Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Milan to Milan in Lombardy, Italy.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is April to June and September.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

This route works best with no car (this is a drive-free route).

What budget do I need for this route?

Premium — budget for higher-end stays, dining and experiences.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Hotels accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Food & drink, Drive-free.

Lake Como Without a Car: Milan, Bellagio & the Centro Lago by Train and Ferry

Q: How long is the Lake Como Without a Car: Milan, Bellagio & the Centro Lago by Train and Ferry route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

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The route · 6 stops

5 overnight bases · 1 stop on the way

Milan

1 night

Italy's style capital and the gateway to the lakes, with fast trains north to Como and Varenna. One night is enough to see the Duomo and the Galleria before heading up, though the city rewards longer. Trains from Milano Centrale and Cadorna reach the lake in under an hour, so there is no need for a car.Italy's style capital and the gateway to the lakes, with fast trains north to Como and Varenna. One night is enough to see the Duomo and the Galleria before heading up, though the city rewards longer. Trains from Milano Centrale and Cadorna reach the lake in under an hour, so there is no need for a car.

Recommendations

43m · 51 km drive to Como

Como

2 nights

The lake's main town at its south-west tip and the natural rail gateway, a 40-minute train from Milan. A walkable old town sits behind a grand waterfront, and the Como-Brunate funicular climbs to a balcony view over the whole basin. Use it as a two-night base before the ferries north to the quieter Centro Lago villages.The lake's main town at its south-west tip and the natural rail gateway, a 40-minute train from Milan. A walkable old town sits behind a grand waterfront, and the Como-Brunate funicular climbs to a balcony view over the whole basin. Use it as a two-night base before the ferries north to the quieter Centro Lago villages.

Recommendations

25m · 30 km drive to Bellagio

Bellagio

2 nights

The 'pearl of the lake' on the headland where Como's two arms divide, a tangle of stepped cobbled lanes and lakeside promenades. The draw is the gardens: Villa Melzi by the water and Villa Serbelloni above. Central to the ferry network, it is the best base for day hops across to Varenna and Menaggio.The 'pearl of the lake' on the headland where Como's two arms divide, a tangle of stepped cobbled lanes and lakeside promenades. The draw is the gardens: Villa Melzi by the water and Villa Serbelloni above. Central to the ferry network, it is the best base for day hops across to Varenna and Menaggio.

Recommendations

4m · 5 km drive to Varenna

Varenna

1 night

A romantic fishing village on the eastern shore, smaller and calmer than Bellagio, with the lakeside Passeggiata degli Innamorati and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It also has the lake's main railway station on the Milan to Tirano line, so it doubles as an easy arrival or departure point by train.A romantic fishing village on the eastern shore, smaller and calmer than Bellagio, with the lakeside Passeggiata degli Innamorati and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It also has the lake's main railway station on the Milan to Tirano line, so it doubles as an easy arrival or departure point by train.

Recommendations

4m · 5 km drive to Menaggio

Menaggio

1 night

A relaxed resort on the western shore with a breezy lakefront piazza and an easygoing, less touristy feel. It is the springboard for walks above the lake and the bus over to Lake Lugano, and a handy final base before the ferry and train back to Milan.A relaxed resort on the western shore with a breezy lakefront piazza and an easygoing, less touristy feel. It is the springboard for walks above the lake and the bus over to Lake Lugano, and a handy final base before the ferry and train back to Milan.

Recommendations

On the way

Milan
1h 7m · 80 km
Close the loop back in Milan. A ferry to Como and a short train, or the direct train from Varenna, returns you to the city for onward flights and high-speed rail across Italy and beyond.Close the loop back in Milan. A ferry to Como and a short train, or the direct train from Varenna, returns you to the city for onward flights and high-speed rail across Italy and beyond.
Recommendations

Lake Como Without a Car: Milan, Bellagio & the Centro Lago by Train and Ferry