If this is your first time planning a trip to Italy, do yourself a favour and don’t just tick off Rome, Venice, and Milan thinking you’ve seen it all. Those cities are incredible, but Italy has so much more to offer. Lake Como and Lake Garda, the Dolomites are exceptional locations to visit and you can find out more in my Italy Travel Guide on WhatsupCourtney.com.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Italy a few times now, and each trip has shown me something completely different. From the famous canals of Venice to the quieter corners of Rome that most tourists miss, to lazy afternoons by Lake Como, I’ve fallen for this country in a big way.
This Italy travel guide covers everything I’ve learned from my trips here. You’ll find detailed itineraries for Lake Como, tips for getting around, where to stay, what to eat, and all the practical advice you need to plan your own Italian adventure. Most of this comes from my personal experiences, so you’re getting honest recommendations rather than generic tourist information.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend break or a longer trip through northern Italy, I hope these Italy and Lake Como travel guides help you make the most of your time here.
Discover More of Italy here:
Italy Travel Guide:
Why Como City Should Be Your First Stop on Lake Como
Most visitors arrive in Como City and immediately catch a ferry out, without realising they’ve just walked past ancient cathedrals, lakeside promenades, panoramic viewpoints, and some of the best food on the lake.
First-time travellers are genuinely shocked by how much there is to experience here, from medieval streets, the iconic funicular, sweeping mountain-backed water views, and a local food scene with zero pretence. It’s accessible, and effortlessly beautiful, the perfect launchpad for your Lake Como adventure, and a place that might just become your favourite stop on the lake.
Varenna Is the Italian Village You Think Exists Only in Movies
Varenna isn’t loud or glamorous, but it will steal the spotlight every single time. Its lakeside path, the famous Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or “Walk of Lovers” is one of the most breathtaking strolls on the lake. This guide will show you where to eat, what to see, and how to experience Varenna like you’ve been coming for years.
Travel resources for Italy
Below are my favourite companies to use when I travel Italy. They are always my starting point when I need to book a flight, hotel, tour, or train. These tools can streamline the planning process, save you money, and help you gain access to places and experiences you maybe hadn’t considered before.
Note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links that will earn me a small referral commission at no extra cost to you. The following is intended for informational purposes only
- Booking.com : The best all-around booking site. It constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates and has the widest selection of budget accommodation. And they do flights and for a small fee, you have the option of cancellation which is great depending on the situation.
- Saily Esim : If there’s one thing you should get before visiting Italy is an Esim. This is a great option for an online Esim. Saves you time and energy, and if you are staying in Italy for a longer period of time, this esim is a starting point till you get comfortable and get a local number.
- Hostelworld : This is the best hostel accommodation site out there, with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
- Get Your Guide : This is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. It has tons of tour options in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes and walking tours to street art lessons!
- SafetyWing : This site offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. It has cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
- Discover Cars : Discover Cars is a car rental aggregator that can help you find the best deals for your next road trip. It pulls data from over 8,000 car rental locations to ensure you always find a great deal!
- Ekta Traveling : This site offers huge variety for travel insurance, and affordable plans as well, keeps your mind and health secure when traveling.
- Airhelp : Should a delay or cancelation happened during your trip, this site can help you with the claims, for eg, in Europe you can claim up to 600 euros depending on the flight delayed length of time.
