Curator’s statement
These Lakes make for a perfect couple's vacation! Filled with romance, relaxation and adventure, it is sure to create long-lasting memories. You have heard of Lake Como all your life and for good reason, but Lake Garda offers a quiet and peaceful contrast. By visiting both destinations, you can spend your time exploring small towns, being out on the water and connecting with your partner. This itinerary even includes a stop in Franciacorta, where they make Italian Champagne!
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Day 1: Arrive in Milan
Arrive in Milan. You can either rent a car, take the train or hire a private driver to take you to your hotel in Lake Garda. I recommend staying in the Gargnano area, either at Boutique Villa Sostaga or Lefay Resort and Spa. Depending on your arrival time, this day is to get acquainted with the hotel. Check into your room, visit the spa and get a couples massage, go in the pool and have a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant. Let the vacation begin!
Day 2: Explore Gargnano
Today begins your first adventure! Enjoy the made-to-order breakfast at the hotel and then begin your e-bike tour. You can either do a guided tour or rent them from the hotel and explore on your own. Gargnano is a very small town with a bike path that is fun to ride around. You can see the sparkling lake up close and all of the cute houses.
You have to stop at the Lemon House in Gargnano, named Limonaia La Malora. It has a small pamphlet that leads you on a guided tour of the garden and shows you how they grow. You end up in an outdoor kitchen where you can try and buy different types of limoncello, lemon syrup and more! The owner is also a professional actor and mime, and we loved chatting with him.
In the afternoon, take your car (beware of the roads) or take a taxi to visit the towns of Limone Sul Garda or Riva del Garda. Enjoy walking around through the winding streets and along the lake, shopping and eating Gelato! Ride the funicular in Riva Del Garda for views of the city. Have dinner at Villetta Annessa, famous for its large grilled steaks!
Day 3: Lake Como
Enjoy another amazing hotel breakfast and soak up all the views and hotel amenities. If you have extra time on your trip, I recommend spending one more day in Lake Garda. You can enjoy the hotel amenities, visit another town like Sirmione or go out on the water.
Today you will be traveling from Lake Garda to Lake Como by way of Franciacorta and the vineyards! You can drive yourself or work with a travel agent to hire a driver for the day. Franciacorta is Metodo Classico, which is the Italian equivalent of how you make champagne. It is a relatively new wine and is made from mostly Pinot nero, Chardonnay and Pinot Biano. We loved our tour and wine tasting at Freccianera Fratelli Berlucchi. Some other vineyards in the area are BellaVista and Ca’ del Bosco. You can make a whole day of it if you wish.
Finish your drive to Lake Como and check into your hotel. Depending on how long you take at the vineyards, you can spend your evening in Bellagio. Stop by Villa Melzi, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and flowers. It takes about an hour to walk around. Then head into the downtown of Bellagio. It is very small and will not take long to explore, unless you are planning on doing some serious shopping. It is beautiful but feels so fairytale like that it seems almost fake. Enjoy a delicious dinner at Bilacus, where you should try outdoor seating. Everything we ordered came from butchers in town!
Day 4: Explore the lake
Today may be your favorite day on the trip! Enjoy a fresh and full hotel breakfast, grab your bathing suite, and head to the boat. If you are comfortable driving boats, you can rent one for the day to explore the lake and see all the scenery. It is so joyous to be out on the lake. The more popular option is to set up a tour. While there are short tours that take a lap of the lake, I love to recommend a full day tour that stops in other small towns and villages, so you get the full experience. It can be fully customized to you needs from stopping in Varenna, Cernobbio, Menaggio and more. You definitely have to stop at Villa Balbianello.
Have a delicious dinner at your hotel and enjoy views of the lake. We stayed at Hotel Villa Aurora and loved their lakefront restaurant and pizzeria.
Day 5: Strada Regia
Today is a day to enjoy the water and the nature! Spend time swimming in the pool and the lake. Take part in any water activities your hotel offers, like kayaking or paddle boarding. Some hotels also offer daily programming that you can participate. If you like to hike, you can walk the Strada Regia, a path made from old mule tracks and carriages. It offers spectacular views and an insight into local life.
Need to know
Tip #1: In Lake Como, it doesn't feel like you have to run around and visit every town. The best thing to do in this area is truly take in the views and be out on the water. You want to be outside as much as possible. Make sure your hotel has a pool and a sundeck with lake access.
Tip #2: Unless you are extremely comfortable on tiny windy roads, do not drive! Hire a private driver. See if your hotel can do boat transfers.
Tip #3: Lake Como is an extremely expensive area. I recommend staying at a hotel outside the city center. Lake Garda is more affordable, so I recommend saving Spa treatments and other expensive activities for there.
Tip #4: There are so many gorgeous, luxury hotel options in the area. Work with your travel agent to find the best fit for you.
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Italy. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, A First Timer's Perfect Guide to Stockholm.