Como Lombardy, Italy Travel Guide
Approximately 1 hour by direct train from Como San Giovanni station. A major global fashion and finance hub. Visit the impressive Duomo di Milano, see Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" (book well in advance), and explore extensive shopping avenues like Via Montenapoleona.
Explore Milan's vibrant city life. Find outings and tickets Here on GetYourGuide.
Expand your travels beyond Lake Como's shores.
Approximately 30-40 minutes by train or car from Como. A charming Swiss city on the shores of Lake Lugano. It presents magnificent mountain views, a picturesque lakeside promenade, and a taste of Swiss culture. Enjoy Swiss chocolate or take a funicular up Monte San Salvatore for panoramic views. Passport needed for border crossing.
Approximately 1.5-2 hours by train or vehicle from Como. Bergamo is known for its Città Alta (Upper Town), a medieval walled city perched on an elevation. It includes historic architecture, charming squares, plus expansive vistas of the surrounding plains. Take the funicular to the old town.
Explore the natural beauty and deep cultural layers surrounding Lake Como.
To the northeast of Lake Como, this valley is known for its terraced vineyards producing fine red wines and local specialty bresaola (cured beef). It has opportunities for hiking and winter sports. Accessible via train from Varenna-Esino or Colico.
Located to the east of the lake, these mountains present challenging hiking and mountaineering experiences for experienced trekkers, with fulfilling vistas.
While Lugano city is in Switzerland, the lake itself extends into Italy on its eastern side, providing access to more compact Italian towns like Porlezza and Menaggio. These places feature quieter lakeside experiences.
A stunning scenic train journey from Tirano (reachable by train from Varenna or Colico) through the Swiss Alps to Chur or St. Moritz. It is an UNESCO World Heritage route, celebrated for its engineering and stunning scenery.
Bellinzona features three UNESCO-listed medieval castles (Castel Grande, Montebello, Sasso Corbaro). These well-preserved fortifications present historical insights plus remarkable views.
Outside the immediate area, discover more regional diversity.
Link Lake Como with high-speed train connections from Milan to major Italian cities. Travel to Florence, Rome, and Venice from here for a diverse itinerary combining natural beauty with historical cities.
Continue north into Switzerland from Como or Tirano. This access to mountain thrills, hiking, and skiing depends on the season. Use the Bernina Express from Tirano, or direct trains from Como into Switzerland.
From Como, take a regional train to Milan, then connect to high-speed trains heading to other major cities. This system makes cross-country travel straightforward.
Travel between lakes by train or car. You can take a train from Milan to Stresa, an elegant resort town on Lake Maggiore, for easier access to the Borromean Islands.
Great for destinations with complex public transport or for those preferring a structured itinerary. Tours usually include transport and guided visits, removing planning effort.
More budget-friendly for multiple travelers. It allows flexibility to discover at your own pace, linger longer at favorite spots, and tailor your day to individual preferences.
The choice depends on your travel style, budget, and comfort level with local logistics. Both approaches have unique benefits for day excursions.
