One Week Italian Itinerary in Milan & Lake Como
Want the dreamiest and most romantic trip around Italy imaginable? Save hours planning by stealing our 6-day itinerary through Milan and Lake Como. From the jaw-dropping beauty of Lake Como to the historic sights and shopping of Milan, there's so much to explore on this scenic, unforgettable trip.
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6-Day Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Milan to Lake Como
Day 2: Lake Como
Day 3: Lake Como
Day 4: Lake Como
Day 5: Lake Como to Milan
Day 6: Milan
Day One: Milan to Lake Como
Fly into Milan, then take the Malpensa Express from the airport to Milano Centrale train station. From there, take the train from Milano Centrale to either Como S. Giovanni or Varenna-Esino-Perledo, depending on which is closer to where you are staying.
Because the lake is very large, there are many routes, pathways, options, and towns to settle into for the night. We recommend staying in Tremezzo, Bellagio, or Varenna for the most convenient location, or in Como for the most accommodation and dining options. Take it easy with a lakeside dinner and a wander around the town surrounding your hotel.
Need a recommendation on where to stay? Check out our full Lake Como guide here.
Day Two: Lake Como
After long travel days, you deserve a beautiful and relaxing day! Sleep in if you can, take it easy with a relaxing lake day, and enjoy Lake Como's best views. Start the day with a casual Italian breakfast, typically espresso and a croissant.
Half day on a boat
Either hire a private boat or rent a boat for a few hours yourself. Check out our guide on How To Get Around Lake Como for suggestions on which to choose!
Visit Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
A can't-miss historical and artistic gardens and museum. Book your tickets here.
Explore and enjoy a drink and dinner in Tremezzo
Recommendation: aperitivo at Cantina Follie and dinner at La Fagurida
Day Three: Lake Como
Now that you've had a relaxing day of fresh mountain and lake air and sunshine, let's head out for a full day of exploring the lake!
Villa del Balbianello
One of the most beautiful sights we've ever seen. It's not open every weekday and books up quickly, so check their calendar and book well in advance. Book your tickets here.
Explore and lunch in Lenno
The walk to and from Villa del Balbianello is incredibly scenic! It's a mild hike, but it's worth every moment! Once back in town, several charming lunch spots line the water's edge.
Take a ferry to Varenna for sightseeing and dinner
Recommendation: Al Prato Restaurant
Day Four: Lake Como
Make the most of your last day exploring this beautiful Italian lake. End your Lake Como tour in one of the most stunning, central towns: Bellagio.
Take the ferry to Bellagio
Head out early in the morning to explore the town before it gets crowded!
Walk along the lakeside and explore I Giardini di Villa Melzi
Book your tickets for the stunning villa and gardens here.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Bellagio
Recommendation: Ristorante Terrazza Barchetta
From Bellagio, take a boat to see stunning Orido di Bellano in Bellano
While in Bellano, take some time to enjoy the public beach
Go back to the town you’re staying in, rest, and have dinner
Day Five: Lake Como to Milan
Time to pack your bags and head to your final destination! After a relaxing lakeside getaway, let's speed things up with the sights and sounds of one of Italy's biggest cities.
Take the morning train from Lake Como to Milan
Trains run from Como and Varenna. Take the train straight to Milano Centrale, then either take a taxi or take the metro closer to your hotel.
Arrive in Milan & check into your hotel
Looking for a place to stay? Check out our Milan guide here.
Late lunch in Milan
Recommendation: Rossini Ristorante Pizzeria
Visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Whether you're shopping or window shopping, this impressive galleria is a must-see! It's also right next to the Duomo.
Pre-sunset tour of the Duomo di Milano with a visit to the rooftop
Book skip-the-line Duomo tickets here through Get Your Guide.
Aperitivo and Dinner near the Duomo - Make sure to stick around long enough to see it lit up at night!
Day Six: Milan
For your last full day in Italy, it's time to enjoy some Italian cultural sightseeing and shopping in Europe's fashion capital!
See the famous Last Supper painting at Santa Maria delle Grazie
Though it's a church, you need to buy a ticket to see this iconic work of art. Buy a ticket here.
Visit the Castello Sforzesco
It's a huge Medieval-Renaissance fortress featuring tons of historic and famous art.
Lunch, sightseeing, and shopping in the city center
Visit the Navigli for aperitivo and dinner
Recommendation: SCIUÉ Navigli