Lake Como and Milan

Our Lake Como and Milan multi centre holidays provide the best of both worlds with a two night city break and five nights spent relaxing on the shores of Italy’s third largest lake. Start your holiday in style at a hotel overlooking Lake Como. Couples can enjoy exploring grand, historic villas with ornate gardens, strolling along waterfront promenades and catching the ferry from one town to the next. There’s even a chance to hop on the famed Bernina Express train on your way to Switzerland’s glamorous St Moritz.

Next, travel into Milan, Italy’s fashion hotspot. Gaze out over the rooftops from the impressive Duomo Cathedral, find a gelateria or two and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere of the big boulevards. Our laid back itinerary and minimal travel makes this a relaxing eight day break.

At a glance

  • Cross over into Switzerland and take the Bernina Express
  • Explore Lake Como's picturesque towns by ferry
  • Visit opulent lakefront villas and gardens
  • Window shop and sightsee in Milan

For more information, call our Italy Experts on:

01293 765055 Or Request a quote
Placeholder image
Placeholder image

Suggested Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : UK – Lake Como
Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport and transfer to your chosen hotel at Lake Como. The journey takes approximately an hour and a half, so you’ll soon be out on an evening stroll, sampling local wine alongside focaccia and taleggio cheese. Enjoy your hotel’s amenities and find scenic spots for a photograph of the sunset over the lake, then head into the centre for a bite to eat at one of the eateries. Risotto alla milanese or risotto con pesce persico are two typical dishes to sample.
Where you could stay

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
  • Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio
Day 2 : Lake Como
Your first full day in Lake Como is all about seeing a selection of the many local sights. The easiest way to get around is by water taxi, so we recommend purchasing a central lake ticket from one of the kiosks, which will allow you to explore at your own pace. A few of the must sees include Bellagio, a town with a jaw dropping location where the lake splits into two, the 19th Century Piazza Garibaldi in Menaggio and the artisan shops in Varenna. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is also a stunning stop owing to its ornate botanical gardens, lakefront setting and art collection.

Finish off with an aperitivo at a lakeside café and dinner at a trattoria or one of the Michelin starred restaurants for a treat.
Where you could stay

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
  • Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio
Day 3 : Lake Como
If you’ve seen the latest version of James Bond Casino Royale, then you may come across a familiar sight when you visit Villa Balbianello. It’s a splendid 18th Century mansion in Lenno, which you can explore on a pre booked excursion. You’ll take a private boat over the lake to the villa where you’ll soon see the terraced gardens cascading into the water. Its setting on the tip of the Dosso d’Avedo peninsula also adds to the exuberance of the experience. Afterwards, head into the town of Menaggio for a coffee and an hour or two of exploring before returning to your hotel.
Where you could stay

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
  • Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como
Day 4 : Lake Como
Today, travel out into the countryside for a breath of fresh air. Hiking and walking trails zig zag the valleys just beyond Lake Como, and one of our favourites is the Greenway, an 11.2km walk that takes you from Colonno to Cadenabbia di Griante. It skirts the western shore of the lake, passing through ancient villages, the towns of Lenno, Ossuccio and Tremezzo as well as historic churches and plenty of panoramic viewpoints. Rest your feet over a well-earned beer at the end and treat yourself to hearty evening meal once the sun has set.
Where you could stay

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
  • Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como
Day 5 : Lake Como
Cross over the border into Switzerland on a picturesque journey to the elegant alpine resort of St Moritz. Firstly, stop for a coffee in the Italian town of Tirano right next to the border, then make your way into the pretty town of Poschiavo –  which sits between a glacier and a lake – from where you can catch the Bernina Express train. Trundle alongside the Alps, White Lake, Black Lake and glaciers on your way to Diavolezza, and finish your journey to St Moritz by bus. After a day of discovery, make the most of your last night in Lake Como with a candlelit dinner before packing your bags to go into the city the next day.
Where you could stay

Albergo Lenno

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Family-run hotel located in peaceful town of Lenno
  • Restaurant with picturesque views of Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Lake Como

Italian Lakes, Lake Como

  • Stylish restaurant serving delicious good quality cuisine with stunning views
  • 15 Minute downhill walk to centre of Bellagio
Day 6 : Lake Como – Milan
Set off on an easy hour and a half journey into Milan, find your hotel and settle into city life. Get your bearings around the boulevards and piazzas with a stroll and stop along the way for a slice of rich panettone with an espresso on the side. Enjoy window shopping and looking at menus of the restaurants where you can dine out in the evening. Make sure you’ve pre-booked tickets to see The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci if you want to see it, this way you can avoid the queues.
Points of interest:
Where you could stay

Sina De La Ville

Italian Cities, Milan

  • Short walk from Teatro alla Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade
  • Small rooftop pool with Duomo and views

Baglioni Hotel Carlton

Italian Cities, Milan

  • Located in the heart of Milan's fashion district
  • Relaxing Spiga 8 Spa with Sauna and Turkish bath
Day 7 : Milan
Rise early, have a traditional Italian cappuccino and pastry for breakfast, and step out into the city before everything gets going. Make a beeline for the Duomo Cathedral – the third largest church in Europe - and climb the steps to the rooftops in peace before gazing out over the city as it wakes up. You’ll be near the glass covered Galleria Vittoria Emanuele II, where you can take a look at the latest trends in the high end boutiques and enjoy the grand surroundings.

If you’ve pre-booked our La Scala Museum and Theatre tour you’ll explore Italy’s most prominent opera house and take a peek behind the scenes with an expert guide. Take a break over a gelato, then make one last sightseeing stop at Sforza Castle if you have the energy. 
Where you could stay

Sina De La Ville

Italian Cities, Milan

  • Short walk from Teatro alla Scala and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade
  • Small rooftop pool with Duomo and views

Baglioni Hotel Carlton

Italian Cities, Milan

  • Located in the heart of Milan's fashion district
  • Relaxing Spiga 8 Spa with Sauna and Turkish bath
Day 8 : Milan – UK
It’s your final day in Milan. Make your way to the airport in time to catch your flight back home.  

8 days from £1,285 per person

Price shown includes return flights from London, accommodation in each destination for the duration specified and transfers, trains and/or car hire as required. The price shown represents a from price per person based on two people sharing in low season travel unless otherwise stated. Price is subject to availability and flight seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price shown is for guidance only. To obtain a tailored quote specific for your requirements, please contact one of our Italy Experts.

Practical Information

Flight Information

The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa (MXP). Direct flights to Milan are available from Birmingham, Edinburgh, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 2 hours.

Direct flights to Milan Bergamo (BGY) depart from London Stansted, Bristol, Manchester, East Midlands and Belfast and take approximately 2 hours.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Details

Based on 2 adults sharing. Travelling October 2023.

Quote reference number: 53069397

Feefo review image

What our customers think

We have been helping our customers discover the real Italy for 90 years now. Our experience and expertise, together with our attention to detail and personal touch, really does make us the leading Italian holiday specialist

Ask for Quote
Request a Brochure