36 Hours in Lake Como: The Ultimate Itinerary (Without the Luggage Stress)

Thirty-six hours is enough. Enough for the villas, the mid-lake "Golden Triangle," and the ferry rides you'll still talk about next year. But only if you aren't losing hours dropping off bags or dragging suitcases across cobblestones and onto crowded boats.

Here's the route: Como, Menaggio, Lenno, Tremezzo, Varenna, Bellagio. One clean loop. Want background before you go? The official Lake Como tourism site is a good place to start.

The hands-free secret: BagMeHome picks up your bags wherever you are, stores them safely, and delivers them to your final stop when you're ready. You board every ferry with free hands. Book your pickup and travel light.

The 36-Hour Plan at a Glance

Day 1: The Iconic Villas

Morning — Como to Menaggio

Start at Como San Giovanni. Walk down to the pier and catch the mid-lake ferry to Menaggio. Check departures on the Navigazione Laghi timetables the night before, not at the dock.

• The experience: Take the open deck. That's your first real view of the mountains diving into the lake. Once in Menaggio, grab a coffee on the promenade before the villas.

Midday — Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)

From Menaggio, a short ferry or bus drops you in Lenno. From the dock, walk the scenic lakeside path or take the small shuttle boat to the villa gates.

• Why it's iconic: Terraced gardens, a loggia viewpoint over the peninsula, and cameos in Star Wars and Casino Royale.
• Pro tip: Booking is mandatory in high season. Reserve your official FAI tickets before you go.

Afternoon — Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)

Next, a short hop along the shoreline from Lenno to Tremezzo.

• Why it's iconic: A botanical park that shines in every season, plus neoclassical halls full of art. Hours and tickets are on the Villa Carlotta official site.
• The vibe: Afterwards, get a gelato on the Tremezzo promenade and look straight across at Bellagio.

Evening — Menaggio

Now head back to Menaggio and slow down. You've earned it.

• The experience: Watch the sunset from the promenade, eat dinner with a lake view, wander the old lanes. Still have legs? Walk uphill toward Loveno for a quiet viewpoint.

Day 2: The Golden Triangle

Morning — Varenna

Take the quick crossing from Menaggio to Varenna.

• The experience: Breakfast by the water. Then walk the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover's Walk). Moving fast? Add the gardens of Villa Monastero or a viewpoint over the pastel houses.

Lunch — Bellagio

Hop the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio, the "Pearl of the Lake."

• The experience: Stroll the stepped lanes (Salita Serbelloni) and the silk and leather shops. Want it calmer? Follow the lakeside path by the Gardens of Villa Melzi. And don't miss Punta Spartivento, where the lake splits into three branches.

Afternoon — Back to Como

Catch the ferry from Bellagio down to Como for your train.

• The experience: Spare time? Visit the Como Cathedral or ride the Como–Brunate funicular for one last panorama. And because you used BagMeHome, your luggage is already waiting. No hotel backtracking.

Ferry Routing & Timing Tips

The whole 36-hour plan hangs on the ferry hops. Here they are:

Check the Navigazione Laghi timetables the night before, and arrive at the pier 15–20 minutes early in high season.

Most of all: travel light. Hand your bags to BagMeHome and skip the heavy lifting onto rocking boats and up cobbled lanes.