Curator’s statement
Bellagio is a dreamy little town in the heart of Lake Como. This town is where I first fell in love with Lake Como and no doubt you will too. It has a unique charm and wonderful local properties that are a dream to stay at. Lake Como has a sort of je nais se quoi that is magical. Surrounded by rugged mountainous terrain and surrounded by stunning villas owned by the elite from around the world. I'd say it feels like you're in a movie when you're there, and wild enough it's been in more films than one could count. I hope this itinerary finds you wishing for your own stop in this perfect place!
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Day 1: Arrival, Tranquil Exploration
Day one, you arrive to the Milan Malpensa airport. You've opted to not have a car in Lake Como and would like to take public transportation there. Once you exit the baggage claim area you will head to the trains in the lower level at Malpensa. You'll ideally get the express train to Milano Centrale which will take about 50 minutes.
From Milano Centrale, you will have purchased tickets to Varenna. This journey takes just over an hour. Once you arrive in Varenna, you will follow signs down the hill to the ferry. Once you've reached the bottom you'll purchase a ticket (or you've pre puchased a ticket) to Bellagio.
Once you step on the ferry in Varenna you will call The Hotel Belvedere where you're staying and they will meet you will a complimentary shuttle up to the property. Walking into Hotel Belvedere is nothing short of a dream. The views are stunning and grounds include a pool, fantastic restaurant, spa, and rooms. The staff is nothing short of supreme.
You'll meander into Bellagio and stop for a gelato and explore the shops before you find a seat at a bar near the water where you enjoy your Apertivo Hour.
To end the night, you'll enjoy dinner at Dispensa 63. This quaint restaurant of just a few tables and open kitchen where you can enjoy a unique menu with incredible flavors. The owner/chef's family also owns the Hotel du Lac down on the water.
Day 2: Lake Marvel, Luxe Exploration
Day two you are rested and relaxed and ready to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the hotel and you'll wander into Bellagio to catch your 10:30 a.m. private boat tour with Bellagio Water Limousine. Jennine and Luca, the owners, are truly the most wonderful duo and make every experience on the lake so incredible. Jennine will welcome you at the stand and send you on your way with Luca who is a born and raised Bellagio local and knows the lake like the back of his hand.
You're now off on your boat tour for the day seeing the beauty of the lake and so many incredible Villas and properties. Luca will share local stories and make sure you don't miss a thing from Villa Carlotta to Villa Oleandra - better known as George Clooney's home to Villa Cassinella - known for it's ownership by Richard Branson and recently featured on Succession to Villa Balbiano - a very popular wedding venue and recently featured in the House of Gucci film to Villa Balbianello, to Villa La Gaeta - featured in James Bond.
You'll stop to enjoy a beautiful lunch at La Tirlindana where you'll enjoy a variety of fresh pastas and seafood.
After lunch you'll head a little further south on the lake where you'll loop past one of the lakes most stunning treasures, Nesso. At this magical spot, you'll see a waterfall nestled between homes behind a small bridge where tourists and locals will be jumping off to swim.
Once you'll wrapped up this wonderful tour, you'll be awaited by your hotel shuttle from Hotel Belvedere and time for an afternoon at the pool/spa.
At 6 p.m., you'll head back into town to enjoy an apertivo on the Hotel du Lac rooftop for incredible view
To end the night, you'll stop for dinner at Ristorante Mistral in the historic Villa Serbelloni. This property serves luxury and opulence with beautiful decor and regal energy. You'll be escorted to your seat on the patio where you'll have incredible lake views with live music playing in the background. Your meal will not miss a beat as you enjoy a variety of flavor and impeccable service
Day 3: Farewell Bellagio
Day three, you'll wake up and enjoy breakfast at the Hotel Belvedere and enjoy a walk into town for once last stroll before you depart.
It's off to the next stop!
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Paige Menze
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Como. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Relaxing Luxury 4 Day Itinerary In Mallorca.