10 days in Lake Como, Portofino & Cinque Terre Itinerary

Known as the pearl of Lake Como for its luxury accommodations, high-end shops, and fine dining options, Bellagio serves as the lake's premiere resort town.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Castello di Vezio and Forte Montecchio Nord. Discover out-of-the-way places like Abbazia Cluniacense di Santa Maria di Piona and Greenway del Lago di Como. Explore Bellagio's surroundings by going to Basilica di San Fedele (in Como), Castello di Corenno Plinio (in Dervio) and Chiesa Santa Maria del Tiglio (in Gravedona ed Uniti). Next up on the itinerary: wander the streets of Menaggio, pause for some serene contemplation at Basilica di San Giacomo, walk around La Punta Spartivento, and see the interesting displays at Madonna del Ghisallo.

To see ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Bellagio vacation maker tool.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Bellagio is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Johannesburg to Bellagio due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Johannesburg in August: high temperatures in Bellagio hover around 33°C and lows are around 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Mon) so you can go by car to Portofino.

Portofino is an Italian fishing village and holiday resort famous for its picturesque harbour and historical association with celebrity and artistic visitors. On the 29th (Tue), take in the waterfront activity at Marina di Portofino, visit a coastal fixture at Faro Di Portofino, then step into the grandiose world of Castello Brown, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of San Giorgio, and finally make a trip to Piazza Martiri Dell'Olivetta. Keep things going the next day: admire the masterpieces at Museo Del Parco, identify plant and animal life at Area Marina Protetta Portofino, then find your balance on the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Parrocchia Di San Martino.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Portofino road trip site.

Drive from Bellagio to Portofino in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Bellagio in August, Portofino is somewhat warmer at night with lows of 25°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Wed) so you can catch the train to Cinque Terre.

Made up of five picturesque towns on the Ligurian coast, Cinque Terre is Italy's answer to the French Riviera.

Step off the beaten path and head to San Pietro Church and Enjoy Cinqueterre Boat Tours. Do some cultural sightseeing at D'Albertis Castle and Basilica della Santissima Annunziata del Vastato. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Cinque Terre: Genoa (Dialogo nel Buio & Musei di Strada Nuova - Palazzo Bianco), Parco Naturale Regionale di Porto Venere (in La Spezia) and Porto Venere (Gabbiano Beach & Isola Palmaria). The adventure continues: trek along Sentiero Vernazza a Corniglia, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chiesa di San Lorenzo, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of San Giovanni Battista, and enjoy the sand and surf at Spiaggia di Fegina.

To find other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Cinque Terre itinerary builder website.

Traveling by train from Portofino to Cinque Terre takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Portofino in August since evenings lows in Cinque Terre dip to 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) to allow enough time to fly back home.