Only a short train ride out of Milan lies the incredible wonder that is Lake Como (lago di Como). You have no chance to prepare for its beauty as the train zooms through a tunnel and emerges on the other side with the lake right there in all its glory. This isn’t just any lake though, it is a masterpiece dotted with smaller islands and surrounded by the huge Italian Alps. It is the third largest lake in Italy and one of the deepest lakes in all of Europe. However, it isn’t its size that takes your breath away as much as it is its surroundings. Of course the lake itself is pristine and lovely but it is the mountains and the towns that surround it that makes it a truly spectacular place to visit.

Getting off the train in a small town called Varenna, I was immediately encompassed by the tranquillity of this town. Varenna is an old fishing village which is home to nearly 1000 residents, although you would never know it. This town offers incredible vistas no matter where you walk. It is the perfect place to relax or enjoy a picnic. However, if you are looking for things to do there are several villas to visit, spots for swimming in the lake and ferry boats that take you over to the towns of Bellagio and Menaggio. These are two other very picturesque towns, perhaps with a bit more activity than Varenna. Bellagio has a beautiful street made entirely of steps with tons of shops going all the way up. It is really a great town for shopping. Both towns are definitely worth a visit during your stay. Quintessential Italy is something you should definitely do first. See the coliseum in Rome and the Duomo in Florence. When you are tired of the massive amount of tourists then visit Lake Como. It would be a relaxing way to end any trip to Italy.