Varenna Itinerary 10 Days: A Lakeside Dream on Lake Como (2026)

Arrive in Varenna and check into your accommodation. Take some time to settle in and then head out for a leisurely stroll along the lakeside promenade, the Passeggiata degli Innamorati (Lover's Walk). This romantic walkway offers stunning views of the lake and the colorful houses of Varenna. As you walk, you will pass by charming cafes and gelaterias, where you can stop for a refreshing drink or a delicious gelato. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in Varenna. Indulge in some of the local specialties, such as fresh fish from the lake, homemade pasta, and of course, a glass of local wine. After dinner, take a romantic evening stroll through the old town and soak up the magical atmosphere of Varenna by night.

Today, you will explore two of Varenna's most famous attractions: Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Start your day at Villa Monastero, a former Cistercian monastery that has been transformed into a stunning museum and botanical garden. Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens, which stretch for over a mile along the lake, and admire the exotic plants and flowers. Then, step inside the villa to see the opulent rooms and learn about its fascinating history. In the afternoon, visit Villa Cipressi, another magnificent villa with beautiful terraced gardens that descend to the lake. The gardens are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. After visiting the villas, take a walk through the old town and discover its hidden corners. Don't miss the Church of San Giorgio, a 14th-century church with a beautiful bell tower.

Today, you will hike up to the Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle perched on a hill above Varenna. The hike is about an hour long and offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Once you reach the castle, you can explore its ancient walls, climb the tower for panoramic views, and even see a falconry show (check the schedule in advance). After visiting the castle, you can have lunch at a traditional restaurant in the village of Vezio. In the afternoon, you can either hike back down to Varenna or take a different trail to the Fiumelatte, a short and seasonal river known for its milky-white water. The walk to the Fiumelatte is about 30 minutes long and offers beautiful views of the lake.

Today, you will take a ferry to Bellagio, one of the most famous and glamorous towns on Lake Como. Known as the 'Pearl of the Lake', Bellagio is famous for its beautiful villas, lush gardens, and charming streets. Spend the day exploring the town, visiting the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni, and shopping for local crafts and souvenirs. In the afternoon, you can take a boat tour of the lake to see the stunning villas and gardens from the water. You can also visit the picturesque fishing village of Pescallo, which is just a short walk from Bellagio. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Bellagio before taking the ferry back to Varenna.

Today, you will take a ferry to Menaggio, a charming town on the western shore of Lake Como. Menaggio has a beautiful lakeside promenade, a historic old town, and a lively piazza with many cafes and restaurants. Spend the morning exploring the town and then take a bus or a taxi to the Villa Carlotta, a magnificent villa with a stunning botanical garden. In the afternoon, you can take a walk along the Greenway dei Patriarchi, a scenic path that connects Menaggio with other charming villages on the western shore. You can also visit the town of Tremezzo, which is home to the famous Villa Balbianello, a stunning villa that has been featured in several movies, including Star Wars and James Bond. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Menaggio before taking the ferry back to Varenna.

After a few days of exploring, today is a day for relaxation and water activities. You can spend the morning relaxing at one of the beaches in Varenna, such as the Lido di Varenna or the Bau Bau Beach. You can also rent a kayak or a paddleboard and explore the lake at your own pace. In the afternoon, you can take a cooking class and learn how to prepare some of the local specialties. You can also visit a local winery and taste some of the delicious wines of the region. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with a view of the lake and reminisce about your wonderful time in Varenna.

Today, you will take a short train ride to Bellano, a charming town just north of Varenna. The main attraction in Bellano is the Orrido di Bellano, a spectacular gorge carved by the Pioverna river. Walk along the suspended walkways and admire the powerful waterfalls and the natural beauty of the gorge. After visiting the Orrido, you can explore the old town of Bellano and have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you can take a bus or a taxi to Corenno Plinio, a beautifully preserved medieval village with a castle and a charming harbor. Wander through the narrow streets of the village and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. In the evening, take the train back to Varenna.

Today is a day for hiking enthusiasts. You will hike a section of the Sentiero del Viandante (the Wayfarer's Path), an ancient trail that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Como. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and it passes through charming villages and beautiful countryside. You can choose to hike a shorter section of the trail, such as the one from Varenna to Bellano, or a longer one, depending on your fitness level. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy hiking shoes. In the evening, relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at a restaurant in Varenna.

Today, you will take a train to Como, the largest town on the lake. Como has a beautiful historic center, a magnificent cathedral, and a lively shopping district. Spend the morning exploring the town and then take the funicular up to Brunate, a village on a hill overlooking Como. From Brunate, you can enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the Alps. In the afternoon, you can visit the Volta Temple, a museum dedicated to the inventor of the battery, Alessandro Volta, who was born in Como. You can also take a boat tour of the first basin of the lake to see the beautiful villas and gardens from the water. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Como before taking the train back to Varenna.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Varenna and take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you can take a final stroll along the lake or visit any of the places you missed. Then, it's time to say goodbye to Varenna and head to the airport for your flight back home. We hope you had a wonderful time in Varenna and that this itinerary helped you to make the most of your trip. Arrivederci!