Milan to Lake Como: Luxe escapes, stunning views, and must-see sights — check out the photos

Milan, Italy’s fashion and design capital, offers travelers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. Start your journey in the heart of the city at the majestic Duomo di Milano, a towering Gothic masterpiece that dominates the skyline. After soaking in the views from the rooftop, take a short walk to Santa Maria delle Grazie to witness Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” an iconic piece of Renaissance art that leaves a lasting impression. As the day winds down, head to the lively Navigli district, where historic canals designed by Da Vinci himself now frame bustling cafes, restaurants, and art galleries — a perfect spot for an aperitivo.

A short train ride from the urban energy of Milan, Lake Como welcomes you with serene landscapes of shimmering water, lush mountains, and charming villages. For those seeking a luxurious retreat, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers the ultimate indulgence. This historic gem sits right on the lake’s edge, with panoramic views, exquisite dining, and a floating pool that lets you immerse yourself in Lake Como’s beauty. On the more quaint and modest side, Hotel Olivedo in the picturesque village of Varenna provides an authentic, intimate stay. With its lakeside setting and proximity to Varenna’s quiet charm, it’s ideal for travelers looking to enjoy the serene atmosphere of Lake Como without the grandeur. Whether exploring historic villas, taking a boat across the lake, or simply wandering through the scenic streets, Lake Como promises a magical escape.

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Gothic Milan Cathedral with intricate spires and statues, in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy, August 2024piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389409
The Duomo di Milano is a towering Gothic cathedral, adorned with intricate spires and statues.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Dramatic view of the Duomo di Milano Cathedral in Milan city with many people in front of itDuomo di Milano Cathedral, Milan
A dramatic presence at the heart of the city, drawing visitors to marvel at its beauty both inside and out.
saiko3p – stock.adobe.com
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People in Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy, taking pictures and surrounded by pigeons with the Milan Cathedral in the background.piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389387
The square buzzes with life as tourists snap Instagram-ready content while being surrounded by fluttering pigeons.
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People traversing the ornate spires and terraces on the rooftop walk of the Duomo di Milano overlooking the Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy.piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389403
The rooftop walk offers an exhilarating experience as you traverse the ornate spires and terraces.
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Breathtaking view of the Duomo di Milano Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo square in Milan, Italy, with visible rooftop terraces and a statue on a pillar.piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389415
Breathtaking views of the city from its rooftop terraces.
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View from the rooftop of Duomo di Milano overlooking the Piazza del Duomo with a highlight on the pattern of the square's marble flooringpiazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389423
A view from the rooftop shows the Piazza del Duomo highlighting the pattern of the square’s marble flooring.
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Gargoyle details on the Duomo di Milano, overlooking the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy.piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389399
The Duomo is peppered with detailed gargoyles.
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Group of people walking on the rooftop of Duomo di Milano, a masterpiece of Gothic artistry, in Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy.piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389412
The rooftop of the Duomo di Milano is a marvel of Gothic artistry.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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View of the Duomo di Milano and Piazza del Duomo with intricate statues of saints on the spires, Milan, Italy in August, 2024piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389396
The statues on the spires are predominantly figures of saints and religious icons.
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View of the Duomo di Milano and the Piazza del Duomo in Milan, Italy filled with visitors sitting in pews, illuminated by the soft glow of stained glass windowspiazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389422
Inside the Duomo di Milano, visitors are greeted by a vast, awe-inspiring space illuminated by the soft glow of stained glass windows
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Interior view of Duomo di Milano featuring remarkable sculptures, including a statue of José de Anchieta holding a bookpiazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389418
The interior is a sanctuary of serene beauty, featuring remarkable sculptures.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Gothic splendor of Duomo di Milano with towering intricately carved columns on a sunny day at Piazza del Duomo, Milan, Italy, August 2024piazza-del-duomo-main-square-89389417
The towering columns are each intricately carved that reflect the cathedral’s Gothic splendor.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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A group of people shopping at Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located next to the cathedral in Milan.galleria-vittorio-emanuele-ii-italys-89389697
Next to the cathedral you will find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
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Large group of people shopping in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery, in Milan.galleria-vittorio-emanuele-ii-italys-89389702
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery.
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Cobbled streets weaving through historic neighborhoods in Milan, Italy, August 2024– General views of Milan, Italy, August, 2024.
The cobbled streets of Milan weave through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
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Leonardo da Vinci's mural painting 'The Last Supper' displayed in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie church, with a group of people, including Jack Wong, admiring it.mural-painting-leonardo-da-vinci-89389698
Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece “The Last Supper” is housed in the refectory of the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Bargain hunters browsing market stalls with vintage items along the bustling Naviglio Grande canal in Milan, Italy with reflections in the clear water.bargain-hunters-picked-way-market-89389705
The bustling restaurants along the Naviglio Grande canal, offering a lively mix of al fresco dining and delicious cuisine.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Bargain hunters browsing through market stalls of vintage items and local crafts along the Naviglio Grande canal in Milan, Italybargain-hunters-picked-way-market-89389706
On Sundays, the Naviglio Grande transforms into a bustling market, where colorful stalls and lively crowds converge along the canals, offering a diverse array of antiques, vintage finds, and local crafts amidst the lively atmosphere of Milan’s vibrant marketplace.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Group of people enjoying outdoor dining on the cobbled streets of Brera District, Milan, Italy in August 2024– General views of Milan, Italy, August, 2024.
In the Brera District, cobbled streets create a picturesque setting for charming outdoor dining.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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A group of people walking down the cobbled streets near Sforzesco Castle in Milan, Italy, August 2024Sforzesco Castle – General views of Milan, Italy, August, 2024.
The cobbled streets of Milan weave through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Majestic Sforzesco Castle with formidable towers in Milan, Italy, with a statue of a man holding a cross in the foregroundSforzesco Castle – General views of Milan, Italy, August, 2024.
Sforzesco Castle, a majestic fortress nestled in the heart of Milan, stands as a testament to the city’s rich history, with its formidable towers.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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A person standing in the expansive courtyard of Sforzesco Castle, showcasing the grandeur of the Renaissance era in Milan, Italy, August 2024.Sforzesco Castle – General views of Milan, Italy, August, 2024.
One of Sforzesco Castle’s expansive courtyards offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Renaissance era.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Train ride through Lombardy countryside with rolling hills and serene lakes on way to the charming lakeside village of Varenna on Lake Como, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389737
For Lake Como adventures, take the one hour and fifteen minute train ride from Milan Centrale to Varenna. The journey offers a picturesque journey through the Lombardy countryside with rolling hills and serene lakes as you approach the charming lakeside village.
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Ferry navigating through Lake Como, with picturesque views of Varenna town and the scenic Italian Lakeside, August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389727
A ferry from Varenna to Bellagio and Tremezzo is a fantastic way to enjoy Lake Como’s scenic beauty and easily explore these charming lakeside towns.
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A ferry approaching the striking Grand Hotel Tremezzo on the shoreline of Lake Como, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389746
As you approach by ferry, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is immediately striking, the first thing that captures your eye against the backdrop of Lake Como.
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People dining at the lakeside restaurant Da Giacomo al Lago, with a pool in the foreground at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389738
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s lakeside and floating poolside restaurant, Da Giacomo al Lago. A refined dining experience with expertly crafted Italian dishes.
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Colorful interiors of the T Bar, with chairs and tables, in the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italygeneral-views-lake-como-italy-89389750
The colorful interiors of the hotel’s T Bar.
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Beautifully manicured gardens and charming pathways at the picturesque grounds of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como.pr-handout-https-jpublicrelations-com-89389742
The picturesque grounds of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo are a lush haven of beautifully manicured gardens, charming pathways, creating an idyllic setting for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
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A person holding wine glasses at Da Giacomo al Lago restaurant with a view of Lake Como and mountains, next to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's floating pool.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389751
Refined dining with a first class view at Da Giacomo al Lago restaurant, next to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo’s floating pool.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Executive Chef Osvaldo Presazzi and team preparing meals in the kitchen at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italygeneral-views-lake-como-italy-89389748
Executive Chef Osvaldo Presazzi at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo brings a wealth of culinary expertise and creativity to the hotel’s dining experiences. Alongside talented sous chefs, he crafts exquisite dishes that blend traditional Italian flavors with contemporary flair.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Stunning view of Lake Como from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo with a boat on the water, in Varenna, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389760
Stunning views from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Panoramic view of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's stunning swimming pools, overlooking Lake Como, Italygeneral-views-lake-como-italy-89389749
The Grand Hotel Tremezzo features an array of stunning swimming pools with amazing panoramic sights.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Floating pool elegantly suspended over Lake Como with the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in the backgroundpr-handout-https-jpublicrelations-com-89389739
The floating pool at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a standout feature, elegantly suspended over Lake Como.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
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Rooftop suite with a hot tub on a deck overlooking Lake Como at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.pr-handout-https-jpublicrelations-com-89389744
A rooftop suite at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
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Floating pool at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como, Italy, with two orange seats and a boat in the backgroundgeneral-views-lake-como-italy-89389753
Views from the hotel’s floating pool.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Gianni Meersman riding a bicycle in the quaint streets of Tremezzo, Lake Como, lined with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and boutique shopsgeneral-views-lake-como-italy-89389747
The streets of Tremezzo are charmingly quaint, lined with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and boutique shops, offering a picturesque glimpse into the serene lifestyle of this idyllic lakeside village.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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A group of people walking down a cobbled street in the town of Bellagio on Lake Como, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389709
A cobbled street of the nearby town, Bellagio, on Lake Como.
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Group of people enjoying a ferry ride from Bellagio to Varenna on Lake Como, Italy, in August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389733
Views from the ferry from Bellagio to Varenna.
Alex Mead/NY Post
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Bright yellow Hotel Olivedo situated on the lakeside in the town of Varenna on Lake Como, Italy, in August 2024.lake-como-general-views-lake-89389724
In the town of Varenna, the Hotel Olivedo greets you with its bright yellow structure right on the lakeside.
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Hotel Olivedo in Varenna on Lake Como, Italy, with guests on a dock enjoying waterside views from balconies in August 2024.lake-como-general-views-lake-89389735
Hotel Olivedo offers its guests stunning views of Lake Como from its waterside balconies.
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Interior staircase of Hotel Olivedo in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.lake-como-general-views-lake-89389730
Charming interiors of Hotel Olivedo, Varenna, Lake Como.
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Hotel Olivedo in Varenna overlooking Lake Como in Italy, August 2024lake-como-general-views-lake-89389725
Hotel Olivedo, Varenna, Lake Como.
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A couple kissing by a heart-shaped fence in Varenna with scenic views of Lake Como in the background, August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389723
Varenna’s lakeside walks provide a serene and picturesque experience.
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A group of people admiring Lake Como from Varenna, showcasing breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389721
Meandering along the edge of Lake Como with breathtaking views of the water and surrounding mountains.
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A group of people standing on a dock next to a boat in Varenna, a municipality on Lake Como, Italy, in August 2024general-views-lake-como-italy-89389736
Varenna and its surrounding views are the perfect backdrop for any photographic shoot.
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Evening view across Lake Como from Varenna, featuring people sitting on benches by the water.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389734
Views from Varenna in the evening across Lake Como.
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A tray of Italian pastries at Lake Bakery in Varenna, overlooking the scenic views of Lake Como, Italy in August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389717
Indulge in Italian delicacies at Lake Bakery in Varenna, Lake Como.
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Two women sitting on a stone wall in Varenna, taking holiday photos with Lake Como in the background, Italy, August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389720
Tourists take their holiday snaps in Varenna, Lake Como.
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A group of people walking down a street with buildings and trees in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389716
Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
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A boat on Lake Como, in Varenna, Italy, taken in August 2024.general-views-lake-como-italy-89389710
Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
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