Discovering Lake Como

Lake Como: villas, gardens and dream views

Italy's most glamorous lake: from the historic villas of Bellagio to the villages of Varenna, from Como to Lecco. A journey through botanical gardens, Liberty style and postcard views.

Stop 1 — Como

Como with the Gothic Cathedral, Voltian Temple, funicular to Brunate. Cernobbio with luxury Villa d'Este.

Stop 2 — Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta

Tremezzo with Villa Carlotta and botanical gardens. Lenno, Sala Comacina and Comacina Island.

Stop 3 — Bellagio, the pearl of the Lake

Bellagio on the promontory dividing the lake. Villa Melzi, Villa Serbelloni. Cobbled streets, boutiques.

Stop 4 — Varenna and the Lecco branch

Varenna, one of the most romantic villages. Villa Monastero with its botanical garden, Fiumelatte spring.

Stop 5 — Menaggio and Val Cavargna

Menaggio, then the Val Cavargna inland. Less touristy mountain villages.

Stop 6 — Lecco and Eastern Riviera

Lecco of Manzoni's "I Promessi Sposi", Piona and the Cluniac Abbey, Colico at the lake's northern end.

Local cuisine