Free Time at Lake Como
Lake Como, Italy
About This Activity
Use this unscheduled block to explore what the itinerary hasn't covered. Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo (€10, ferry from Bellagio in 20 minutes) has the lake's most spectacular botanical gardens in April-May. The Castello di Vezio above Varenna is a ruined medieval castle with panoramic views (€5, 30-minute uphill walk). Or simply rent a small rowing boat from a village jetty (€15-20/hour) and find your own peaceful corner of the lake. Afternoon gelato at a waterfront bar in Menaggio rounds off any day.
Seasonal note: Villa gardens at peak bloom April-May; swimming season June-September
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 17 of our curated itineraries.
Best 14 Days in Italy — Walking Tours
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
Best 14 Days in Italy — Budget
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
Best 14 Days in Italy — Without Romantic
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
Best 14 Days in Italy — Solo Travel
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
Best 14 Days in Italy — Solo Female Travel
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
Best 21 Days in Italy — Walking Tours
Rome → Florence → Venice → Sorrento → Capri → Positano → Milan → Cinque Terre → Tuscany → Lake Como
More Activities in Lake Como
Lakeside Relaxation Day at Lake Como
Swim from a private lido, rent a kayak, or sit on a villa garden terrace and watch the light change on the Alps
Bellagio and Varenna by Ferry — Lake Como's Showpiece Villages
Cross the lake by ferry between Bellagio and Varenna, browsing pastel lanes, gelato shops, and silk boutiques
Private Car Lake Como to Rome
Private car Como to Rome, ~7h via A1, approx €680-800.
Private Car Lake Como to Florence
Private car Como to Florence, ~3.5h via A9/A1, approx €500-620.
Private Car Lake Como to Venice
Private car Como to Venice, ~3.5h via A9/A4, approx €480-580.
Private Car Lake Como to Cinque Terre
Private car Como to La Spezia, ~3.5h via A9/A7/A15, approx €420-520.
Private Car Lake Como to Milan
Private car Como to Milan, ~1h via A9, approx €120-160.
Como Town — Gothic Cathedral, Funicular, and Silk Museum
Take the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic lake views, then tour the Gothic Como Cathedral and the Silk Museum