Lago di Como (146km², 410m deep) has been attracting the powerful since Pliny the Younger named his two villas "Tragedy" (on the cliff) and "Comedy" (on the shore) in the 1st century AD. The villas: Villa Carlotta (Canova’s Cupid and Psyche, 150 azalea varieties in April, €12). Villa del Balbianello (Star Wars + James Bond, €10-15). Villa Melzi (Bellagio, neoclassical gardens, €6.50). The towns: Bellagio (the “pearl” at the fork). Varenna (the quiet one, directly across). Como (the city, with a Duomo and funicular to Brunate). The FERRY is the transport and the experience — navigazionelaghi.it.
Bellagio: At the fork where the lake splits into two arms — views in 3 directions. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni terrace. Stone stairways, silk shops, the “pearl of the lake.” Varenna (east shore): Fewer tourists. Villa Monastero (€10, botanical gardens, lake terrace). Passeggiata degli Innamorati (lovers’ walk along the shore). Como (south): The CITY — Gothic-Renaissance Duomo (1396-1740). Funicular to Brunate (7 min, €6 return, panoramic view of the entire lake). Volta Temple (the inventor of the battery was from Como). Tremezzo: Villa Carlotta. Villa del Balbianello (where Anakin and Padmé married in Star Wars).
From Milan: Train to Como Nord Lago (40 min, €5) or Varenna-Esino (1h, €7). Ferries connect ALL lakeside towns (navigazionelaghi.it). Car ferry: Bellagio–Varenna (15 min), Bellagio–Cadenabbia (15 min). Stay: Varenna (€80-150, quiet) or Bellagio (€120-250, classic). Season: April-October. Gardens peak April-June. Winter: many villas close. Milan day trips →