Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Como: The Lakeside Town and Its Cathedral

Como sits at the southern tip of the lake's western branch and was a Roman settlement before becoming a silk-making centre famous across Europe. On our guided walk you see the Duomo, built over almost four centuries from 1396 and mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles, the striped Broletto beside it and the lakefront promenade leading to the Volta Temple, honouring Alessandro Volta, the Como-born inventor of the battery.

A day trip to Lake Como from Milan usually starts here because Como is only about 50 kilometres from the city. Above the town, the Brunate funicular climbs to a viewpoint over the lake and the Alps; you may see it from the waterfront even if there is no time to ride it.

A Boat Cruise Past the Villas of Lake Como

Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y and is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, more than 400 metres at its deepest point. For centuries aristocrats, bankers and artists built summer villas along its banks, surrounded by terraced gardens that run down to private boat landings.

On this Lake Como boat tour the boat is reserved for our group, so there is no queue for public ferries. You glide past villas such as Villa Olmo and Villa Erba, and the guide points out homes linked to famous residents and film locations. The best time to visit Lake Como is from April to October, when gardens are in bloom and boats run their full timetables.

Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como

Bellagio sits on the tip of the promontory where the lake divides into its Como and Lecco branches, giving it views in three directions. Its steep stepped lanes, called salite, climb from the harbour past silk shops and cafés to the church of San Giacomo, while the gardens of Villa Melzi stretch along the shore just outside the village.

Is Bellagio worth visiting? Many travellers call it the prettiest village on the lake, and your free time here is a chance to wander, have lunch by the water and take photos of the colourful facades. Wear comfortable shoes, as the lanes are steep and cobbled.

Lugano, Switzerland's Mediterranean Corner

Lugano lies on its own lake in the canton of Ticino, the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, which gives it a mix of Swiss order and Italian warmth. Its heart is Piazza della Riforma, surrounded by cafés, and the arcaded Via Nassa, known for its shops, while the lakeside Parco Ciani offers shady paths and views of Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè.

A trip to Lugano from Milan takes about an hour by road, and it adds a second country to your day. Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, although many shops accept euros and cards. Remember to bring your passport or national ID card, as you will cross the border.