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Journey with an overnight stop
The first stage is deliberately kept short, to break up the crossing of the Alps.
It can be cool and windy at the Reschenpass, so keep a warm jacket handy.
This is where your journey begins. With a full tank and topped-up water, you head south over the Alps.
A family-run campsite right on Lake Reschen with views of the famous submerged church tower. A good halfway stage to split up the long journey, with clear mountain water for cooling off and easy walks along the shore.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Arrival and settling in
After arriving, plan a deliberately quiet afternoon by the lake.
Menaggio is the ferry hub between Bellagio, Varenna and the western shore, which you'll make good use of over the coming days.
A terraced campsite on the western shore with lake access and views across the water. An ideal base for the coming days, as the ferry jetties in Menaggio are close by and you can simply leave the motorhome parked up.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Menaggio's lakeside promenade invites you for a first stroll by the water, with cafés, ice cream parlours and views of the mountains on the eastern shore. A calm introduction to help you settle into the lake's rhythm.
The pearl of the lake
Cross early so you can experience Bellagio before the day-trippers arrive.
Check the ferry timetable at the jetty, as the boats get busier around midday.
Bellagio sits picturesquely at the fork of the lake's two arms, with steep cobbled lanes, small shops and views in both directions. You reach the town comfortably by ferry from Menaggio, sparing yourself any drive through the town centre with the motorhome.
The English landscape garden of Villa Melzi runs right along the shoreline, with old trees, a Japanese pond and views across the water. A shaded, relaxed stroll and one of the finest gardens on the lake.
Villa and pilgrimage path
Villa in the morning, Sacro Monte during the cooler afternoon hours.
Sturdy shoes for the climb up to the Sacro Monte, as it runs over cobblestones.
This villa, set on a narrow headland with its famous terraced gardens, belongs to the FAI and is a film classic. From the village of Lenno you can reach it on foot along the shore or by water taxi, while the big vehicle stays comfortably at the campsite.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
A UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage path with fifteen baroque chapels winding up the hillside through olive groves, all the way to the sanctuary with its sweeping views over the lake. A calm, spiritual walk away from the crowds, with a steady but manageable climb.
Gardens on the western shore
Villa Carlotta and Tremezzo lie just a few steps apart, making for a relaxed day without any rushing.
Head back to the campsite in the afternoon for a swim in the lake.
A magnificent botanical garden with azaleas, rhododendrons and Mediterranean terraces surrounding a neoclassical mansion full of sculptures. The blooming season in early summer is spectacular, and the paths offer views of the lake at every turn.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Elegant Tremezzo sits right next to Villa Carlotta and is known for its lakeside promenade and the grand hotels of the Belle Époque. A good spot for a coffee by the water and a quiet afternoon on the shore.
Eastern shore and Orrido
Driving around the northern end of the lake is far more relaxed than any narrow drive through town with the big vehicle.
In Bellano there are ground-level car parks on the edge of town; don't head for a multi-storey car park.
The romantic fishing village of Varenna, with its lakeside promenade Passeggiata degli Innamorati, is one of the finest spots on the lake. Narrow lanes, colourful houses and the gardens of Villa Monastero make it a highlight of the eastern shore.
A spectacular gorge where the Pioverna river crashes through the rock, made accessible via safe walkways and steps. A refreshingly cool natural spectacle that pairs well with a visit to Varenna.
A quietly situated campsite near Varenna with access to the eastern shore and good links to the ferry jetty. From here you can reach Varenna, Bellano and the villages of the eastern shore without having to drive through narrow lanes.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Town on the lakeshore
Take an early ferry so you have plenty of time for the town and the funicular.
Check the return times for the fast boats, as the last connections run in the early evening.
The lively town at the southern tip of the lake impresses with its gothic cathedral, its old town and its lakeside promenade. You reach Como comfortably by fast ferry from Varenna, leaving the motorhome at the campsite, since parking in Como is tricky with a large vehicle.
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The historic funicular takes you up to Brunate in just a few minutes, with sweeping views over the town and the lake. At the top, short walking paths and viewpoints invite you to linger.
Swimming and the stage back
There's still time for one last swim in Lake Como in the morning before you set off.
Driving time under four hours; plan a good long break along the way.
To finish, enjoy the cool mountain air at Lake Reschen once more before heading back over the Alps. A quiet spot for the last evening, with a view of the submerged church tower.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Journey home
Set off early so you can arrive home relaxed in the afternoon.
Fill up before crossing the Alps, as diesel is often cheaper in Italy.
Return to your starting point. This is where your loop around Lake Como comes to an end.
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