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Lake Como (Bellagio & Varenna)
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Lake Como (Bellagio & Varenna)

Villas, Gardens and Ferries on the Alpine Lake

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹13,850From / night₹3,730Food / day₹1,600Entry

A deep lake under the Alps, an hour north of Milan: Bellagio on the point where the lake forks, Varenna across the water (with the railway station), and Tremezzo between Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello. Getting round is by ferry; the lake roads are narrow and slow. The trains from Milan run to Varenna and to Como town. Grand old villa hotels at the top end; a favourite for honeymoons and weddings. Ferries run less often from November to March.

Highlights

  • Ferry-hop between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio
  • Villa del Balbianello
  • Villa Carlotta gardens
  • Private boat tour at sunset
  • Brunate funicular above Como
  • Greenway walk from Colonno to Cadenabbia

Things to do

  • Ferry-hop: Bellagio, Varenna and MenaggioMorning · 5h
  • Villa del Balbianello and its gardensApr–OctAfternoon · 2h 30m
  • Villa Carlotta gardensApr–OctMorning · 2h
  • Sunset private boat tourEvening · 2h
  • Greenway del Lago walkMorning · 3h

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: April – October

Worth knowing

August Peak: Italians on Holiday

August, and the week of Ferragosto (15 August) above all, is the busiest time on the coasts, lakes and islands: rooms cost the most of the year and sell out, beaches and beach clubs fill, ferries and trains to the coast are booked solid, and roads jam. Book rooms, ferries and trains months ahead, or come in June or September.

  • Ferragosto — The Assumption holiday and the peak of the Italian summer holiday: beaches, lakes and islands are at their fullest and dearest, many city shops and restaurants close for the week either side, and there are fireworks and beach parties on the coast. Book everything well ahead.