4 Dreamy Days in Lake Como, Italy
Where to Stay, What to Do, and Scenic Spots You Can’t Miss
Lake Como had been on my travel wishlist for years, and it absolutely lived up to the hype. In just four days, we managed to soak in the views, ferry between iconic towns, wander through villa gardens, and—yes—learn how to use a moka pot like a local. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a chic stop on your Europe itinerary, here’s how we spent 4 dreamy days in Lake Como.
Day 1–2: Arrival in Tremezzo + A Laid-Back Start
We checked into Chalet Lilia in Brienno, which became our cozy lakeside base. It had that “hidden gem” feeling—quiet, full of charm, and perfectly positioned between popular towns like Tremezzo and Como.
One of my favorite small moments? Learning how to use a moka pot for the first time with our apartment’s built-in espresso setup. Little things like that just hit different in Italy.
After a partial work day (because #remotework), we headed out on a relaxing private boat tour booked through Viator. Cruising along the lake gave us the best intro to the region’s beauty—from the mountains that dip into the water to the grand villas dotting the shoreline.
Back on land, we spent the afternoon exploring Tremezzo, stopping for gelato and local shops. The highlight was our visit to Villa Carlotta, a beautiful 17th-century villa famous for its art collections and botanical gardens.
Villa Carlotta Tickets:
€12 per adult (April–October), open daily from 10am to 6pm. Book ahead during peak season.
We ended the day with a lakeside dinner at GHT Bellagio, while sketching out our route for Bellagio and Varenna the next day.
Day 3: Bellagio & Varenna by Ferry
We got an early start and caught the ferry to Bellagio, affectionately known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” It was a scenic 20-minute ride with mountain views and sparkling lake reflections the entire way.
Once in Bellagio, we headed straight to Villa Melzi Gardens, a serene lakeside promenade filled with sculptures, exotic trees, and quiet benches overlooking the water.
Villa Melzi Gardens Tickets:
€8 per adult, open from late March to early November, 10am to 7pm. Tickets available on-site.
Next up: Salita Serbelloni, the iconic cobblestone staircase flanked by shops and cafes. It’s the postcard view you’ve probably seen all over Pinterest—and yes, it’s even prettier in person.
We grabbed lunch at Dai Viga Pasta Fresca, a casual spot tucked into a side street, where the gnocchi is handmade and the vibe is ultra-relaxed.
Post-carb bliss led us to Hotel Florence Bellagio, where we sipped spritzes in the sun with one of the best panoramic views in town.
In the afternoon, we caught another ferry—this time to Varenna, which might just be the most romantic of all Lake Como towns. Narrow stone alleys, colorful houses, and flower-draped balconies made it feel like something out of a movie.
We visited Villa Monastero, a lakeside villa turned museum and botanical garden. Don’t miss the lemon trees and carved stairways that lead right down to the lake.
Villa Monastero Tickets:
€10 per adult for the garden only, €13 for garden + museum combo. Open 10am–7pm in high season.
Right next door, we strolled through the gardens of Hotel Villa Cipressi, which offers free access for guests and small entry fees of €10 for visitors . The views? Unreal.
We ferried back home just before sunset and had dinner at Piazzetta Lago di Como—casual, cozy, and perfect after a long day on our feet.
Day 4: Villa del Balbianello + Farewell Lunch
Our last morning in Lake Como started with packing up and checking out of Chalet Lilia. But before saying goodbye, we had one more must-see on our list: the iconic Villa del Balbianello.
If it looks familiar, it’s because it was featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. You can reach it via a short hike from Lenno or take a quick water taxi—either way, it’s worth the journey.
Villa del Balbianello Tickets:
€12 for garden access, €23 for villa + guided tour. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays. Highly recommend booking ahead.
After exploring the grounds and taking in one last set of lake views, we headed into Como town for our final lunch at Bar Roma. We ordered the catch of the day and a fresh burrata salad—simple, flavorful, and the perfect note to end on.
Then it was time to catch our train from Como to Zurich, where the next leg of our adventure would begin.
Lake Como is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s peaceful, inspiring, and somehow still full of surprises. Whether you're soaking in villa views, ferry-hopping between towns, or just learning how to use a moka pot in your Airbnb, there’s beauty in every little moment.
If you’re planning a visit, I hope this itinerary helps you map out your own dream trip. And if you're already packing your bags, all I can say is: get ready to fall in love with Lake Como.
