Varenna is a slow-paced destination—most visitors come here to relax by the lake. But even if "Working on my tan" is the #1 thing on your itinerary, take some time to explore the area. There’s the Castello di Vizio, a medieval fortress surrounded by an olive grove. And you’ll want to view the old, tiered gardens at the Villa Cipressi—they stretch all the way down to the water. Finally, visit the source of the Fiumelatte, a peculiar river—it’s only 250 m long and disappears from October to March.
Bellagio is a small jewel located on the promontory that separates the two southern branches of Lake Como, those culminating in the cities of Como and Lecco. It is one of the most glamorous and romantic destinations in Lombardy and Italy. In fact, the well-known “Pearl of Lake Como” is home to a colorful historic center, beautiful gardens (parks of Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi), charming neighborhoods (such as Pescallo or San Giovanni), and much more. ❗Its central location makes Bellagio perfect for visiting beautiful surrounding towns such as Varenna, Tremezzina or Menaggio… where you can easily arrive by boat!
The perfect itinerary for those unwilling to miss the most important sites in the old city centre of Como. Como is a gorgeous Lombard city located on the Lake that gives it unmatched natural scenery, making it an international tourist attraction. The beauty and fame of this Lakeside Town is also given by the presence of numerous villages along the banks of the Lake, pleasant places and only known worldwide. The city centre, located right on the Lakeside, is rich in monuments, churches, squares, in a mix of art, culture and history that make it really interesting as well as beautiful to look at. Walking through the numerous streets, lined with shops, boutiques, restaurants and bars, you can get glimpses of the city really picturesque and, enhance to fully appreciate every aspect. Among the most significant sites, there are some that are absolutely essential if you go to Como.
A very popular excursion from the city is the ascent by funicular to the village of Brunate. This fun train made its first journey in 1894 and still today, every 30 minutes, it links the city with an extremely atmospheric panoramic point. The journey lasts just 7 minutes on a track that has the maximum gradient allowed - 55%. The village of Brunate is situated approximately 700 metres above sea level and has always been a holiday destination for noble families from the Como and Milan areas who built numerous lovely villas in Art Nouveau style here. Brunate is also the ideal starting point for pleasant walks amidst greenery. From the viewpoint you can see the outline of the historic centre, the ancient Roman castrum and a view over the Alps and the Brianza plain.