Lake Como & Milan, Italy 10-Day Trip Itinerary

Drive from Brussels to Lake Como

Embark on a scenic road trip from Brussels to the picturesque Lake Como region in Italy.

This will be a long but rewarding drive, offering changing landscapes as you head south.

Plan for multiple stops for rest, food, and fuel. Consider bringing snacks and entertainment for the journey. Traffic can be heavy around major cities.

Check into Lake Como Accommodation

Arrive at your accommodation in one of Lake Como's charming towns, such as Bellagio, Varenna, or Como city.

Settle in and unwind after your journey.

Dinner with Lake Views

Enjoy your first Italian dinner at a local restaurant overlooking Lake Como, savoring regional specialties and reflecting on your journey.

Lake Como Boat Trip

Take a public ferry or private boat tour to explore the stunning villas and picturesque towns along Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio.

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the water.

Public ferries offer a cost-effective way to hop between towns. Private tours offer more flexibility. Consider purchasing a day pass.

Explore Bellagio, the 'Pearl of Lake Como'

Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, browse artisan shops, and enjoy lunch at a lakeside trattoria in Bellagio. Take in the iconic views and charming atmosphere.

Visit Villa Melzi Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, featuring exotic plants, sculptures, and stunning views of the lake.

A peaceful retreat.

Dinner in Varenna

Take a ferry to the colorful village of Varenna and enjoy a delightful dinner.

Varenna is known for its romantic lakeside restaurants and charming ambiance.

Visit Villa del Balbianello

Explore the exquisite Villa del Balbianello, famous for its terraced gardens and stunning panoramic views.

Accessible by water taxi or a scenic walk.

Check opening hours and book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. It's closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. (Good, it's Sunday today).

Drive to Milan & Check-in

Drive from Lake Como to Milan (approximately 1 to 1.

5 hours depending on traffic). Check into your accommodation in Milan.

Lunch in Milan

Grab a quick lunch near your hotel or in the city center to fuel up for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Duomo di Milano & Rooftop

Visit the magnificent Duomo, Milan's iconic cathedral.

Explore its interior and then take the elevator or stairs to the rooftop for spectacular city views.

Book tickets online in advance to save time. Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Stroll through Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, an architectural marvel known for its luxury boutiques and beautiful mosaics. Don't forget to spin on the bull's mosaic for good luck!

Milanese Aperitivo

Experience the classic Milanese aperitivo.

Enjoy a drink with complimentary snacks or a light buffet at a trendy bar.

Sforza Castle & Museums

Explore Sforza Castle, a historical fortress housing several museums and art collections, including Michelangelo's Pietà Rondanini.

Wander through its courtyards and enjoy the surrounding Sempione Park.

Lunch in Brera & Artistic Stroll

Enjoy lunch in the charming Brera district, known for its bohemian atmosphere, art galleries, and quaint streets.

Afterward, take a leisurely stroll.

Shopping in Quadrilatero della Moda

Indulge in some window shopping or luxury retail therapy in Milan's famous fashion district, the Quadrilatero della Moda, home to iconic designer brands.

Traditional Milanese Dinner

Savor traditional Milanese cuisine, such as risotto alla Milanese or cotoletta, at a classic local osteria.

Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science & Technology

Immerse yourself in science and technology at Italy's largest science museum.

Explore exhibits dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, transport, energy, and more.

Great for all ages. Book tickets in advance.

Lunch in Navigli District

Head to the Navigli district, known for its charming canals.

Enjoy lunch at a waterside restaurant, soaking in the unique atmosphere.

Explore Navigli Canals & Shops

Take a leisurely walk along the Navigli canals, browse the artisanal shops, and enjoy the vibrant street art and bohemian vibe of this historic district.

Prepare for Next Destination

Return to your hotel to relax, pack, and prepare for your onward journey to Venice tomorrow.

Farewell Dinner in Milan

Enjoy a final dinner in Milan, perhaps trying a restaurant you spotted earlier or returning to a favorite for a last taste of Lombard cuisine.

Arrive in Venice by Train

Travel from Milan to Venice via high-speed train.

Arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia station, located right on the Grand Canal.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your hotel, drop off luggage, and get ready to explore the unique floating city.

St. Mark's Square & Basilica

Visit the iconic Piazza San Marco, explore St.

Mark's Basilica, and admire the Doge's Palace from outside.

Entry to St. Mark's Basilica is free, but you may need to pay for certain areas or to skip the line. Dress respectfully (covered shoulders/knees).

Lunch near Rialto Bridge

Enjoy a traditional Venetian lunch at a trattoria near the famous Rialto Bridge, offering scenic canal views.

Classic Gondola Ride

Experience Venice from its waterways with a traditional gondola ride through the enchanting canals.

Standard rates for gondola rides are set, consider sharing with other travelers to split the cost (up to 5 people).

Explore Castello di Rovigo

Take a leisurely stroll across the Grand Canal and through the charming streets of Venice, perhaps visiting the Castello di Rovigo for a different perspective of the city.

Train to Rome

Enjoy a scenic high-speed train journey from Venice to Rome, arriving at Roma Termini station.

Hotel Check-in & Lunch

Check into your accommodation in Rome and have a quick lunch near the hotel.

Colosseum & Roman Forum

Explore the iconic Colosseum, followed by a walk through the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Book 'skip-the-line' tickets well in advance, especially for May. Combined tickets for Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are available.

Hands-on Italian Cooking Class

Join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Italian pasta like fettuccine and ravioli, and finish with a delicious tiramisu.

Learn authentic recipes and enjoy the meal you've prepared.

Late Dinner in Monti

Enjoy a delightful dinner in the charming Monti neighborhood, known for its trattorias and artisan shops.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Explore the extensive collections of the Vatican Museums and marvel at Michelangelo's masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel.

Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered.

St. Peter's Basilica

Visit the magnificent St.

Peter's Basilica, including Michelangelo's Pietà and the stunning dome (optional climb).

Entry to the Basilica is free, but security lines can be long. Climbing the dome has a fee.

Lunch in Trastevere

Cross the Tiber River to the charming Trastevere neighborhood for a traditional Roman lunch.

Rome Golf Cart Tour

Embark on a unique golf cart adventure to glide by ancient wonders and hidden gems of Rome, discovering parts of the city few travelers see.

A fun and efficient way to see many sights without extensive walking.

Trevi Fountain & Pantheon

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, then visit the architectural marvel of the Pantheon.

The Pantheon is free to enter, but may require booking a time slot.

Dinner in Rome

Enjoy a final Roman dinner, savoring local specialties like Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara.

High-speed Train to Naples

Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples, a quick and efficient journey to Southern Italy.

Hotel Check-in in Naples

Arrive at Napoli Centrale, check into your hotel, and store your luggage.

Pompeii Archaeological Site Visit

Travel to the ancient city of Pompeii and explore the remarkably preserved ruins, offering a fascinating glimpse into Roman life frozen in time by the eruption of Vesuvius.

Take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Pompeii Scavi Villa Dei Misteri station (approx. 30-40 min). Wear comfortable shoes. Consider hiring a local guide or using an audio guide.

Authentic Neapolitan Pizza

Return to Naples and indulge in the world-famous authentic Neapolitan pizza for a late lunch/early dinner.

Try iconic pizzerias like L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo.

Explore Naples Historic Center

Wander through the narrow, bustling streets of Naples' UNESCO-listed historic center, experiencing its unique atmosphere and vibrant street life.

Visit sights like Duomo di San Gennaro or Spaccanapoli.

Dinner in Naples

Enjoy a final dinner in Naples, savoring other local specialties beyond pizza, such as seafood or pasta dishes.

Breakfast & Souvenir Shopping

Enjoy a final Italian breakfast and perhaps pick up some last-minute souvenirs or local treats.

Transfer to Naples Airport

Travel to Naples International Airport (NAP) for your departure back to Brussels.

Airport Check-in & Security

Complete check-in procedures and proceed through security at Naples Airport.

Depart for Brussels

Board your flight from Naples back to Brussels, concluding your wonderful Italian journey.