Eight to 10 days is a great length for an Italy trip with stops in Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in a week, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some favored itinerary extensions include Verona or Rome. Keep reading for more inspiring Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda itineraries.

How many days do you need in Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda?

  • Most travelers spend 8-10 days in Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda combined
  • Visiting Lake Como, Milan, and Lake Garda in 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Verona and Rome

How Many Days to Spend in Milan

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Recommended Itineraries for Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda

Recommended Itinerary for 8 Days

Bellagio lakeshore
Bellagio lakeshore
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Milan, Explore Milan
Day 2 Full Day Milan Tour Milan
Day 3 Transfer to Lake Como Como
Day 4 Bellagio Walking Tour Como
Day 5 Free Day in Como Como
Day 6 Transfer to Lake Garda Peschiera del Garda
Day 7 Dolomites Day Tour Peschiera del Garda
Day 8 Depart Peschiera del Garda  


Travelers to Italy typically plan a trip for eight to 10 days when combining both Lake Como and Milan with Lake Garda. If you're not interested in Lake Garda, a week to eight days is enough for your Lake Como and Milan trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five or six days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Lake Como, Milan, and beyond. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Inside the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the historic heart of Milan
Inside the dome of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in the historic heart of Milan
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Milan, Explore Milan
Day 2 Full Day Milan Tour Milan
Day 3 Transfer to Lake Como Como
Day 4 Bellagio Walking Tour Como
Day 5 Free Day in Como Como
Day 6 Transfer to Lake Garda Peschiera del Garda
Day 7 Dolomites Day Tour Peschiera del Garda
Day 8 Free Day on Lake Garda Peschiera del Garda
Day 9 Depart Peschiera del Garda  


This packed nine-day itinerary is the perfect blend of metropolitan culture and a relaxed lake vibe. Start in Milan, the fashion capital, to see world-famous art and medieval churches. Head to the countryside for a week of exploring lakeside villages and villas, swimming, and market shopping for picnic lunches. From wine tasting to paragliding, Italy's lakes are waiting to be explored. Read more

Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days

Romantic town of Verona
Romantic town of Verona
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Milan, Explore Milan
Day 2 Full Day Milan Tour Milan
Day 3 Transfer to Lake Como Como
Day 4 Bellagio Walking Tour Como
Day 5 Free Day in Como Como
Day 6 Transfer to Lake Garda Peschiera del Garda
Day 7 Dolomites Day Tour Peschiera del Garda
Day 8 Verona Day Tour Peschiera del Garda
Day 9 Free Day on Lake Garda Peschiera del Garda
Day 10 Depart Peschiera del Garda  


From sophisticated Milan to leisurely Bellagio, this 10-day itinerary of Northern Italy is the perfect getaway. See da Vinci's "The Last Supper" and take in the buzzing Milan nightlife, then visit Lakes Como and Garda for a spectacular week on the water. Rent a kayak, go for an afternoon stroll through a sprawling lakeside estate and garden, and take a day trip to the Dolomite mountains with a visit to the charming Tyrolian village of Ortisei. Read more

How to travel between Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda

How to get to Lake Garda
Traveling to any of the cities on the shores of Lake Garda (Lago di Garda), Italy's largest lake, is relatively straightforward, whether you're traveling by car or public transportation. A rental car or private driver is the most practical option for stopping off to explore the small towns along the lake. But there are also buses and, in the summertime, ferries connecting the lakeside towns. Read more

How to get from Milan to Lake Como
The southern shore of Lake Como is just 32 miles (51 km) from Milan. This iconic Italian lake draws visitors from around the world, and with good reason. Lake Como is lovely at any time of year, and its shores are sprinkled with picturesque towns, gorgeous villas, and quiet places where urban life seems far away. Read more

Map

Map of Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Lake Como, Milan & Lake Garda: Best Itinerary Ideas