable tops for lakeside strolls)
- 1–2 elevated dinner looks (casual chic – linen pants, sundresses, or button-downs)
- 1–2 bathing suits (for boat day lounging + spontaneous dips)
- Light jacket or wrap (evenings by the lake can get cool)
- Athleisure set or activewear (great for walking the cobblestone streets or garden visits)
- Undergarments + sleepwear
- Sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Comfortable walking shoes (stylish sneakers or supportive sandals for towns and stairs)
- Slip-on sandals or boat shoes (ideal for boating and casual evenings)
🧼 Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (especially for dinner al fresco or wine by the lake)
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Travel-size shampoo/conditioner/body wash
- Deodorant
- Minimal makeup / grooming essentials
- Hairbrush + hair ties / clips
- Mini first aid kit (blister pads, ibuprofen, motion sickness tablets)
📸 Tech + Travel Gear
- Phone + charger
- Portable power bank (especially useful for long ferry or boat days)
- Camera or GoPro (capture the views from La Punta and the boat!)
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag (for boat day)
- Reusable water bottle (many towns have refill stations)
- Travel towel (quick-dry, for spontaneous swims)
- Packing cubes (to stay organized)
🍋 Just-In-Case Items
- Compact umbrella or packable rain jacket
- Snacks for train rides or boat day (granola bars, nuts, cheese + crackers)
- Motion sickness bands/pills (Lake Como’s ferry rides can be choppy)
- Notebook or travel journal (jot down core memories like the park bench wine moment!)
Budgeting for Lake Como
When it comes to cost, Lake Como can absolutely be enjoyed without blowing your budget—especially if you’re aiming for that sweet spot between comfort and value. We spent just $590 total for 3 nights in our Airbnb (contact us for details) right in the heart of Bellagio, which gave us stunning views and walkable access to everything. Our private boat rental was only $310 for 4 hours, which felt like a steal for the experience (and split between a group, it’s even more doable). For meals, we’d recommend budgeting around $80 per person per day, which covered everything from coffee and breakfast to aperitivos, wine, and delicious dinners. Add about $20 per day for any tours, villa entrances, or ferries. We’re by no means luxury travelers, but we’re also not camping out in our car to save a few bucks. If you’re looking for a middle-of-the-road budget with great experiences and hidden gem finds, this is it.
Final Thoughts
Lake Como is one of those places that feels like a fairytale—but it’s real, and you can do it in just a few days. Between private boat rides, villa gardens, charming villages, and scenic meals, this 3-day itinerary hits the sweet spot of adventure and relaxation.
Want more travel tips and behind-the-scenes of our Lake Como itinerary? Contact us or follow along @takeoffandlanning on Instagram and let us know if you use this itinerary—we love seeing your adventures!
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