Lake Como is one of Italy's most beautiful destinations. A three-day itinerary lets you see its best towns, ride its historic funicular, and sleep in a private estate above the lake. Here is our recommended plan.
Table of Contents
- Day 1: Arrive in Como and Ride the Funicular to Brunate
- Day 2: Cruise the Western Shore: Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio
- Day 3: Hike the Hills or Explore Lecco and the Eastern Shore
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Day 1: Arrive in Como and Ride the Funicular to Brunate
Your first day begins with arrival in Como. The town wraps around the lake with a charming historic centre, the Duomo, and lakeside promenades. Spend the morning exploring Piazza Cavour and the narrow streets. Around midday, walk to the funicular station on Piazza de Gasperi.
The Como-Brunate funicular has been climbing the 500-metre slope since 1894. The ride takes about seven minutes and offers ever-widening views (though Villino Rubini itself sits among trees, not facing the lake). Once in Brunate, walk to the Volta Lighthouse viewpoint or take the shuttle bus for a panoramic vista over the lake and Alps.
That evening, return to your base: Villino Rubini, a private Art Nouveau estate in Brunate. The estate offers ten rooms across three buildings, a heated pool, sauna, and gardens. A continental breakfast is served each morning, and a shuttle can take you to the funicular station.
Pro Tip: If you arrive by train at Como San Giovanni, the funicular station is a fifteen-minute walk along the lakefront. Buy a round-trip ticket before the queue grows.
Day 2: Cruise the Western Shore: Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio
Day two is for island-hopping by ferry. From Como, take an early boat to Bellagio, the pearl of Lake Como. Explore the cobbled lanes, waterfront villas, and the gardens of Villa Melzi. Then cross to Varenna for lunch by the lake. In the afternoon, catch a quick ferry to Menaggio for a walk along its promenade before returning to Brunate.
Ferry schedules are managed by Navigazione Laghi. A day pass for the central lake costs about 20 EUR per adult and covers all three towns. Boats run frequently from late morning to early evening, but check the last return time.
| Route | Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Como to Bellagio | 60 min | Every 1-2 hours |
| Bellagio to Varenna | 10 min | Every 30-60 min |
| Varenna to Menaggio | 15 min | Every 1-2 hours |
| Menaggio to Como | 90 min | Every 2 hours |
Return to Brunate for dinner. Villino Rubini can arrange private dining experiences in the garden for groups up to one hundred. Or walk to a local osteria in Brunate for fresh pasta. After a day on the water, the estate's sauna and heated pool offer a quiet end to the evening.
For a deeper immersion, inquire about experience stays at Villino Rubini, which bundle meals, guided walks, and boat trips.
Day 3: Hike the Hills or Explore Lecco and the Eastern Shore
Your third day offers two choices: a mountain hike from Brunate, or a trip to Lecco on the lake's eastern branch.
If you choose to hike, trails start directly from the villa. The path to the Faro Voltiano lighthouse takes about forty minutes on foot, with wooded sections and open ridges. For a longer walk, the Via dei Monti Lariani passes through chestnut forests and past abandoned stone villages. The terrain can be steep in places, so wear sturdy shoes.
Alternatively, take the funicular down to Como and catch a train to Lecco. Lecco offers a lively promenade, the Basilica of San Nicolò, and the former fishing village of Pescarenico. It feels more local than Como and is a good place for a relaxed lunch. The ferry from Lecco to Bellagio takes about ninety minutes if you want more lake time.
Before departing, consider using the wellness facilities at Villino Rubini: a spa, sauna, and gym can help you recover after a day of walking or hiking. The estate also has a studio for yoga or meditation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the three-day Lake Como itinerary suitable for families?
Yes, the itinerary works for families. The funicular and ferries are child-friendly, and the walking distances are moderate. Villino Rubini offers family-sized rooms and a private garden for children to play.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
It is recommended during peak season (June to September). Tickets can be bought online at the Navigazione Laghi website or at the dock twenty minutes before departure. A day pass is cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple towns.
Can I visit all three towns (Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio) in one day?
Yes, the ferry connections allow it. Start early in Como, spend two hours in Bellagio, one hour in Varenna, and one hour in Menaggio. You can adjust based on your pace.
What should I pack for this Lake Como itinerary?
Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket (evening breezes off the lake), sunscreen, and a swimsuit if you plan to use the pool at Villino Rubini. A small daypack is useful for ferry hopping.
How do I get from Milan to Como?
Trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni run about every hour and take one hour. Alternatively, drive via the A9 motorway in about forty minutes. Parking in Como is limited, so the train is simpler.
Conclusion
This three-day Lake Como itinerary balances town exploration, lake cruising, and hillside calm. By basing yourself at Villino Rubini in Brunate, you gain a private retreat above the lake without the crowds below. Book your room at Villino Rubini and let your host help arrange the details. It is the easiest way to experience Lake Como like a resident, not a tourist.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.