How to Spend 36 Hours on Lake Como: A Perfect One-Night Itinerary

36 Hours on Lake Como: Make Every Minute Count

Lake Como is full of beauty: charming villages, historic villas, and unforgettable views. But what if you only have one night to experience it? Don’t worry—if you plan carefully, you can still enjoy some of the lake’s highlights without feeling rushed. Here’s a step-by-step itinerary to make the most of your short stay.

And the best part? With BagMeHome, you won’t have to worry about carrying luggage around. The service collects your bags directly at the Como train station, stores them safely, and delivers them to your hotel in Menaggio—so you’re free to start exploring from the moment you arrive.

Day 1 – Arrival and Exploring the Villas

Morning – Como to Menaggio via ferry

• Arrive at Como San Giovanni train station. Drop off your luggage with BagMeHome—they’ll take care of delivering it straight to your hotel in Menaggio.

• Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the lake. This is one of the best introductions to Lake Como, with mountains and villas lining the shores.

Late morning – Villa del Balbianello in Tremezzina

• Head to Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, one of the most famous sights on the lake (also a filming location for James Bond and Star Wars). Take time to stroll through its gardens and soak in the views.

Afternoon – Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina

• Continue to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. Famous for its vast botanical gardens and neoclassical interiors, it’s the perfect follow-up to Balbianello.

Evening – Dinner and Overnight in Menaggio

• Return to Menaggio for dinner. The town has a charming lakeside promenade and several excellent restaurants where you can enjoy local Italian cuisine with a lake view.

• Check in at your hotel (your bags will already be waiting for you, thanks to BagMeHome).

Day 2 – Breakfast, Bellagio, and Farewell

Morning – Breakfast in Varenna

• After checking out, hand over your luggage to BagMeHome again—they’ll pick it up at your hotel in Menaggio and deliver it back to Como in time for your departure.

• Take the ferry to Varenna, one of the prettiest towns on the lake. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the water, and don’t miss a short walk along the famous Passeggiata degli Innamorati.

  
  

Lunch – Bellagio

• Enjoy a leisurely lunch in Bellagio before preparing to head back. A terrace restaurant with lake views is the ideal way to close your trip.

Afternoon – Return to Como

• From Bellagio, take the ferry back to Como. Your luggage, delivered by BagMeHome, will be waiting for you at the station, so you’re ready to continue your journey without stress.

Why This Itinerary Works

• You visit three of the most iconic towns (Menaggio, Varenna, Bellagio).

• You see two of Lake Como’s most famous villas (Balbianello and Carlotta).

• You enjoy a mix of culture, scenery, and food—without losing time moving bags.

• Thanks to BagMeHome, luggage never slows you down: it travels from the train station to your hotel, and back again when you leave.