Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan: What to See in One Day

Planning a day trip to Lake Como from Milan can feel a bit daunting – there’s so much to see and so little time!

Since Lake Como is located only a one-hour train ride from Milan, the good news is that it’s absolutely possible to visit Lake Como in one day. However, a day trip to Lake Como requires careful planning and an efficient itinerary.

Lucky for you, I’m here to help you out! I’ve done all the hard work for you and put together a super detailed, foolproof itinerary that will guarantee you the perfect one day in Lake Como. Read on for all the logistics, the best things to do, and must-see places during your Lake Como day trip from Milan.

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Best Organized Day Trips to Lake Como from Milan

In this post, I will share a detailed, self-guided day trip itinerary for those of us who love to plan every step of our journey. However, I get it – not all of us enjoy diving into the nitty-gritty of planning, and that’s perfectly fine!

That’s why, before we dive into the self-guided one day in Lake Como itinerary, I want to share with you some fantastic organized day trips to Lake Como from Milan.

These tours are perfect for those who prefer a more laid-back approach, offering expert guides, pre-planned itineraries, and the chance to meet fellow travelers.

• Day Tour to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna or Menaggio: This highly rated tour includes bus transportation, a ferry ride, and stops at charming towns like Como, Bellagio, and Varenna or Menaggio.
• Guided Day Trip to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna: Similar to the above, this alternative includes bus and ferry rides, plus a walking tour to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Lake Como.
• Lake Como, St. Moritz & Bernina Train Day Trip: Combine Lake Como’s charm with the Swiss Alps. This tour includes a visit to St. Moritz and a ride on the iconic Bernina Red Train.
• Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano Day Trip with Cruise: Explore Lake Como and Bellagio before heading to Lugano, Switzerland. Enjoy shopping, dining, and a scenic cruise spotting celebrity villas – a Lake Como trip with a Swiss twist!

Overview of Your One Day in Lake Como from Milan

If you’re up for the challenge of organizing your own day trip to Lake Como from Milan, you are in the right place! Keep reading for all the details.

Lake Como covers approximately 145 square kilometers, so trying to tackle this beautiful area in one day is definitely a challenge. It has many beautiful towns dotting the lake’s shoreline, each with its unique charm.

For this day trip to Lake Como from Milan, I recommend exploring two of the most scenic towns, Varenna and Bellagio. Luckily Varenna has a direct train connection from Milan, which makes it super convenient to get there.

You’ll want to leave early in the morning and take a train from Milan Central Station to Varenna-Esino station. Once you arrive in Varenna, you can spend the morning exploring the top things to do in Varenna, along with some of the best villas in Lake Como.

In the afternoon, take a ferry to Bellagio, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake, stroll around the cobbled streets, and visit another stunning villa. After having a delicious dinner in Bellagio, you can take a ferry back to Varenna and then the train back to Milan.

For your convenience, I’ve broken down the day trip to Lake Como from Milan itinerary by the hour, so you can easily plan your perfect one day in Lake Como. Here’s my suggested itinerary:

• 7 am-8:30 am: Train from Milan to Varenna
• 8:30 am-9:30 am: Varenna Old Town
• 9:30 am-11 am: Villa Monastero
• 11 am-12 pm: Villa Cipressi
• 12 pm-1:30 pm: Lunch in Varenna
• 1:30 pm-2:15 pm: Ferry to Bellagio
• 2:15 pm-4 pm: Bellagio Old Town
• 4 pm-5:30 pm: Villa Melzi
• 5:30 pm-7 pm: Dinner
• 7 pm-8 pm: Ferry to Varenna
• 8 pm-10 pm: Train from Varenna to Milan

As there is one train leaving every hour to and from Varenna, you can also customize this itinerary by starting one hour earlier or one hour later.

However, I wouldn’t recommend going to Lake Como any later than 9 am, as the last train returns at 9:30 pm, so you won’t have that much time to explore the area.

Morning

Train from Milan to Varenna

Recommended time: 7 am-8:30 am

Rise and shine friend, it’s time to take a day trip to Lake Como and get a glimpse of the glamorous life of the rich and famous! Make sure to go to bed early the night before so you can get up bright and early to catch the train from Milan to Lake Como.

There are actually two direct trains that connect Milan with Lake Como, one going to Varenna and the other going to Como. Como is located at the southwest end of the lake on one of the tips of the Y-shaped lake. In contrast, Varenna is situated in the middle of the lake on the eastern shore.

For this Lake Como one day itinerary, I recommend taking the train to Varenna because of its central location and easy access to the other towns on the lake. Not to mention that it’s one of the cutest towns in Lake Como!

The trains depart from Milano Centrale Railway Station, which is conveniently connected to Milan’s city center by the M2 and M3 metro lines. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to navigate the bustling station and locate your platform.

The first train leaves at 6:20 am, and there is one train every hour after that. The trains run directly to Varenna Esino station and take 1 hour and 5 minutes. Tickets typically start from €7.10 for a one-way ticket. I recommend booking tickets in advance to guarantee your spot and get the best price!

To maximize your time during your day trip to Lake Como from Milan, I recommend taking the 7:20 am train, which arrives in Varenna at 8:24 am.

Of course, if you want more time to stroll around the town without the crowds, you can also opt for the 6:20 am train. But since attractions in Varenna don’t open before 9 am, it’s probably best to save your energy and sleep in a bit.

You can also opt for the later train leaving at 8:20 am, but then you’ll have less time to explore during your one day in Lake Como.

Varenna Old Town

Recommended time: 8:30 am-9:30 am

Stepping out of Varenna Esino station, you’ll find yourself in one of the most charming lakeside towns in all of Italy – Varenna. Its colorful, picturesque houses set against the backdrop of Lake Como are a sight to behold.

To get to the center of Varenna, walk down from the train station toward the ferry port, and you’ll soon get a glimpse of The Walk of Lovers (Passerella innamorati sul lago). This red pedestrian path takes you to the center of the old town while providing breathtaking lake views.

Once in the old town, you’ll be surrounded by colorful buildings, romantic cobbled streets, and lovely little cafes and shops. Walking around Varenna is truly like stepping into a fairy tale!

While exploring, make sure to find your way to Piazza San Giorgio, the town’s main square. Here you’ll find the beautiful Church of Saint George (Chiesa San Giorgio), dating back to the 14th century, a perfect start to your tour of Varenna’s historic sites.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, this is also a good time to grab a cappuccino and a croissant at one of the cafes around the square. If you would rather sit by the lake, head to Bar Il Molo for the ultimate breakfast experience. This local establishment is famous for its stunning waterfront views and delicious Italian breakfasts.

Villa Monastero

Recommended time: 9:30 am-11 am

A day trip to Lake Como from Milan wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of the famous villas that line the lake’s shore. Thankfully, Varenna is home to two of the most beautiful villas in Lake Como – Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero.

I recommend starting with Villa Monastero as this is the bigger and more interesting of the two. It’s typically open every day starting from 9.30 am, but it’s best to double-check their current opening times on their website.

The entrance fee for adults is €10 for the Botanical Garden only and €13 for the Botanical Garden and the House Museum. Most of the time, you can’t visit the interior of the villas at Lake Como, so I recommend taking advantage of this rare opportunity and buying the combo ticket.

Built in the 12th century, Villa Monastero has a fascinating history and plenty of architectural and artistic treasures to admire. The House Museum has 14 rooms with breathtaking frescoes, period furniture, and other artifacts.

The villa also has a beautiful botanical garden with an array of exotic plants and panoramic views of Lake Como. The park is actually huge, stretching almost 2 km along the lake’s shoreline, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here admiring the plants and taking in the idyllic atmosphere.

Villa Cipressi

Recommended time: 11 am-12 pm

A stone’s throw away from Villa Monastero, you’ll find the equally charming Villa Cipressi, the second must-visit villa in Varenna.

Despite being a little smaller, it’s just as beautiful, with centuries-old gardens cascading down to the lake, making it a great next stop on your day trip to Lake Como from Milan.

The villa has different opening times depending on the season, so be sure to check the website before your visit. It’s usually open from 9 am to 8 pm during the summer months, and the entrance fee is €10 per person.

The building now functions as a hotel, so unfortunately, it’s not possible to see the interior unless you book a stay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the villa’s tranquil gardens and beautiful views of Lake Como!

This historic villa, dating back to the 1400s, is surrounded by tiered gardens filled with exotic plants, ancient trees, and, of course, the villa’s namesake cypress trees. As you wander through the garden, you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of Lake Como at every turn!

Afternoon

Lunch in Varenna

Recommended time: 12 pm-1:30 pm

After exploring the stunning villas of Varenna, it’s time to take a break and refuel with a delicious lunch. You’re in Italy after all, a country famous for its mouth-watering cuisine!

In Varenna, you’re spoilt for choice, but I have two personal favorites to recommend. First up is Bar Il Molo – if you didn’t have breakfast here, this is your other chance to enjoy their stunning waterfront views.

They have two terraces, and while the lower terrace is open from 8 am, the upper terrace with the best views opens at noon. Keep in mind that Bar Il Molo is quite popular, so it’s worth arriving at the opening time to secure a prime table. Otherwise, you most probably have to wait in line for a while.

While the view from the restaurant is absolutely stunning, the food can be a hit or miss. We had tagliatelle with Bolognese sauce which was quite good, but the Bufalina pizza was a bit of a letdown, and somehow the basil leaves were missing from the pizza.

On the other hand, if you’re up for a more upscale dining experience, Bar Giardino at Hotel Royal Victoria is the place to be. Conveniently located adjacent to the gardens of Villa Cipressi, you can walk right in after your garden tour.

The bar opens at 11 am, but the kitchen starts serving food at noon. You might find the prices a bit higher here, but the top-notch service and outstanding cuisine make it worth every cent. Keep an eye out for their iconic table right by the lake – it provides a dining experience you won’t forget!

Ferry to Bellagio

Recommended time: 1:30 pm-2:15 pm

Once you’ve enjoyed a leisurely lunch, it’s time to set sail for the next leg of your Lake Como one day itinerary – Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como.”

Traveling between Lake Como’s towns is easy and convenient as the lake has a well-connected ferry system. Make sure to check the ferry timetable carefully and book your tickets in advance.

The ferry tickets are valid for the selected day between the chosen destinations, so you can board any ferry during the day. Therefore I recommend booking a return ticket between Varenna and Bellagio on the day of your Lake Como day trip.

When booking your ferry ticket, it’s essential to select the correct ports – “Varenna (Traghetto)” for your departure and “Bellagio (Traghetto)” for your arrival. This is a different line from the regular town-to-town service, so make sure you’ve chosen the correct ones to avoid any mix-ups.

For this journey, I recommend hopping on the 1:50 pm ferry. Not only does it allow you enough time to savor your lunch, but it also ensures you arrive in Bellagio with plenty of daylight left to explore this delightful town.

The ferry ride is an experience in itself, offering amazing views of Lake Como and the surrounding towns nestled against the hills. The journey from Varenna to Bellagio is quite short, lasting about 15 minutes, but it’s absolutely beautiful.

Stroll around Bellagio

Recommended time: 2:15 pm-4 pm

As your ferry docks in Bellagio, you’ll immediately see why it’s known as the “Pearl of Lake Como.” This picturesque town is famed for its cobblestone lanes, elegant buildings, and stunning lake views.

Start your exploration by strolling through the winding, narrow streets, where you’ll find delightful boutiques, art galleries, and gelaterias.

One street you shouldn’t miss is the iconic Salita Serbelloni. The street is lined with colorful, terraced houses nestled against the hillside and a breathtaking view of the lake below. It’s also home to many local artisan shops where you can pick up some unique souvenirs.

If you want to try an ice cream, head to Gelateria del Borgo for some of the best gelato in Bellagio. Not only is their gelato delicious, but the shop also sells a bunch of other treats that are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack.

Shortly after Salita Serbelloni, you’ll find yourself in Piazza della Chiesa, the town’s main square. This is a great spot to take a break and soak up the atmosphere of Bellagio. You can also visit the Basilica of St. Giacomo, a beautiful church in the middle of the square.

Once you’ve explored the narrow streets of Bellagio, head to the waterfront promenade for some beautiful views of the lake.

The promenade starts at the ferry port and extends all the way to Villa Melzi, the next stop on your day trip to Lake Como from Milan. It’s an incredibly romantic spot, especially in the early summer months when the flowers on the promenade are in full bloom.

Villa Melzi

Recommended time: 4 pm-5:30 pm

Located at the edge of Bellagio, just a 15-minute scenic walk along the lake from the town center, Villa Melzi is a 19th-century Neoclassical villa surrounded by lush gardens.

The villa was built for Duke Francesco Melzi d’Eril, a close friend to Napoleon, and the gardens are designed in an English style, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Unfortunately, the villa itself isn’t open to the public, as it’s still privately owned. But the gardens are available to explore, and you can even take a guided tour.

The gardens of Villa Melzi are home to a wealth of sculptures, rare and exotic plant species, and a small Japanese-style pond. You can even find a hidden cave tucked away in the gardens! Also, don’t miss the orangery, which is now a museum housing a collection of Napoleon memorabilia.

The gardens are typically open from March to October, starting at 10 am, with the last entry at 6:30 pm. An adult ticket costs €8, and it’s valid for one full day, so you can leave and reenter the gardens as you wish.

Evening

Dinner in Bellagio

Recommended time: 5:30 pm-7 pm

Now, you’ve got a choice to make. You can either catch an early ferry back to Varenna for dinner or seize the opportunity to enjoy an early evening meal in Bellagio.

Since you’ve already spent a lot of time in Varenna, I recommend having dinner in Bellagio. It’s the perfect way to end your day trip to Lake Como from Milan!

The town is home to several excellent restaurants and bars offering an array of Italian dishes and local specialties. However, keep in mind that most restaurants in Bellagio close after 2:30 pm and only reopen at 7 pm, leaving you with more limited dinner options.

But don’t worry, there are still a few excellent spots to grab an early dinner. Here are my top recommendations:

• La Lanterna Bellagio: Located on Salita Serbelloni, this cozy spot serves delicious Italian dishes. Don’t miss the Caprese salad with pesto! Grab a street-side table for prime people-watching.
• Bistrot Antichi Sapori: Near Bellagio’s main square, this restaurant offers traditional Italian favorites like pasta and pizza. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor terrace for a relaxing evening.
• Dai Viga Pasta Fresca: A family-run gem known for its fresh, homemade pasta. Perfect for a casual yet memorable dinner before heading back to Milan.

Ferry to Varenna

Recommended time: 7 pm-8 pm

Unfortunately, Bellagio doesn’t have a train connection to Milan, so first, you’ll need to get back to Varenna to hop on the train from there. However, this also means that you get to admire the stunning Lake Como scenery from the water one more time, which is not a bad thing at all!

You can catch the ferry in Bellagio from the same port where you arrived in the afternoon. The ferries don’t leave as frequently as you might think, so checking the timetable before you set off is really important.

If you follow this Lake Como day trip itinerary, I recommend boarding the 7:30 pm ferry after you finish dinner in Bellagio, which will arrive at 7:45 pm in Varenna.

Train from Varenna to Milan

Recommended time: 8 pm-10 pm

Once you reach Varenna, it’s a short stroll back to the Varenna-Esino station for your train ride back to Milan.

There is one train back to Milan every hour, and I recommend catching the 8:35 pm one. This gives you just enough time to make it from the ferry to the station without having to rush.

If you happen to miss this train, don’t worry. There’s another train at 9:35 pm, but it’s the last one of the day, so make sure to catch this. Missing this train could result in an unplanned night in Varenna (which isn’t the worst thing in the world, but it could potentially throw a wrench in your travel plans).

If everything goes well and you catch the 8:35 pm train as recommended, you will arrive in Milan around 10 pm. And with that, your day trip to Lake Como from Milan is complete – I hope you had a wonderful time!