Discover the perfect A Week in Lake Como Itinerary! Explore charming villages, scenic ferries, luxurious villas, local cuisine, and unforgettable lake adventures.

If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through stunning Italian lakes, sipping espresso while admiring jaw-dropping views, or just escaping into a postcard-perfect paradise, Lake Como should be at the top of your bucket list. Trust me, I’ve been there, and honestly, it’s like stepping into a dream.

Planning a week in Lake Como might seem overwhelming at first—there’s just so much to see, from charming villages to luxurious villas. But that’s where this A Week in Lake Como Itinerary comes to your rescue. I’m going to walk you through a full, day-by-day plan so you can enjoy every magical corner of this Italian gem without stressing. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival and Como Town

Morning: Step Into Como’s Lakeside Charm

Your adventure begins in Como, the gateway to the lake. After settling in from your journey, take a slow walk along the lakeside promenade, soaking in views of the azure water and surrounding mountains. Pop into a local café for a cappuccino and a cornetto. FYI: This is a great time to plan your routes and get your bearings while enjoying the first taste of Italian culture.

Lunch: Savor Como’s Culinary Delights

For lunch, head to a trattoria near the lake. Try risotto al pesce persico, a local specialty made with fresh perch from Lake Como, perfectly creamy rice, and subtle seasoning. Pair it with a glass of crisp Italian white wine. The combination of lake views and authentic flavors makes this meal the perfect introduction to Como’s culinary scene.

Afternoon: Recharge at Your Hotel

After lunch, check into your hotel and relax for a bit. Many accommodations in Como offer balconies or terraces overlooking the lake—perfect for a brief nap, reading, or enjoying a coffee while planning the afternoon stroll.

Evening: Dinner With a View

As the evening approaches, stroll through Como’s charming streets and choose a restaurant with outdoor seating. Fresh pasta, grilled fish, and a final gelato round out the evening. Don’t forget a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade to enjoy the town lights reflecting on the lake.

Day 2: Bellagio: The Pearl of Lake Como

Morning: Scenic Ferry Ride to Bellagio

Catch a morning ferry from Como to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” The ferry ride itself is an experience, offering sweeping views of lakeside villas, lush gardens, and the surrounding mountains. Morning rides are quieter, so you’ll have the perfect photo opportunities with minimal crowds.

Explore the Heart of Bellagio

Once in Bellagio, let yourself wander the cobbled streets lined with boutiques and cafes. Pop into artisan shops selling handmade ceramics or olive oil. Visit Villa Melzi Gardens, a beautifully manicured lakeside garden with sculptures, flowers, and tree-lined pathways. Walking here feels like stepping into a romantic painting.

Lunch: Lakeside Luxury Dining

For lunch, sit at a lakeside café, savoring fresh seafood or pasta dishes while enjoying the views. Try pasta al pesto or a seafood risotto. Dining here is all about ambiance, so take your time, sip local wine, and watch the ferries glide by.

Afternoon: Coffee, Shopping & People-Watching

Spend the afternoon exploring small boutiques or relaxing at a café terrace. Bellagio is ideal for slow-paced wandering, people-watching, and indulging in a second round of gelato. Pick up souvenirs like handmade jewelry or local olive oils to bring home.

Evening: Sunset Cruise: A Magical Lake Experience

Cap the day with a sunset cruise around Lake Como. As the sun dips behind the mountains, villas along the shore are bathed in golden light, creating a truly magical experience. This is one of the most memorable ways to see the lake.

Day 3: Tremezzo: Elegance and Relaxation

Morning: Explore the Botanical Beauty of Villa Carlotta

Start your day at Villa Carlotta, famous for its botanical gardens and art collections. Stroll through terraces full of flowering plants, exotic trees, and sculptures. Don’t rush—take in the panoramic views of the lake from the garden balconies. Pro tip: Arriving early avoids crowds and gives you a peaceful experience.

Lunch: Gourmet Dining in Tremezzo

Lunch in Tremezzo is a culinary delight. Choose a lakeside restaurant and savor fresh fish from the lake, handmade pasta, or seasonal salads. Pair it with a glass of local white wine and enjoy the slow, scenic pace of the town.

Afternoon: Pamper Yourself at a Luxury Spa

After lunch, treat yourself to a luxury spa experience. Whether it’s a full-body massage, thermal bath, or sauna, many spas overlook the lake, giving you stunning views while you relax. It’s a great way to recharge for an evening out.

Evening: Fine Dining by the Lake

For dinner, choose an upscale restaurant in Tremezzo. Fresh seafood, risottos, and seasonal specialties make for an elegant meal. Pair it with a local wine and enjoy the sparkling lake views as the sun sets.

Day 4: Varenna: Tranquility and Timeless Charm

Morning: Ferry Ride to Varenna

Take a morning ferry to Varenna, a quaint village known for its tranquil streets and lakeside charm. The ferry offers breathtaking views of villas, gardens, and cliffs—a serene start to your day.

Discover Villa Monastero’s Gardens

Visit Villa Monastero and explore its gardens stretching along the lake. With exotic plants, fountains, and winding paths, it’s both a historical and natural treasure. Take photos, enjoy quiet corners, and let yourself wander.

Lunch: Rustic Italian Flavors

Lunch in Varenna is all about local, rustic charm. Small trattorias offer homemade pasta, fresh cheeses, and local wines. Dining here is a cozy, authentic experience—you’ll feel like a local in no time.

Afternoon: Sip Coffee by the Lake

Relax at a lakeside café, sipping espresso or wine while watching boats drift by. Varenna’s calm atmosphere is perfect for slowing down and soaking in the view.

Evening: Casual Dinner to Unwind

Finish your day with a casual dinner at a local restaurant. Pizza, grilled fish, or simple pasta dishes are ideal. Enjoy a relaxed evening without rushing—you’ve earned it.

Day 5: Lenno: Historic Villas and Waterfront Bliss

Morning: Explore Lenno’s Lakeside Village

Begin your day in Lenno, a charming village with a peaceful lakeside promenade. Wander its streets, peek into small shops, and enjoy the gentle waves against the shore.

Visit Villa del Balbianello: A Cinematic Landmark

Step into Villa del Balbianello, famous for films like Star Wars and James Bond. The villa’s terraces and gardens are perfectly photogenic, offering unmatched views of the lake. Explore its interiors and stroll along the lakeside paths.

Lunch: Dining With a View

Have lunch at a waterfront café, enjoying fresh pasta, seafood, and local desserts like torta di mandorle (almond cake). The combination of flavors and views makes this a perfect midday stop.

Afternoon: Relax by the Lake

Spend a leisurely afternoon walking along the shore, reading, or just soaking in the sun. Lenno’s peaceful ambiance is ideal for reflection and relaxation.

Evening: Dinner in Lenno

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with seasonal Italian dishes. The village setting and fresh ingredients make it a satisfying end to the day.

Day 6: Menaggio: Adventure Meets Relaxation

Morning: Discover Menaggio

Menaggio offers a lively yet charming atmosphere. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore quaint streets lined with shops, and stop at a café for coffee while soaking in scenic mountain and lake views.

Adventure Time: Outdoor Fun

For adventure lovers, Menaggio is perfect. Hike scenic trails, kayak across the crystal-clear lake, or cycle through picturesque routes. Each activity provides unique perspectives of dramatic landscapes and unforgettable lake vistas.

Lunch: Alfresco Dining by the Lake

Enjoy a relaxed lakeside lunch at a charming outdoor café. Fresh salads, sandwiches, and seafood pair perfectly with the gentle breeze and stunning reflections of mountains shimmering on the water.

Afternoon: Golf or Leisure

Spend the afternoon playing golf at a local course with panoramic lake views, or unwind by the shoreline, read a book, and relish Menaggio’s serene and peaceful lakeside charm.

Evening: Sunset Dinner

Conclude the day with a sunset dinner overlooking the lake. The golden glow on water and surrounding mountains creates a magical ambiance, making your final Menaggio evening truly unforgettable.

Day 7: Farewell Como: Memories to Take Home

Morning: Leisurely Morning and Coffee

Start your last morning slowly, savoring coffee and pastries by the lakeside. Take in the calm atmosphere, reflect on your week, and enjoy the serene beauty of Como before departing.

Visit the Como Cathedral

Stop at the magnificent Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como), marvel at its Gothic and Renaissance architecture, explore its intricate details, and gain insight into Como’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Lunch: Final Italian Indulgence

Have a last meal at a local trattoria, indulging in fresh pasta, seafood, or creamy risotto. Savor authentic flavors, paired with Italian wine, for a perfect farewell dining experience.

Afternoon: Souvenir Shopping

Shop for authentic souvenirs like olive oil, wine, and handcrafted ceramics. Stroll the lakeside streets, capture final photos, and cherish the memories of your scenic, unforgettable week in Lake Como.

Evening: Departure

Head to the airport or train station with memories, photos, and experiences to last a lifetime. Lake Como’s charm, stunning views, and serene villages will stay in your heart forever.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—your full week in Lake Como, laid out day by day. From charming villages to luxury villas, hikes with panoramic views, and even a touch of Swiss adventure, this itinerary has it all. Lake Como is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with Italy all over again, one cobblestone street, garden terrace, and lakeside view at a time.

Honestly, IMO, there’s no better way to experience the magic of this lake than to take it slow, savor every gelato, and let yourself wander. And hey, if you follow this itinerary, you’ll come back with memories, photos, and stories that are impossible not to share.

So pack your bags, bring your camera, and get ready for a week in Lake Como that you’ll never forget. Trust me, your Instagram—and your soul—will thank you.