3-Day Itinerary: Lake Como and Milan
How to discover the Lake Como region in 3 days?
In this article, we explain how to make the most of a 3-day stay in Northern Italy, more precisely in the Lombardy region. Discover the mysteries of Lake Como! Our recommendations for 3 days in this sublime region of Italy.
How to optimize your time to visit the lakes of Italy in 3 days? What are the must-see tourist sites to visit in Lombardy in 3 days?
The lake region in northern Italy is a true haven of peace. In this natural environment, ultra conducive to rest, we are transported between Lake Maggiore and Lake Como. However, with only 3 days to visit this fascinating region, we can easily forget the essentials. To optimize your time, I offer you an itinerary and a program to visit Lombardy in 3 days . You will be able to discover the must-see sites of Lake Como while enjoying its unique landscapes and its green setting. Do not miss to savor the traditional Italian cuisine of this region. In northern Italy, the great specialty is polenta and risotto with fish from the lake. I invite you to read this article for an unforgettable travel experience in Lombardy in just 3 days!
What to do in Lake Como in 3 days: the must-see sites for a memorable trip.
- Walk along the shores of Lake Orta
- Visit the Basilica of Saint Julius
- Discover the Orta San Gulio peninsula
- Discover the Mottarone ski resort
- Discover Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore
- Sailing on Lake Maggiore
- Discover the Borromean Islands
- Visit the gardens of Villa Carlotta
- Drive on the winding roads of Lake Como
- Take a ferry ride on Lake Como
- Disembark in the pretty village of Varenna
- Book a table in the mountain to overlook Lake Como
- Taste typical polenta from Lombardy
- Eat delicious pizzas and risottos from Italy
How to get around in northern Italy?
For our 4-day weekend in Northern Italy, we rented a car. The distances are not long but here it is much easier to get around by car. For our 4-day getaway, we visited Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Como and the city of Milan. The train is well developed in this region of Northern Italy.
The must-see places in the lake region of Italy!
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Where to sleep on Lake Orta?
During our short stay in Lombardy, we had the chance to stay in 2 different B&Bs. The first was located on the heights of Lake Orta. The welcome from the Italians is truly incredible and in this B&B, the lady spoke perfect French which helped us a lot in discovering the surroundings.
The second accommodation was also on the heights of the lake, but this time it was Lake Como that we overlooked. The breakfast was really plentiful and we always appreciated it because in this stay in northern Italy we walk a lot.
Day 1: Walk to Lake Orta from Pettenasco
For this first day on the shores of Lake Orta, we went to the Orta San Giulio peninsula. Picturesque, it is a marvelous spectacle that must be seen with your own eyes. Here the shores of the lake are perfectly landscaped and we did the entire walk along the water. The visit ends when we arrive in the small village of Orta. Here reigns a village atmosphere for this unmissable visit. We took the boat to go to the very small island opposite. An island with colorful buildings that makes you want to go to sea.
Photo by Nicolas from the blog Carnet de voyage
How to get to San Giulio Island?
Directly on Piazza Mario Motta. A shuttle is available to drop us off at the small "Isola San Giulio". Count 5€ per person for a round trip. The island is 400m from the coast.
We go around the small island by the path of silence in just 10 minutes.
The mysterious legend of San Giulio Island
An ancient legend tells that San Giulio arrived on the shores of Lake Orta but no one wanted to take him to the island of San Giulio because the locals believed that it was inhabited by monstrous snakes and a dragon. He arrived there alone using his cloak as a boat, chased away the monsters and defeated the dragon.
Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary
It takes 10 minutes by car to reach the all-white church overlooking the lake. Up there you can visit the church but you come mainly for the incredible view of the lake, the Alps and the Mottarone.
Pella
A very small town where colorful buildings line the water. We stop there to admire a new point of view from the lake.
Omegna
It's the town at the very end of the lake, to the north. A town on the edge of the lake, a little bigger than the previous ones but not interesting... everything is gray.
Mottarone
Just 30 minutes drive to climb to the Mottarone resort from the shores of Lake Orta. Change of scenery, 360° turn, we found the snow up there and the ski lifts.
A good place to eat at Lake Orta?
At Pan&Vino- Enogastronomia which offers aperitifs in the evening.
What is an aperitivo in Italy?
Aperitivo is the equivalent of our afterwork. It is generally offered in the early evening (from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.). The particularity of aperitivo is that when you order a drink it is generously accompanied by portions of piadina, focaccia or pizza... This culinary tradition originates from the north of Italy, around Turin.
Some bars offer the "real aperitivo" and by purchasing a cocktail (between €8 and €15) you will have access to a huge buffet of Italian specialties at will.
How long does it take to go around the island of Orta?
By car you will need 1h15 to go around completely. This Italian lake is small, it measures 13km by 2.5km.
Day 2: Discovery of the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore
Isola bella, Isola Madre and isola dei Pescatori
These three islands are a jewel of Lake Maggiore. They are named after a family of wealthy Italians.
How to reach Stresa from Lake Orta?
The easiest way is to go by car, it's only 30min and the road is beautiful in the mountains. There are also buses (50 min journey) and a train that shuttle.
Where to take the boat to go to the Borromean Islands?
To get to the Borromean Islands, you have to take a boat from Stresa. You will then have the choice of taking a ticket for 2 islands (Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori) for 10€ or to do the complete tour of the 3 islands for 15€. You will easily find the ticket office to buy the tickets. Some men try to make you take a private boat but they are not too insistent.
Which is the most beautiful of the Borromean Islands?
The most beautiful of the Borromean Islands is for me, Isola Bella. This island is well known for its beautiful baroque palace called Palazzo Borromeo and its beautiful terraced gardens. Its name comes from Isabella d'Adda, the wife of Carlo III of the Borromeos who built a palace for his wife, that's why the island is called "Isola Bella".
Is it compulsory to visit the 3 Borromean Islands?
The two must-see islands are Isola Bella for the baroque castle and the terraced garden. And the second island you must visit is the Fisherman's Island. Here there are plenty of restaurants and beautiful terraces for a pleasant lunch in the sun...
Cannobio
Cannobio is the last town on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy before the Swiss border. A great town worth a visit, the village is cute and the large square borders the lake. Ideal for a gourmet ice cream break by the lake.
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Day 3: The most majestic: Lake Como
We ended the trip with Lake Como, about 2 hours drive from Lake Maggiore. To get around Lake Como, you absolutely have to take the ferry. You can buy a ferry ticket for €15, which gives you access to about ten towns around the lake such as Tremezzo, Lenno, Varenna, Bellagio... The ferries pass regularly and will allow you to visit the main points of interest of Lake Como on foot. The view of the lake from the boat is breathtaking.
We started the day with a visit to Villa Carlotta . This villa is located on the lake in Tremezzo. The most beautiful thing here is the garden. You can easily spend an hour wandering through a sublime maze of colors. Between the bamboo garden and the orange tree arches, you will not be disappointed. The house itself is known for the view from the balconies over the lake. For the rest of the visit it is a small museum of a few rooms. Entrance costs €15.
If you are in Tremezzo, do not miss the sublime Grand Hotel Tremezzo , a 5-star hotel that has one of the most beautiful views of the lake. The service here is prestigious. An incredibly luxurious house with its swimming pool on the lake.
What is the cutest village on Lake Como?
For me the prettiest town on Lake Como is Varenna. I loved the ferry ride. This pretty town with its colorful houses seems to have its feet in the water. A true ode to romance.
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What is the most famous house on Lake Como?
The Villa del Balbianello is always talked about for its many appearances in the cinema. The best known are: Casino Royale and in the second episode of the new Star Wars trilogy, for the scene of the secret wedding of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala on the planet Naboo. For fans it is really striking to be able to place themselves in the same place as the actors. We inevitably relive the film.
How to visit the Villa del Balbianello?
To reach the Villa del Balbianello you can take the ferry and get off at Lenno. Then it will take you 20 minutes walk, you can also take a shuttle to go to the villa. On site you can buy tickets for 12€ to visit only the gardens and 23€ for the gardens as well as a guided tour in English of the villa.
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Which city to stay in when you come to Lake Como?
Certainly Bellagio for its strategic location and its 360 view of the branches of the lake. The beauty of this village will also seduce you. At night the charm and romanticism of the Italian villages operates. In Bellagio, there are many terraces and pretty lively alleys on the heights of the port.
The 10 most Instagrammable places in Lake Como
- Villa Monastero (Varenna)
- Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)
- Villa la Cassinella (Lenno)
- Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio)
- Garden of Villa Melzi (Bellagio)
- Cafe Rossi (Bellagio)
- Villa Pizzo (Cernobbio)
- Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo)
- Villa Fontanelle (Moltrasio)
- The Civera Bridge
My favorite part of Lake Como?
The village of Varenna! The arrival by boat is magical. We slowly approach a village at the bottom of the mountains that seems to have its feet in the water. The walk through the alleys is soothing. The village is tiny and that's what makes it charming! Be careful in summer to come here before the crowds of tourists. The arrival at the small village passing under the archway decorated with fragrant roses is so romantic. The first shops are ice cream parlors, and it's true that you can't appreciate a delicious Italian ice cream in this setting.
Day 4: A few hours in Milan
We still had a few hours to enjoy Milan before taking the plane again. After a 2 hour drive from Bellagio, we arrived in the big Italian city of Milan.
We only had 4 hours so we focused on the historic center.
First visit to the Duomo. We are inevitably impressed by its imposing size! Built entirely in white and pink marble, it is striking! The Duomo Milan is the largest cathedral in Europe and the third largest in the world.
What are the 3 largest cathedrals in the world?
First up is Beauvais Cathedral in France, then the Vatican in Rome, and finally the Duomo in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
How to visit the Duomo?
You can buy tickets online or directly on site, there are QR codes everywhere that allow you to buy online. The visit to the Duomo and access to the roof is €22. First, we visit the interior of the church, I love the super colorful stained glass windows at the back of the church. There are more than 50 of them and they represent holy scenes that everyone understands.
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The 7 secrets of the Duomo of Milan:
- The wall composed of 50 stained glass windows, each one tells a sacred moment of life, they are all extremely colorful.
- The sacred nail of the Holy Cross, it is placed at the highest point of the Duomo, about 40m from the ground. As an anecdote, on September 14 an archbishop rises on a kind of cloud to unhook it and bring it closer to the ground. This is the rite of the Nivola.
- Paintings that pay homage to San Carlo Borromeo
- The Bag of the Last Judgment. To help you, look up and head into the first aisle on the right. On the ceiling, you can see a canvas bag whose contents no one knows. We also don't know who put it up there... but they say it will fall when the end of the world comes.
- The statue of Saint Bartholomew flayed. This poor apostle was flayed alive... The sheet that seems to cover his body is not one, it is in fact his skin...
- The sundial of the Duomo. The largest clock in Milan! As soon as you enter, you notice a metal line on the floor, and if you pay attention on the opposite wall, you can see a small hole 24m high. At noon, the sun enters the cathedral through this hole and projects light onto the shimmering brass.
- The Duomo organ, the 10th largest in the world.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
When you are facing the Duomo, you will see on your left a gallery. This bright passage houses the most chic clothing stores and restaurants in Milan. The roof is entirely glass, it is sublime.
The legend of the bull under the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan
In the center of the gallery, on the floor, there is a bull that brings good luck. It is the coat of arms of the Savoy family with its famous bull entirely in mosaic, it is sublime. A legend says that if you make 3 turns with your heel on the genitals of the bull brings good luck. If you are in Milan for December 31, and you venture to this experience at midnight, it is said that you will have luck throughout the new year.
Where to eat in the center of Milan?
I have 2 addresses to share with you. The first is a kind of bakery that offers panzerotti! A kind of stuffed turnover that the Milanese love. For this Milanese street food, there is often a queue but you move quickly. The best are at Panzerotti Luini, via Santa Radegonda, 16.
The second address is a more traditional restaurant with wood-fired pizzas and delicious carbonara pasta. Restaurant Di Gennaro Gaia, via Santa Radegonda 14. It is located right next to the panzerotti Luini. We loved the dishes and the proximity to the Duomo of Milan.
Discovering the lakes of Italy was a beautiful romantic and exotic getaway . When you go around the lakes passing by Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, you take a new breath. The quality of life on the lakeside is so sweet. Italy is full of wonders from north to south, you are never disappointed when you travel to Italy.
If you like Italy, I recommend you read our article on the Puglia region!
An incredible family trip, in the land of orecchiette and all-white villages. This road trip on the heel of the boot is ideal if you like authentic villages, deep Italy and transparent waters. Puglia is a region to discover with the family! Everything is there for a family vacation, ice cream and pizza, beautiful beaches and even an incredible safari!
