2 Days in Lake Como: Your Perfect First-Time Guide

by | Italy, Europe, Featured, Travel, Travel Tips

2 Days in Lake Como, Italy: The Ultimate First-Time Travel Guide

Our 2026 European adventure began in Italy. My friend of nearly 50 years, Arlie, and I flew from Australia for a six-week journey through Italy, Portugal, Spain, Montenegro and Türkiye. Looking back, I can’t think of a more beautiful place to begin than Lake Como.

After almost 24 hours of travelling from Sydney, we were finally on our way. Our journey took place during one of the most uncertain periods for international aviation in recent years, with ongoing conflict in the Middle East causing flights across the region to be cancelled, rerouted and delayed. We flew with Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi and, although our departure from Sydney was delayed by one day, we considered ourselves fortunate compared with many travellers whose holidays were disrupted far more significantly.

We booked our Business Class flights through Top Business Class, and Robert made the entire process effortless, arranging not only our international flights but also our internal European flights.

After almost 24 hours of travelling and an unexpected one-day delay, finally catching our first glimpse of Lake Como made every hour of the journey worthwhile.

Colourful villages clinging to the mountainsides, elegant villas overlooking crystal-clear water and ferries gliding between picturesque towns created an unforgettable first impression. It’s easy to understand why Lake Como has captivated travellers for centuries.

Although I’d travelled to Italy many times before, this was my first visit to Lake Como. Sharing the experience with my lifelong friend Arlie made it even more memorable.

This article is the first in a series following our independent journey through five countries, sharing the places we loved, the lessons we learned and practical advice to help you plan your own European adventure.

If you’re planning your first visit, here’s exactly how we spent two unforgettable days exploring one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

Is 2 Days Enough in Lake Como?

Yes, I think two days is enough for most first-time visitors.

Lake Como is undeniably beautiful. The scenery is spectacular, the villages are colourful, and long lunches overlooking the lake with a glass of Italian wine are hard to beat.

But one of the joys of travelling through Italy is experiencing more than one destination.

If you’re travelling from Australia, chances are you’ve come a long way to experience as much of this incredible country as possible. Spending two nights in Lake Como gives you enough time to explore the central lake by ferry, visit beautiful towns like Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio, discover the magnificent Villa Carlotta and soak up everything that makes Lake Como so special.

For us, two nights struck the perfect balance between experiencing the beauty of Lake Como and continuing our journey through Italy by train.

Could you stay longer? Absolutely. Many people do. But for a first visit, I’d rather see you spend those extra days discovering places like Verona, Venice or Rome. That’s exactly what we did, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Infographic showing our Italy rail itinerary from Milan Airport and Milano Centrale to Varenna on Lake Como, Verona, Venice and Rome during Europe Adventure 2026.

Lake Como at a Glance

📍 Region: Lombardy, Northern Italy

❤️ Best For: Couples, first-time visitors, photographers, food lovers and luxury travellers

🗓️ Recommended Stay: 2–3 nights

📅 When We Visited: Early May 2026

🏡 Our Base: Varenna

⛴️ Getting Around: Ferry, train and walking

Don’t Miss: Bellagio, Villa Carlotta, Villa Monastero and the Walk of Lovers

💶 Budget: $$$ (one of Italy’s more expensive destinations)

🚗 Car Needed? No. Ferries and trains make it easy to explore without driving.

🚶 Walking Level: Moderate – expect cobbled streets, hills and plenty of stairs.

Why Visit Lake Como?

Lake Como has long attracted royalty, aristocrats, artists and writers, and today it’s equally famous for its magnificent villas, celebrity homes and appearances in Hollywood films.

It’s a destination where colourful villages hug the shoreline, elegant gardens spill towards the water and spectacular mountain scenery creates postcard-perfect views around almost every corner.

Whether you’re wandering quiet lakeside promenades, cruising between villages by ferry, admiring centuries-old villas or lingering over long Italian lunches, Lake Como invites you to slow down and simply enjoy being there.

Although this was our first visit, it certainly won’t be our last.

Why Stay in Varenna Instead of Bellagio?

Most first-time visitors immediately look for accommodation in Bellagio because it’s Lake Como’s most famous village.

We chose Varenna instead, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip.

Accommodation offered much better value within our budget while still providing everything we wanted from our Lake Como experience. Varenna also has its own railway station, making it incredibly convenient when arriving from Milan and just as easy when continuing our journey through Italy.

Unlike Bellagio, which fills with day-trippers during the middle of the day, Varenna has a much more relaxed atmosphere while still offering excellent restaurants, beautiful waterfront walks, colourful laneways and regular ferry connections to Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo and the surrounding villages.

It felt authentic without sacrificing convenience.

If I returned to Lake Como, I’d happily stay in Varenna again

Getting to Lake Como from Milan Airport

After landing at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), we boarded the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale, where we changed to a regional train for Varenna-Esino.

The journey was straightforward, comfortable and an enjoyable introduction to travelling through Italy by rail.

Before leaving Australia, I’d already booked all our train tickets online and saved them in my Apple Wallet. After a long international flight, being able to simply scan our tickets and board the train made the whole journey far less stressful.

When we arrived at Varenna-Esino station, our host was waiting to collect us exactly as arranged.

That simple decision proved invaluable.

Our eSIM wasn’t working, it was cold and raining heavily, we had a large suitcase each plus day backpacks, and our apartment involved numerous stairs. Having someone waiting for us meant we could begin enjoying Lake Como immediately instead of trying to work out transport after travelling for almost a full day.

Progressive Traveller Tip: After decades of long-haul travel, I’ve learned that your first few hours after landing are when good planning matters most. Whenever possible, I book train tickets, airport transfers and accommodation pickups before leaving Australia and save everything in my phone’s Wallet.

I also save my accommodation host’s name, address and phone number in my contacts before departure. If my eSIM doesn’t activate immediately or I need to borrow someone else’s phone, I can quickly contact my host without searching through emails. This is one of the reasons I often use Booking.com, as it provides direct contact details for the property before arrival. After travelling for more than 20 hours, you’re tired and simply want to reach your accommodation.

A little planning beforehand means you can start your holiday relaxed instead of stressed.

Colourful waterfront of Varenna on Lake Como with mountains rising behind the village.

Why we chose Varenna

With only two nights on Lake Como, I wanted a village that was easy to reach by train and ferry without needing a car. Varenna was exactly that. It was quieter and cheaper than Bellagio, easier to arrive with luggage and, for our itinerary, the perfect base.

Where We Stayed

We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom apartment perched high above Varenna with spectacular panoramic views across Lake Como.

The scenery was absolutely breathtaking.

From our balcony we watched ferries criss-cross the lake while colourful villages dotted the opposite shoreline. It was one of those views that encouraged you to take it in with a coffee or glass of wine and simply appreciate where you are.

The apartment itself was spacious, comfortable and well equipped, although it was beginning to show its age in places. The towels were quite worn, and the second bedroom was fitted with two very small single beds, which fortunately suited my size!

Access, however, is something future travellers should consider.

Reaching the apartment involved several exterior flights of stairs without handrails. If you’re travelling with heavy luggage or have limited mobility, this may not be the best option.

Our host couldn’t have been more accommodating. He collected us from the railway station, drove us into Varenna for lunch on our first day and happily picked us up again whenever we needed.

That level of hospitality certainly enhanced our stay.

Even so, I generally prefer accommodation within walking distance of restaurants and the town centre. While our host was incredibly generous, I like having the flexibility to come and go independently without relying on someone else’s availability.

Lake Como accommodation is certainly more expensive than many other parts of Italy, but that’s part of what makes this destination so sought after.

Progressive Traveller Tip: Those spectacular lake views often come with steep hills. Before booking accommodation around Lake Como, check the walking distance to town and look carefully at the photos to see whether there are stairs, lifts or handrails. A property with incredible views may be perfect for some travellers but less suitable for others.

Famous Villas, Celebrity Homes and Film Locations

One of the biggest reasons travellers visit Lake Como is to admire its magnificent villas.

Some are open to the public, while others remain private residences, but together they’ve helped make Lake Como one of Italy’s most glamorous destinations.

Many have hosted royalty, politicians, artists and celebrities over the centuries, while others have become famous through Hollywood films.

Among the best known are:

  • Villa del Balbianello, featured in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale.
  • Villa Carlotta, renowned for its magnificent botanical gardens and elegant interiors.
  • Villa Monastero, one of Varenna’s most beautiful lakeside villas and gardens.
  • Villa Melzi, home to stunning gardens overlooking Bellagio.
  • Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s famous lakeside residence.

Even if you don’t visit every villa, seeing them from the ferry is one of the highlights of travelling around Lake Como.

They are a reminder that this remarkable destination has captivated visitors for centuries—and it’s easy to understand why.

Arlie enjoying the ferry journey across Lake Como between Varenna and Bellagio, with colourful lakeside villages and mountains in the background.

Day One: Arriving in Varenna

We arrived in Varenna to cool temperatures and steady rain.

After almost 24 hours of travelling from Australia, it would have been easy to write the day off. Instead, we embraced the weather, excited to finally be on Lake Como.

After checking in, our host kindly drove us into the centre of Varenna for lunch.

Our Route

  • Arrive in Varenna
  • Lunch at Osteria Quattro Pass
  • Ferry to Bellagio
  • Explore Bellagio
  • Return to Varenna
  • Walk of Lovers
  • Villa Monastero
  • Sunset drinks at Bar Il Molo
  • Dinner in Varenna

Although the weather wasn’t perfect, our first afternoon gave us a wonderful introduction to Lake Como.


🍝 Lunch at Osteria Quattro Pass

Our first meal in Italy was at Osteria Quattro Pass, a charming local restaurant tucked away down a narrow cobblestone street in the heart of Varenna.

With its warm, intimate atmosphere, exposed stone walls and welcoming service, it was exactly the kind of restaurant we’d hoped to discover.

We shared homemade pasta accompanied by a bottle of Tommasi Valpolicella, taking our time over lunch while I finally managed to get my eSIM working.

After the long journey from Australia, it was the perfect introduction to Lake Como.

Sometimes your first meal in a new country becomes one of the most memorable, and this was certainly one of them.


⛴️ An Afternoon Ferry to Bellagio

The rain eased slightly and, with an uncertain weather forecast for the following day, we decided to make the most of the afternoon by catching the ferry across to Bellagio.

One of the great pleasures of visiting Lake Como is travelling by ferry.

The journey is every bit as memorable as the destinations themselves. Colourful villages line the shoreline, elegant villas peek through beautifully maintained gardens and the surrounding mountains provide a spectacular backdrop.

Within minutes, we understood why so many people describe Lake Como as one of the world’s most beautiful lakes.


🌸 Bellagio

Bellagio is undoubtedly the jewel of Lake Como.

Its narrow cobbled laneways, elegant boutiques, grand hotels and flower-filled streets make it one of Italy’s most photographed villages.

Even beneath overcast skies, Bellagio was every bit as charming as we’d imagined.

We wandered through its picturesque streets, explored hidden laneways and admired the beautiful gardens and historic buildings before returning to the ferry.


🚶 Back to Varenna

Returning to Varenna in the late afternoon gave us the opportunity to explore our own village.

As the weather slowly improved, we wandered along the waterfront before discovering one of Lake Como’s most iconic walks.

Walk of Lovers (Passeggiata degli Innamorati)

Stretching along the edge of the lake, the Walk of Lovers is one of Varenna’s best-known attractions.

The elevated boardwalk hugs the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views across Lake Como while connecting the ferry terminal with the historic centre.

Although it’s only a short walk, it’s one of those places that encourages you to slow down and simply admire the scenery.

The combination of colourful lakeside buildings, gentle waves and surrounding mountains makes it easy to understand why Varenna is considered one of Lake Como’s prettiest villages.


Villa Monastero

From the Walk of Lovers, we continued to Villa Monastero.

Originally founded as a Cistercian convent before being transformed into a private villa centuries later, it’s now best known for its spectacular botanical gardens stretching along the lake.

Towering cypress trees, elegant statues, colourful flower beds and beautifully maintained pathways combine to create one of the most peaceful places on Lake Como.

Even if you choose not to tour the villa itself, the gardens are absolutely worth visiting.


🍸 Sunset Drinks at Bar Il Molo

By now, the skies had cleared and Lake Como looked completely different.

We found a table at Bar Il Molo overlooking the lake and enjoyed pre-dinner cocktails while watching ferries glide quietly between the villages.

After such a long journey from Australia, there couldn’t have been a better way to end our first afternoon.

Sometimes travel isn’t about rushing from one attraction to the next.

Sometimes it’s simply about sitting beside the water with good company, a drink in hand and appreciating where you are.


🍷 Dinner in Varenna

We finished our first day with dinner in Varenna before wandering slowly back through the village.

As darkness settled over Lake Como, the crowds disappeared, the waterfront became wonderfully peaceful and the lights reflected across the water.

It was the perfect ending to our first day.

Progressive Traveller Tip
Don’t let poor weather change your plans. Lake Como has a completely different charm in the rain, with mist drifting across the mountains and far fewer visitors. If the forecast improves the next day, simply revisit your favourite villages in the sunshine, just as we did with Bellagio.

Villa Carlotta overlooking Lake Como, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and towering trees in Tremezzo, Italy.

Day Two: Exploring the Heart of Lake Como

The following morning couldn’t have been more different. We woke to blue skies, calm water and brilliant sunshine. Overnight, Lake Como had transformed.

The villages sparkled beneath the morning sun, the surrounding mountains stood out in remarkable detail and the lake looked exactly like the postcards we’d admired before leaving Australia.

Rather than spending another day in one village, we decided to explore the heart of Lake Como by ferry.

As the ferry pulled away from Varenna, I found myself standing out on deck, taking it all in. The lake was almost perfectly still, the mountains reflected in the water and colourful villages dotted the shoreline. It was one of those moments when you stop taking photos for a minute and simply enjoy where you are. I remember thinking, “Now I understand why people fall in love with Lake Como.” Before we’d even reached our first stop, I knew this was going to be one of the highlights of our trip.

Our Route

  • Varenna
  • Menaggio
  • Villa Carlotta
  • Tremezzo
  • Bellagio
  • Return to Varenna

If you’re visiting Lake Como for the first time, I’d highly recommend following a similar route. It gave us a wonderful introduction to the central lake, with each village offering something completely different.


☕ Morning in Menaggio

Our first stop was Menaggio, a village that immediately felt different from Bellagio.

While Bellagio is elegant and bustling, Menaggio has a quieter, more local atmosphere. We started in Piazza Garibaldi, joining the locals for a morning coffee before strolling along the Lungolago di Menaggio.

From there, we wandered up Via Calvi into the historic centre and stepped inside the Church of Santo Stefano to admire its peaceful interior and beautiful frescoes before catching the ferry to Tremezzo.

Although many visitors simply pass through Menaggio, it’s well worth spending a couple of hours exploring. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect contrast to the busier villages around Lake Como.


🌺 Villa Carlotta – My Favourite Experience on Lake Como

From Menaggio, it’s just a 15-minute ferry ride to Tremezzo, followed by a five-minute walk to Villa Carlotta.

Before arriving on Lake Como, I’d read plenty about Bellagio, Varenna and the grand villas scattered around the lake. Villa Carlotta was certainly on my itinerary, but if I’m honest, it wasn’t the attraction I was most looking forward to.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

By the time we left, Villa Carlotta hadn’t just exceeded my expectations—it had become my favourite experience on Lake Como and one of the highlights of our entire Italian holiday.

From the moment we walked through the entrance gates, we realised this was far more than another historic villa. Magnificent botanical gardens unfold across terraces overlooking Lake Como, where colourful flower beds, arched citrus groves, towering trees, elegant fountains and winding pathways reveal breathtaking views at every turn.

Every corner seemed to offer another postcard-perfect photograph, but this is one of those rare places where the experience is even more memorable than the photos.

Inside, the villa is equally impressive. Grand reception rooms, elegant staircases, remarkable works of art and beautifully preserved interiors provide a fascinating glimpse into another era.

For me, however, it was the views that stole the show.

Standing at the villa’s enormous windows, looking across the manicured gardens towards Bellagio and the surrounding mountains, I found myself stopping again and again just to take it all in. It was easy to understand why Lake Como has captivated royalty, artists and travellers for centuries.

If you only have time to visit one villa on Lake Como, I’d choose Villa Carlotta without hesitation. It combines extraordinary gardens, elegant interiors and some of the most spectacular lake views you’ll find anywhere on Lake Como.

💶 Is Villa Carlotta Worth the Entry Fee?

Absolutely. If I had to choose just one paid attraction on Lake Como, it would be Villa Carlotta. Between the magnificent gardens, beautifully preserved villa and breathtaking views across the lake, I felt it offered excellent value for money and became one of the highlights of our visit.

Progressive Traveller Tip

Allow at least two to three hours for your visit. The gardens deserve just as much time as the villa itself, particularly during spring when everything is in bloom. If you’re deciding which paid attraction to prioritise during a short stay, I believe Villa Carlotta offers some of the best value and one of the most memorable experiences on Lake Como.


🍝 Lunch at La Locanda Tremezzo

After several hours exploring Villa Carlotta, we were ready for a leisurely lunch before continuing our journey around the lake.

A short walk from the villa brought us to La Locanda Tremezzo, a welcoming local restaurant just a few minutes away.

One of the things I love most about travelling through Italy is that you don’t have to chase Michelin stars or famous restaurants to eat well. Some of our favourite meals have been in small local trattorias like this, where fresh ingredients, warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere take centre stage.

Over another delicious Italian lunch and a glass of local wine, we reflected on the morning before making our way back to the ferry for Bellagio.


☀️ Bellagio in the Sunshine

From Tremezzo, it’s just a 15-minute ferry ride across Lake Como to Bellagio.

Returning in the sunshine felt like visiting an entirely different place. The colourful streets, elegant villas, boutique shops and waterfront looked even more spectacular beneath clear blue skies.

With no agenda, we simply wandered through quiet laneways, admired beautifully presented shopfronts and enjoyed Bellagio at a much slower pace than the previous afternoon.

By late afternoon, many of the day visitors had departed, creating a noticeably more relaxed atmosphere.

For me, this was Bellagio at its best.

My only regret? Not buying the beautiful perfume I discovered in one of Bellagio’s little boutiques. It’s funny the small things that stay with you after a trip, and I still think about it today.


🍷 Dinner at Dispensa 63

Before returning to Varenna, we decided to enjoy one final Italian dinner in Bellagio.

Rather than choosing one of the popular waterfront restaurants, we wandered into the village and discovered Dispensa 63. It proved to be an excellent choice.

Away from the busiest tourist areas, the restaurant offered a warm, intimate atmosphere where the emphasis was firmly on excellent food rather than lake views.

Over another delicious Italian meal and local wine, we reflected on everything we’d experienced during our two unforgettable days on Lake Como.

It’s often tempting to choose a restaurant overlooking the water, but some of the most rewarding dining experiences are found a few streets back, where you’ll often discover a more relaxed atmosphere and authentic local hospitality.


⛴️ Evening Ferry Back to Varenna

After dinner, we caught the evening ferry back to Varenna, a journey of around 15 minutes.

Watching Bellagio slowly fade into the distance while the lights around Lake Como began to twinkle was one of those travel moments that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

The evening crossing was peaceful, the lake almost mirror-like, and it felt like the perfect way to end our first visit to one of Italy’s most beautiful destinations.

Sometimes it’s not the famous landmarks that become your strongest memories. It’s simply standing on the deck of a ferry at sunset, watching another unforgettable day come to an end and feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience places like this.

Progressive Traveller Tip

If you’re planning to visit several villages in one day, consider purchasing a Central Lake Day Pass. It offers unlimited ferry travel between the central Lake Como towns and can provide excellent value compared with buying individual tickets. Check the latest fares and operating schedules before you travel, as they vary by season.

Is Two Days in Lake Como Enough?

Absolutely. For first-time visitors, two days is enough to experience many of Lake Como’s highlights without feeling rushed.

During our stay we were able to:

  • Base ourselves in the beautiful village of Varenna.
  • Explore Bellagio twice, experiencing it in both rainy and sunny weather.
  • Wander the relaxed lakeside streets of Menaggio.
  • Visit the magnificent Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero.
  • Walk the famous Walk of Lovers.
  • Enjoy scenic ferry rides between the villages.
  • Discover wonderful local restaurants away from the main tourist areas.
  • Experience Lake Como both during the day and after the crowds had disappeared.

If your itinerary allows, I’d recommend staying three nights.

An extra day would give you time to visit Villa del Balbianello, enjoy a private boat cruise, explore some of the smaller villages or simply slow down and appreciate everything that makes Lake Como so special.

For us, however, two days provided the perfect introduction.

View from the gardens of Villa Monastero across Lake Como towards the gardens of Villa Cipressi in Varenna, Italy.

Practical Tips for Visiting Lake Como

Book your train tickets before you leave home

Italy’s trains are easy to use, but after a long international flight, having your tickets already booked and saved in your Apple Wallet makes your arrival far less stressful. Regional trains are flexible, but booking ahead means one less thing to think about when you arrive.

Save your accommodation host’s contact details

Before leaving Australia, I save my accommodation host’s name, address and phone number in my phone. If my eSIM doesn’t activate immediately or I need to borrow someone else’s phone, I can contact them without searching through emails.

Stay in Varenna if you’re travelling by train

For first-time visitors arriving by rail, I think Varenna is the ideal base. It has its own railway station, excellent ferry connections and a much more relaxed atmosphere than Bellagio.

Lake views often come with stairs

Many apartments overlooking Lake Como are perched on the hillside. Always check how many stairs are involved and whether there are handrails or lifts before booking, particularly if you’re travelling with heavy luggage or have mobility concerns. The views are spectacular, but they often come with a climb.

Use the ferries

The ferry network is one of Lake Como’s greatest attractions. It’s an enjoyable and efficient way to travel between villages, and the views from the water are just as memorable as the destinations themselves. If you’re planning several ferry journeys in one day, check whether a Central Lake Day Pass offers better value than purchasing individual tickets.

Don’t rush your meals

One of the highlights of travelling through Italy is taking time to enjoy long lunches and relaxed dinners. Some of our favourite meals weren’t at famous restaurants but at smaller local establishments where the emphasis was on fresh ingredients, local wine and genuine hospitality.

Explore Bellagio later in the day

Bellagio becomes extremely busy during the middle of the day. If possible, stay into the late afternoon or evening when many day visitors have departed. We found it much more enjoyable at that time.

Pack for changing weather

Spring weather around Lake Como can change quickly. During our visit, we experienced rain, cool temperatures and brilliant sunshine within 24 hours. Pack a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as many streets are cobbled and can become slippery after rain.

Lake Como View from a Historic Villa near Varenna

Best Photography Locations

If you’re hoping to capture Lake Como at its best, these were my favourite photography spots.

Villa Carlotta

The views from inside the villa looking across the gardens towards Bellagio were simply breathtaking. Best time: Mid-morning to early afternoon.

The Walk of Lovers, Varenna

One of Lake Como’s most iconic boardwalks with uninterrupted lake views. Best time: Early morning or late afternoon.

Villa Monastero Gardens

Beautiful pathways lined with statues, flowers and towering cypress trees overlooking the lake. Best time: Morning.

Bellagio Waterfront

Classic views across the lake with ferries arriving and departing throughout the day. Best time: Late afternoon.

Evening Ferry to Varenna

Some of my favourite photographs weren’t taken from land at all. Watching the villages light up as we crossed the lake at dusk offered a completely different perspective of Lake Como. Best time: Sunset.

Final Thoughts

Lake Como was our first stop in Italy, and looking back, I can’t think of a better place to begin. I don’t remember the delayed flight, the rain or my eSIM refusing to work.

I remember sharing our first homemade pasta and a bottle of Valpolicella in Varenna with Arlie, wandering through Villa Carlotta’s magnificent gardens taking photos of each other, laughing over long lunches in small local trattorias, browsing Bellagio’s boutique shops for little treasures to bring home, and still wishing I’d bought a bottle of Bellagio’s famous perfume before catching the evening ferry back to Varenna.

Those are the moments that stayed with me.

If it’s your first visit to Lake Como, I’d happily recommend spending at least two days based in Varenna. It suited us perfectly, giving us an affordable base with excellent train and ferry connections, spectacular scenery and the opportunity to experience several of Lake Como’s most beautiful villages without constantly packing and unpacking.

We visited in mid-May, and even then Bellagio was noticeably busy during the middle of the day. Personally, I wouldn’t choose to visit during the height of summer. If I returned, I’d happily visit again in late April, early May, late September or early October, when I think the experience would be even more enjoyable with fewer crowds while still offering beautiful weather.

Travelling has taught me that the places I remember most aren’t always the ones I expected to love.

Lake Como was one of those places.

It wasn’t just the scenery that captured me. It was the feeling of wandering without an agenda, lingering over long lunches, hopping on ferries without being in a hurry, ending each day surrounded by one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever seen, and discovering that Villa Carlotta—not Bellagio—became my favourite experience on the lake.

That’s the Lake Como I’ll remember. And that’s the Lake Como I’d return to.

Continue Your Italian Adventure

Lake Como was just the beginning of our Italian journey. From here, Arlie and I travelled to Verona, Venice and Rome, with each destination offering a completely different side of Italy. Together, they created one of my favourite travel itineraries and showed just how diverse Italy can be.

The map below follows the route we travelled before continuing our European adventure. If you’re planning your own trip, these guides will help you explore Italy one destination at a time.

Continue Reading

Italy is one of those countries that keeps drawing me back. Every return visit reveals another beautiful town, another memorable meal and another reason to start planning the next trip.

Illustrated travel map showing Arlie and Donna's independent journey through Italy, including Lake Como (Varenna), Verona, Venice and Rome as part of their 2026 European adventure.

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About the Progressive Traveller

Hi! I’m Donna, an Australian, who has become a global traveller after quitting my career in corporate health to see the world and write about it. This new career move has taken me to over 50+ countries, where I have met new friends and discover more about how others live. I invite you to travel with me and discover more.

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