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Lake Como

Europe / Italy

Lake Como

An opulent lakeside escape through Italy's most enchanting villas, historic towns, and serene waters, centred around Bellagio, Cernobbio, and beyond.

Ideal stay
5-10 Days
Best season
April
From
$6,604–$18,369 pp

The place

About this destination

An opulent lakeside escape through Italy's most enchanting villas, historic towns, and serene waters, centred around Bellagio, Cernobbio, and beyond.

My experience

This is Rachana's own 13-day itinerary for Lake Como, Italy — the version she'd plan for a close friend. It threads together stays she rates like Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como and High Tea, a day-by-day plan, and the meals worth booking ahead. Everything here is personally travelled and curated — no filler.
Luxury

Through the lens · 6 frames

Photo journal

01

Day by day

The itinerary

  1. Day 01

    Arrival & Welcome to Como (16 May 2025)

  2. Day 02

    Brunate & Family Time (17 May 2025)

  3. Day 03

    Bellagio E-bike & Chef’s Table (18 May 2025)

  4. Day 04

    Check-out, Villa d’Este & Torno (19 May 2025)

  5. Day 05

    Villas & Gardens Day (20 May 2025)

  6. Day 06

    Menaggio & Varenna Excursion (21 May 2025)

  7. Day 07

    Villa Melzi & Farewell (22 May 2025)

  8. Day 08

    Arrival & Lakeside Bliss

    • 01Check-in: Arrived at the stunning Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como – where old-world charm meets modern luxury.
    • 02Late Afternoon: Strolled along the serene hotel grounds, soaking in views of the shimmering lake and the scent of cypress trees.
    • 03Aqua Dolce (Carate Urio) – a dreamy first dinner by the water. Chic, relaxed atmosphere with gourmet dishes and sunset views that felt like a painting.
  9. Day 09

    Como Town & Brunate Heights

    • 01Morning: Explored Como Town – visited the Duomo, Piazza Cavour, and wandered through elegant streets full of Italian flair.
    • 02Midday: Took the funicular to Brunate – marvelled at sweeping views over Lake Como and hiked up to Faro Voltiano.
    • 03Lunch: Light bites in Brunate at a hilltop café with panoramic views.
    • 04Afternoon: Returned to Como for some relaxed shopping and a lakeside espresso.
    • 05Komo Japanese Restaurant (Como) – a delightful surprise of refined Japanese cuisine amidst Italian surrounds. Sleek interiors, umami-rich flavors, and artfully plated vegetarian sushi and small plates.
  10. Day 10

    Torno – Local Charm by the Lake

    • 01Morning: Boated to Torno, a hidden gem with narrow lanes, locals chatting in piazzas, and the beautiful Chiesa di San Giovanni.
    • 02Lunch: Cozy lunch at a local trattoria near the harbor, sipping wine and watching the ferries glide by.
    • 03Afternoon: Returned to Mandarin Oriental – enjoyed the spa and a lakeside nap.
    • 04Il Sol (Torno) – rustic yet refined, this lakeside restaurant served delicious Italian dishes with a warm, intimate ambiance. A quiet culinary gem.
  11. Day 11

    Bellagio – Elegance & Exploration

    • 01Morning: Ferry: Glided across the lake to Bellagio, the crown jewel of Lake Como. Roamed its colorful alleys and artisan shops.
    • 02Lunch: Relaxed lakeside lunch at a casual spot in the heart of Bellagio.
    • 03Afternoon: Explored boutiques, tried limoncello, and took a quiet walk through Pescallo & enjoyed a 2 hr Bicycle tour.
    • 04Salice Blu (Bellagio) – a standout meal & Sommelier experiences with Chef Luigi’s were a celebration of local ingredients and innovative twists. Fine dining with a personal touch in a welcoming setting.
  12. Day 12

    Menaggio

    • 01Morning: Ferried to Menaggio – a charming village with pastel buildings and a lovely lakeside promenade.
    • 02Walk: Relaxed along the promenade, browsed little shops, and soaked in the calm before departure.
    • 03Lunch: Leisurely lunch in Menaggio with views of the Bellagio peninsula across the water.
    • 04Afternoon: Final hours back at the hotel, savoring the calm of the lake one last time.
    • 05Dinner: Return to L~ARIA at Mandarin Oriental – ending your trip with their chef’s tasting menu, wine-paired and dreamily elegant under the stars.
  13. Day 13

    Day 6

    • 01Morning: take a 2 hour Boat ride across the Lake and then Visit Villa D’Este for lunch
    • 02Afternoon: spend the day at relax at Mandarin Oriental
    • 03Dinner: @ Nami Cafe @ Mandarin Oriental
02

Where to sleep

Hotels worth booking

Hotel · 01

Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como

Lake Como, Italy

Hotel · 02

High Tea

Lake Como, Italy

In hotel courtyard

Hotel · 03

Villa d’Este

Lake Como, Italy

Hotel · 04

Optional Enhancements

Lake Como, Italy

Hotel · 05

Photo session at sunset at Villa del Balbianello

Lake Como, Italy

Hotel · 06

Cooking class or wine tasting at a local osteria

Lake Como, Italy

Hotel · 07

Melzi Gardens

Lake Como, Italy

Immersed in the beauty of manicured gardens and peaceful lake views.

What to order

Local cuisine

Fresh pasta
Must try

Local speciality

Fresh pasta

Neapolitan pizza
Must try

Local speciality

Neapolitan pizza

Risotto
Must try

Local speciality

Risotto

Gelato
Must try

Local speciality

Gelato

Espresso & cornetto
Must try

Local speciality

Espresso & cornetto

Tiramisù
Must try

Local speciality

Tiramisù

04

Logistics

Getting there & around

01 · High-speed rail

Fast, comfortable trains link the major cities centre-to-centre.

02 · Private transfers & walking

Historic centres are best on foot; private cars cover the gaps.

03 · Airport arrival

A private meet-and-greet transfer is arranged from the moment you land.

The numbers

Budget breakdown

Total · per person

$6,604–$18,369 pp

USD

Breakdown

Accommodation
$350–$900 / night
Food & dining
$63–$198 / day
Transportation
$42–$135 / day
Activities
$53–$180 / day