Milan to Menaggio and Varenna: Private day trip

A relaxed lakeside town where colorful facades meet mountain views and an easygoing promenade. Ease into Menaggio with a lakeside walk along Viale Benedetto Castelli, one of the town’s most scenic stretches. From there, head into the old town to explore its stone stairways and small piazzas. Allow time to stop at Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, where outdoor terraces are perfect for an espresso or an aperitivo. If you’re feeling active, take a short uphill walk for elevated lake views before returning to the shoreline to relax by the water.

Varenna offers postcard views, historic villas, and a slower pace that invites lingering. Start your time in Varenna at the waterfront, where colorful houses reflect directly into the lake. Walk the Lovers’ Walk promenade, then head into the village’s historic core, wandering through steep lanes and shaded corners. Allow time for a relaxed lunch or coffee overlooking the water. Later, visit Villa Monastero or Villa Cipressi to explore terraced gardens that combine history, architecture, and sweeping lake views in a peaceful setting.