This 3 day Lake Como itinerary is the best way to see everything Lake Como has to offer. You’ll visit all of the best Lake Como towns, visit the most beautiful villas, do epic activities and eat the best food!
Lake Como Itinerary Day 1
Morning
Your first stop in Lake Como is Varenna, a charming village on the eastern shore, famed for its narrow, quaint streets, colourful houses, and breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.
First, promenade along the Lovers’ Walk, a scenic pedestrian path that runs along the lakefront, before exploring the cobbled streets of the old town.
Visit Castello di Vezio, an ancient hilltop castle, and Chiesa di San Giorgio, a 14th-century church in the main square.
The highlight of Varenna is undoubtedly Villa Monastero. This beautiful restored villa is complete with botanical gardens stretching nearly 2 kilometres along the lake. The gardens feature diverse plants, statues, and fountains. Book your tickets here.
Whilst in Varenna, you may also be interested in a guided hike in the Italian Alps. You’ll meet your expert guide for a hike in the mountains above Varenna, followed by a picnic with stunning views (local produce and Lombardy wine is included).
Lunch
Have lunch at Al Prato Restaurant.
Al Prato Restaurant is Varenna’s top spot, serving high-quality fish, meat, and pasta dishes.
Guests particularly enjoy the beef tartare, squid ink pasta, and octopus.
Dine on the beautiful cobbled terrace in Lake Como’s most romantic town.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, get the ferry to Lenno to visit the world-famous Villa del Balbianello.
Villa del Balbianello is Lake Como’s most famous villa, which you might recognise from James Bond or Star Wars.
Built in the late 18th century by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, the villa features elegant interiors with artefacts, artworks, and memorabilia from previous owners, including explorer Guido Monzino.
The terraced gardens provide stunning views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, with beautiful landscaping and unique sculptures.
Book your tickets here and remember to reserve a guided tour of the villa and gardens.
Dinner
Eat at the wonderful Locanda La Tirlindana, located not far from Villa del Balbianello.
Locanda La Tirlindana is a charming restaurant serving pasta, seafood, and meats with a simple yet delicious approach.
Guests rave about the lemon and mascarpone ravioli and the pesto spaghetti with prawns.
The restaurant also offers a lovely lakeside terrace, so be sure to request a table with a lake view when making a reservation.
Lake Como Itinerary Day 2
Morning
Head to Como town nice and early for a 10am pasta-making class with the skilled pasta chef Cesarina.
You’ll make pasta from scratch and learn to prepare three different delicious local dishes.
Enjoy your creations for lunch, accompanied by a glass of wine and coffee to finish.
Afterwards, explore Como’s Romanesque architecture, including the Cathedral of Como, Piazza Cavour, and the Basilica di Sant’Abbondio.
Don’t forget to enjoy fresh gelato from Gelab Gelateria.
Afternoon
Your next stop is the charming little town of Nesso.
Nesso is famous for its beautiful bridge (Ponte della Civera) with a towering waterfall in the backdrop.
This is one of the best photo spots on the lake and well worth checking out. Many people hire boats to get close to the bridge.
Later, stroll through the old town and be sure to visit Chiesa di Santa Maria di Vico.
Dinner
From Nesso, you’ll find one of the best restaurants in Lake Como just a 6 minute drive away in the small hamlet of Careno.
If you’re searching for an authentic, family-run restaurant in Lake Como where the food is exceptional, you’ve found it.
It’s called Trattoria del Porto.
Descend 300 steps to discover a rustic eatery with a large terrace overlooking the lake (be sure to request a terrace table when booking!).
The restaurant suggests their fixed menu, featuring three fish dishes, dessert, and wine, for around €50 per person, and it receives fantastic reviews.
You won’t find pasta or pizza here; instead, enjoy delicious regional fish dishes prepared with care. It’s a unique experience not available elsewhere on the lake.
Although the restaurant doesn’t have a website, its reviews speak for themselves.
Lake Como Itinerary Day 3
Morning
You’ve saved the best until last, it’s time to visit ‘The Pearl of Lake Como‘… Bellagio!
Take some time to explore the charming narrow streets, including Salita Serbelloni and Piazza della Chiesa. Visit the Basilica of St. Giacomo (free entry) and stroll along Lungolago Europa, a beautiful lakeside promenade.
Depending on your interests, you can take a tour of the incredible Villa Serbelloni Park or go kayaking in Pescallo Fishing Village (just a short walk from Bellagio).
Lunch
Lunch is at the remarkable Dispensa 63 in Bellagio. With outstanding reviews, reservations are essential, but they only open bookings 3 weeks in advance—reserve your table here.
Afternoon
Next, explore the stunning Villa Carlotta, the final historical villa on your Lake Como itinerary. It was constructed in the late 17th century by Milanese Marquis Giorgio Clerici and later named after Princess Carlotta, who received it as a wedding gift in the mid-19th century.
Book your entry ticket for the museum and botanical gardens here.
While you’re nearby, you may wish to visit the renowned Grand Hotel Tremezzo next door. Their outdoor terraces provide a perfect setting for a drink with a lake view.
Dinner
After soaking up all that culture, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite.
If you love wine and cheese, don’t miss this fantastic wine bar in Tremezzo called Cantina Follie.
Enjoy a bottle of Italian wine (or a tasting flight) with one of their exceptional cheese and charcuterie boards for a perfect evening in Lake Como.
With excellent reviews, it’s also a great choice if you’re visiting Lake Como on a budget.
If you really love wine, then you may want to spend your last afternoon in Lake Como visiting Domaso instead.
Domaso is a charming village located on the northern shore of Lake Como and it’s home to the best winery on the lake.
At Azienda Agricola Sorsasso you’ll experience a genuine Italian family-run estate that has been lovingly maintained through the generations.
Your visit includes a tour of the wine cellar and a tasting session. You’ll enjoy local delicacies (that you won’t find in the supermarkets!) while learning about viticulture in Northern Italy.
I hope you enjoyed my 3 day Lake Como itinerary. Want more time on the lake? Check out my 5 day Lake Como itinerary instead!