Lake Como draws wealthy travelers and romantics seeking alpine scenery paired with Italian luxury. This picturesque region in northern Italy offers a concentrated dose of elegance within two days.
Arrive at Milan's Malpensa Airport, then drive or train north to Como town in roughly two hours. Book accommodation at Villa d'Este, the legendary five-star property overlooking the lake, or opt for the more intimate Passalacqua for a boutique alternative. Both properties occupy converted Renaissance villas with manicured gardens cascading toward the water.
Spend Saturday exploring Bellagio, the lake's most photogenic village. Ferries from Como town cross the water in 90 minutes. Wander through pastel-colored piazzas and narrow streets lined with designer shops. Lunch at Salterio for fresh fish and local white wines. The afternoon rewards a climb to the Basilica of San Giacomo for panoramic views across three lake arms.
Return to Como for dinner at Ristorante Sociale, housed in a 19th-century palazzo, serving contemporary Italian cuisine. Expect €80-120 per person for a full meal with wine.
Sunday morning requires an early start to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. This baroque mansion displays Renaissance art collections and botanical gardens planted with exotic species. Spend two hours wandering these grounds, considered among Italy's finest.
Lunch in Varenna at Vecchia Varenna, a harborside restaurant where lake fish dominates the menu. Afternoon light favors photographers; the town's steep alleys and flower-draped terraces photograph magnificently at golden hour.
Return to Como by ferry. A late dinner at Lido Castiglione, a lakeside pavilion restaurant, concludes the weekend with grilled perch and Franciacorta spar