3 days in Lake Como from Como town to Varenna
Use three days to travel through the lake rather than returning along the same route each evening. Begin with Como's streets and hillside views, move to the western shore for Lenno, then finish among the central ferry towns. This itinerary suits arrival through Como and departure from Varenna, with one change of accommodation and light luggage.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Spend the first night in Como town near your onward transport. Use Tremezzo for the second night to reach Lenno and the central ferries, checking the walk from your accommodation to the landing.
- Book ahead
- Rooms in Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello, Airport buses and transfers
- Other lengths
- 2 days 4 days
Day 1: Como streets and a hillside afternoon
- Morning
- Leave your bags in Como town and walk from Porta Torre through the old center to Piazza San Fedele. Continue to the cathedral, allowing time to look inside when visits are permitted.
- Afternoon
- Walk to the Brunate funicular and check the queue before committing. At the top, explore near the village and viewpoints, then return to Como. Leave any longer hillside walk for a day with more time.
- Evening
- Follow the waterfront toward the Tempio Voltiano before dinner. Stay in Como tonight rather than relying on a late boat connection, and confirm tomorrow's route to Tremezzo.
- Dinner
- Choose an old town restaurant and order risotto or fresh pasta, keeping dinner close to your accommodation.
Day 2: Lenno and the Balbianello peninsula
- Morning
- Travel to your western shore accommodation and leave your bags before continuing to Lenno. Walk around the bay toward Piazza XI Febbraio, then allow enough time to reach your booked Villa del Balbianello visit.
- Afternoon
- Visit Villa del Balbianello using the access method confirmed with your booking. Garden access and interior visits have different arrangements. Afterwards, return to Lenno for a pause by the water before traveling back.
- Evening
- Spend the evening in Tremezzo. Take a short waterfront walk while there is daylight, then settle near your accommodation. This is a useful night to avoid further ferry connections.
- Dinner
- Eat at a western shore trattoria and try polenta with a seasonal accompaniment or a lake fish dish.
Day 3: Bellagio to Varenna with a railway finish
- Morning
- Check out and take a ferry to Bellagio, arranging luggage storage beforehand if needed. Walk Salita Serbelloni and the lanes around the church, then head to Punta Spartivento before returning to the landing.
- Afternoon
- Cross to Varenna and follow the waterfront into the village. Visit Villa Monastero if opening times fit your departure, or spend the afternoon around Piazza San Giorgio and the lakeside walkway.
- Evening
- Collect your bags and leave sufficient time for the uphill walk to Varenna-Esino station. If staying another night, have dinner in Varenna and enjoy the waterfront once most day visitors have left.
- Dinner
- Choose an early dinner in Varenna, ordering pasta or risotto and telling the restaurant if you have a train to catch.
Tips for 3 days in Lake Como
- Confirm luggage storage before making Bellagio a stop between hotels. Do not assume the ferry landing has storage facilities.
- Book the Balbianello visit first, then arrange the surrounding day. Check the official site for opening days and access instructions.
- Keep your final afternoon flexible so a missed ferry does not put your onward train or airport connection at risk.
3 days in Lake Como from Como town to Varenna
Do I need to change hotels?
This route uses Como town and Tremezzo to reduce repeated journeys. You can keep one base, but you will need to allow more time for transport.
Can I reverse the route?
Yes. Arrive by train at Varenna, explore the central lake, then travel south through Lenno to Como. Match the villa day to its official opening calendar.
Should I book the Balbianello interiors?
Book an interior visit if the house interests you, checking exactly what your ticket includes. A garden visit has different access arrangements and still needs planning.
Is a car useful for these three days?
The route works with trains, ferries and buses. A car adds parking arrangements at each stop and is less useful during the central lake crossings.