Milan & Lake Como: A Chic City Break

Wander through tiered lakeside gardens with sweeping views over Lake Como.

A short stroll from Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi is a grand estate that grew between the 15th and 19th centuries. Now a charming hotel, it is best known for its spectacular terraced gardens, open to the public, offering a feast of colors and scents with every season. Combining late Renaissance and neoclassical features, the gardens provide unforgettable vistas over the lake and a wonderfully tranquil spot for nature lovers.

Take a scenic ride on a historic funicular to breathtaking viewpoints over Lake Como.

For sweeping views over Como and the surrounding hills, hop aboard the Brunate Funicular. Since 1894, this steep railway has connected Como with the small town of Brunate in just seven minutes. The ride offers beautiful panoramas as you ascend, and once at the top, you can wander through charming streets or hike further into the hills for even grander views of the lake and the Alps.

Sail across the lake’s crystal waters by ferry, leisure cruise, or private boat.

A boat ride is one of the best ways to experience Lake Como’s picturesque towns and villas. You can easily reach Varenna by train from Milan, ferry across to Bellagio, and then continue to Como for the return journey. Regular public ferries run throughout the day, offering affordable sightseeing trips, with some boats highlighting movie locations and landmarks. For a more exclusive experience, charter a private sailboat or motor yacht and glide across the lake in true celebrity style.

Explore the enchanting streets and waterfront of Lake Como’s most celebrated village.

Bellagio’s beauty is legendary — with its postcard-perfect lakefront, bobbing boats, and narrow stone alleys framed by cypress trees. It has been a favored summer retreat since Roman times, offering a refreshing escape from the summer heat of Milan. Whether wandering its steep staircases or relaxing at a lakeside café, visitors are sure to fall in love with the town’s timeless charm and panoramic views.

Marvel at the stunning details of this majestic Duomo, blending styles from five centuries of architecture.

Dominating the heart of Como’s medieval town center, the impressive cathedral (Duomo di Como) was built over several centuries between 1300 and 1744. Its architecture reflects a fascinating blend of late Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, crowned by an elegant dome. The ornate stone façade is adorned with statues and decorative spires, while the richly embellished interior boasts a spectacular gilded dome and intricate artwork throughout.

Stroll the splendid gardens surrounding this neoclassical lakeside villa in Bellagio.

Located just south of Bellagio’s historic center, Villa Melzi is famed more for its breathtaking lakeside gardens than the villa itself. Commissioned by Francesco Melzi, one of Napoleon’s trusted officials, the white neoclassical residence is set amid park-like gardens filled with exotic trees, ancient sculptures — including an Etruscan urn and Egyptian relics — and sweeping lake views. It’s a serene retreat that captures Bellagio’s timeless appeal.

Tour a historic villa that evolved from a medieval convent into an aristocratic lakeside estate.

Set along the waterfront in Varenna, Villa Monastero has a fascinating history dating back to its origins as a 12th-century Cistercian convent. Bought by Paolo Mornico in 1569, it was later transformed into a lavish private residence, incorporating Baroque, Classical, and Moorish architectural styles. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and explore the House Museum, with 14 luxurious rooms showcasing ornate period décor.

Wander through tiered lakeside gardens with sweeping views over Lake Como.

A short stroll from Villa Monastero, Villa Cipressi is a grand estate that grew between the 15th and 19th centuries. Now a charming hotel, it is best known for its spectacular terraced gardens, open to the public, offering a feast of colors and scents with every season. Combining late Renaissance and neoclassical features, the gardens provide unforgettable vistas over the lake and a wonderfully tranquil spot for nature lovers.

Explore centuries of the Duomo’s history through its remarkable collection of art and artifacts.

The Museo del Duomo offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of Milan’s iconic cathedral. Founded in 1953 and fully renovated in 2013, the museum spans over 2,000 square meters and houses a stunning array of statues, tapestries, terracotta models, paintings, and architectural drawings. Situated next to the Palazzo Reale, it showcases six centuries of craftsmanship and creativity, preserving the artistic and historical treasures that tell the story of the Duomo’s extraordinary construction and legacy.

Explore centuries of the Duomo’s history through its remarkable collection of art and artifacts.

The Museo del Duomo offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of Milan’s iconic cathedral. Founded in 1953 and fully renovated in 2013, the museum spans over 2,000 square meters and houses a stunning array of statues, tapestries, terracotta models, paintings, and architectural drawings. Situated next to the Palazzo Reale, it showcases six centuries of craftsmanship and creativity, preserving the artistic and historical treasures that tell the story of the Duomo’s extraordinary construction and legacy.

Explore centuries of the Duomo’s history through its remarkable collection of art and artifacts.

The Museo del Duomo offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of Milan’s iconic cathedral. Founded in 1953 and fully renovated in 2013, the museum spans over 2,000 square meters and houses a stunning array of statues, tapestries, terracotta models, paintings, and architectural drawings. Situated next to the Palazzo Reale, it showcases six centuries of craftsmanship and creativity, preserving the artistic and historical treasures that tell the story of the Duomo’s extraordinary construction and legacy.

Explore centuries of the Duomo’s history through its remarkable collection of art and artifacts.

The Museo del Duomo offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of Milan’s iconic cathedral. Founded in 1953 and fully renovated in 2013, the museum spans over 2,000 square meters and houses a stunning array of statues, tapestries, terracotta models, paintings, and architectural drawings. Situated next to the Palazzo Reale, it showcases six centuries of craftsmanship and creativity, preserving the artistic and historical treasures that tell the story of the Duomo’s extraordinary construction and legacy.