Uncovering Bellagio’s Charm: A 5-Day Itinerary Exploring Italy’s Lesser-Know Gem and Savoring Its Delicious Cuisine
Day 1:
You have finally made it to Bellagio, and it’s time to settle down at your hotel. See our recent blog with several suggestions for accommodations.
Take your time as you meander around Bellagio’s quaint streets and see the stunning vistas of the lake. Take a few minutes for gelato at Gelateria del Borgo.
La Punta is the perfect place to have a traditional Italian dinner while gazing out over the lake.
Day 2:
Visit Bar Vila di Gila Carraro Silvia for a coffee to get your bearing. Then, let the hiking begin. Head off for a hike to the Rifugio in Menaggio for a hearty meal.
Visit the picturesque village of Menaggio and stroll along the lakeside promenade for the afternoon. Walk down to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo for a drink if time allows.
Dinner at Antico Pozzo will not break the bank, and you will get delicious fish and pasta dishes (of course there are chicken and meat dishes). If you are able to go further afield and stay in the Menaggio area for dinner, try La Figurida. (Liz
and I discovered this out of the way spot on our honeymoon, and have loved it
every time we have been back.)
Day 3:
Find the perfect cup of coffee at Bar San Remo, and make a point of stopping for a late morning snack during your stay. Then, spend the rest of the day in Porlezza, a sleepy town on the shores of Lake Lugano that few tourists ever visit.
Learn about the town’s past, and cool down in the lake. Grab a gelato at Gelateria Visconti. You can’t go wrong with a meal of traditional delicacies with a modern twist at Ristorante Carilon.
Day 4:
Via cable car from Argegno, visit Pigra, a picturesque town perched on the side
of Mount Generoso overlooking the water for the day.
Hike to the top of Mount Generoso and gaze out over the landscape at the Madonna di Pigra Sanctuary. If you have energy after the hike, head for a drink at Botega e café di Luciano, just around the corner from George Clooney’s house. For dinner back in Bellagio, visit Alle Darsene. Dining under the pergola is a perfect way to wrap up the day with a gourmet meal. Take advantage of their extensive wine list.
Day 5:
Indulge in one more day of Bellagio sightseeing on your way out of town.
Balicus Ristorante serves authentic Italian cuisine using seasonal, locally
sourced ingredients for your farewell meal in Italy.
Bellagio, known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” is a wonderful jumping-off place for exploring the rest of Italy. This five-day plan will get you out of the tourist traps and into the quaint villages and stunning scenery that make this part of the world so
special. This vacation will be unforgettable for many reasons, not the least of
which is the incredible cuisine, breathtaking views, and kind hospitality of
the inhabitants.
Outstanding! Our itinerary is complete for the Lake Como portion of the trip.❤️
Could you provide three towns to consider between Lake Como and Milan for the latter part of the trip?
1. The town of Como
2. Stressa on Lago Maggiore
3. Bergamo
They are not on the way, but not too far out of the way.
Another idea is to spend part of the time on the Lake in Bellagio and part in Menaggio.
Torno is an Orange Flag village on the lake that might be interesting for a night or two. I have only driven through.
Thank you! My research begins…
We are here to help!