Lake Como, Italy

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Como Town

• Morning:
  Arrive at Como. Check into Hotel Metropole Suisse, located right on the waterfront, offering beautiful lake views. It’s centrally located, making it a great base for exploring the area.
  • Hotel Metropole Suisse: Classic rooms with stunning lake views and excellent amenities.
• Lunch:
  Head to Ristorante Sociale for traditional Italian fare. This local favorite serves fresh pasta and classic Como dishes like risotto with perch.
• Afternoon:
  Take a leisurely stroll around Piazza Cavour and visit the Como Cathedral (Duomo), a stunning Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece.Afterward, hop on the funicular to Brunate, which offers panoramic views over Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. Once at the top, enjoy a short hike to the Volta Lighthouse for more breathtaking views.
• Shopping:
  Explore Mantero Silk Shop for high-quality Como silk scarves, ties, and fabrics, as Como is famous for its silk production.
• Dinner:
  Dine at Ristorante Raimondi located at Villa Flori. This lakeside restaurant offers gourmet Italian cuisine and a romantic atmosphere with spectacular lake views.
• Evening:
  Unwind at Il Sorso Cocktail Bar in Como town. With its cozy ambiance and creative cocktails, it’s the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Day 2: Bellagio and Varenna

• Morning:
  Take the ferry from Como to Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of the Lake.”Check into Hotel Belvedere Bellagio for a luxurious stay with breathtaking views and a serene pool area.
• Lunch:
  Grab a meal at La Punta Ristorante located at the tip of Bellagio with stunning views of both legs of Lake Como. Try the fresh lake fish or homemade pasta.
• Afternoon:
  Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Bellagio, visiting boutique shops like Azalea Bellagio for handcrafted Italian jewelry and ceramics.Visit the famous Villa Melzi Gardens for a relaxing walk among sculptures, exotic plants, and lakefront paths.Afterward, take a short ferry ride to Varenna, a charming village. Visit the Villa Monastero and its botanical gardens. Wander around the picturesque town and take in the serene views.
• Dinner:
  Enjoy dinner at Il Cavatappi in Varenna, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh pasta dishes and local wines.
• Evening:
  Return to Bellagio for a nightcap at Aperitivo Et Al, a trendy wine bar with a fantastic selection of Italian wines and aperitifs.

Day 3: Tremezzo and Villa del Balbianello

• Morning:
  Take the ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo. Visit the opulent Villa Carlotta, known for its art collections and vast botanical gardens. Spend the morning exploring the villa and soaking in the views.
• Lunch:
  Have lunch at Al Veluu, a charming hilltop restaurant with panoramic views over Lake Como. The family-owned spot offers delicious Lombardy cuisine like risotto and locally sourced meats.
• Afternoon:
  After lunch, take a private boat tour (or ferry) to visit the iconic Villa del Balbianello, featured in films like Star Wars and James Bond. Explore its ornate rooms, terraced gardens, and enjoy the dramatic lakefront setting.
• Shopping:
  Head to La Tessitura di Como in Tremezzo, a small boutique offering locally made linens, home goods, and Como silk products.
• Dinner:
  For your last dinner in Tremezzo, dine at La Darsena on the lakefront. The upscale restaurant serves refined Italian cuisine, focusing on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
• Evening:
  End the day with a drink at Bar Victoria in Tremezzo, enjoying the relaxed lakeside atmosphere and a glass of prosecco as the sun sets over the lake.