Bellagio (Lake Como, Italy): 16 Best Things to Do & Top Places to See
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Planning a trip to Bellagio, Italy, and wondering what to see and do? In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Bellagio, the top places to visit nearby, hotel recommendations, and practical tips to help you plan your trip.
Bellagio, often called the Pearl of Lake Como, is the lake’s most famous town. Set at the point where Lake Como splits into its three branches, it’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding villages, historic villas, and beautiful lake scenery.
We’ve visited Bellagio several times in both the peak season and the quieter months, and every trip has shown us something new. Based on our experiences, we’ve updated this guide with our favorite things to do in and around Bellagio, plus plenty of practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Good to know: Bellagio itself is quite compact, and you can explore the historic center in just a few hours. That’s why many people visit on a day trip from Milan, often as part of a popular Lake Como tour. However, Bellagio’s central location also makes it one of the best places to stay if you want to explore Lake Como more thoroughly.
Read on for our favorite things to do in Bellagio, the best places to visit nearby, and plenty of practical tips for planning your trip.
First time in Bellagio? Start here:
MUST DO: Explore Bellagio’s historic center, stroll the waterfront, visit Villa Melzi Gardens, Punta Spartivento, and take a Lake Como boat tour (or splurge on a private boat tour).
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, and Varenna.
IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME: Local food experiences and Madonna del Ghisallo.
MUST TRY: Risotto with fried perch.
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Bellagio (excellent value in a great location).
READ ALSO: Lake Como Travel Tips
Here are the best places to see and things to see and do in Bellagio, Italy:
1. Stroll Bellagio’s Historic Center
The best way to experience Bellagio is by wandering through its charming historic center. The town is built on two levels, with the lakeside promenade below and a maze of narrow cobbled streets, staircases, and colorful alleys climbing the hillside above. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
Bellagio’s old town is compact, so it’s easy to explore on foot. Take your time browsing the boutiques, stopping at cafés, and admiring the historic buildings.
Don’t miss Salita Serbelloni, Bellagio’s most photographed street. Once you reach the top, turn around for one of the town’s most iconic views.
Another highlight is Basilica di San Giacomo, a Romanesque church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Admission is free, and inside you’ll find a beautiful medieval interior with historic artwork and mosaics.
Good to know: On our recent trip in August, Bellagio was incredibly busy around midday. However, it became much quieter later in the afternoon, after many day-trippers had left. If you’re visiting in the peak season, explore places like Punta Spartivento, Pescallo, or Villa Melzi first, and return to the town center in the late afternoon or early evening.
2. Walk to Punta Spartivento
One of the best things to do in Bellagio is walk to Punta Spartivento, the tip of the peninsula where the three branches of Lake Como meet.
The views from here are spectacular. On a clear day, you can see several lakeside towns, the surrounding mountains, and, in some seasons, even snow-capped peaks in the distance.
There’s also a small restaurant, La Punta, where you can stop for a drink or a meal while enjoying the scenery and watching the colorful wooden boats on the lake.
Good to know: If you’re visiting Bellagio in summer, Punta Spartivento is also a popular swimming spot. The shore is rocky, so water shoes are recommended.
3. Enjoy the Views Along the Waterfront Promenade
One of the nicest walks in Bellagio follows the lakeshore southwest from the ferry terminal. This scenic promenade offers some of the best views of the colorful old town, framed by the mountains and the sparkling waters of Lake Como.
Along the way, you’ll also enjoy beautiful views across the lake in every direction, with plenty of benches and photo opportunities.
Continue walking and you’ll eventually reach Villa Melzi, one of Bellagio’s top attractions (more on that below).
4. Take a Boat on Lake Como
One of the best ways to experience Lake Como is from the water. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard if you want to explore at your own pace, but nothing beats seeing the lake’s elegant villas, picturesque towns, and mountain scenery from a boat.
Bellagio’s central location makes it the perfect starting point. From here, you can easily reach the lake’s most famous sights, including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.
TIP: If you only have time for one activity on Lake Como, make it a boat tour. Group tours are a great choice if you’re on a budget, while a private boat tour offers a much more personal experience and lets you enjoy the lake away from the crowds.
For a special occasion or if you’re traveling with family or friends, this private boat tour from Bellagio is one of the best-value options. It has excellent reviews, has multiple pickup locations, and takes you past many of the lake’s most famous villas and landmarks.
If you’re planning to take a private boat tour, reserve it in advance, especially between May and September. The most popular departures often sell out, and booking ahead also lets you compare itineraries and prices before you arrive.
Good to know: Varenna is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Bellagio and makes an excellent half-day trip. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, and you can easily combine Varenna with Menaggio or Tremezzo if you want to see more of central Lake Como.
If you’re planning to visit the town of Como, allow most of the day. Depending on the season and the ferry you choose, the journey from Bellagio takes about 1-2 hours each way.
5. Ride the Bellagio Tourist Train
The Bellagio Express tourist train is a fun and convenient way to explore Bellagio and its surroundings. It usually operates between May and September, and often also in April and October, depending on the season.
If you’re short on time, you can simply stay on board for the entire ride and enjoy the scenery. But the biggest advantage of the train is that you can hop on and off at several stops, making it an easy way to explore Bellagio’s hilly neighborhoods without much walking.
With a bit of planning, you can use it to visit Pescallo, Visgnola, San Giovanni, and Villa Melzi.
Good to know: The tourist train departs from the small square next to the ferry terminal. Tickets are sold on the spot, and both cash and cards are accepted.
6. Visit the Gardens of Villa Melzi
Villa Melzi is one of Bellagio’s top attractions. Built in the early 19th century, the villa is still privately owned, so it’s not open to visitors. However, you can explore its beautiful botanical gardens, as well as the small museum and family chapel.
Don’t miss the impressive chapel, and be sure to stroll along the lakeside paths to the elegant Moorish pavilion overlooking Lake Como.
The gardens (I Giardini di Villa Melzi) are home to a remarkable collection of exotic trees and plants. They’re especially beautiful in spring, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom, but they’re well worth a visit throughout the season.
Open from spring to autumn (typically April through October), Villa Melzi offers some of the best lake views in Bellagio and is a must-see for first-time visitors.
7. Tour the Gardens of Villa Serbelloni
If you have more time in Bellagio, consider visiting the gardens of Villa Serbelloni (Parco di Villa Serbelloni), either instead of or in addition to Villa Melzi.
Despite sharing the same name, the gardens are not part of the famous Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. The hotel is privately owned and sits on the lakeshore, whereas the historic gardens belong to the Rockefeller Foundation and occupy the hillside above Bellagio.
Unlike Villa Melzi, the gardens of Villa Serbelloni can only be visited on a guided tour. You can find more information and book tickets here. Since the number of visitors is limited, it’s best to reserve your tour in advance.
Good to know: Villa Melzi’s gardens are larger, more impressive, and much easier to explore at your own pace. So if you only have time for one garden, Villa Melzi is the better choice. That said, the two gardens are very different and offer unique views, so if your schedule allows, they’re both worth visiting.
8. Explore Pescallo Village
One of the best places to visit in Bellagio is the small lakeside village of Pescallo. Once a quiet fishing village, it’s tucked away behind the hill on the opposite side of Bellagio’s historic center and remains much quieter than the main tourist area. If you’re looking to escape the crowds for a while, this is the place to go.
In summer, Pescallo is also one of the best spots for water activities. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard, join a guided kayaking tour, or take a boat ride on the lake.
Pescallo is just a 10-15 minute walk from Bellagio. Start at the town hall (Comune di Bellagio), near the ferry terminal, and follow the signs to Pescallo.
Good to know: The walk from Bellagio to Pescallo is uphill in places and involves several narrow alleys and staircases. If you prefer to avoid the climb, you can easily get there on the Bellagio Express tourist train.
9. Go Shopping
Shopping is one of the most popular things to do in Bellagio. The town is full of small boutiques selling everything from local arts and crafts and gourmet food products to designer fashion, jewelry, and home décor.
Bellagio is also a great place to shop for high-quality Italian silk. While nearby Como is famous for its centuries-old silk industry, many boutiques in Bellagio sell beautiful silk scarves, ties, clothing, and accessories made by local manufacturers. A silk scarf is one of the nicest souvenirs to bring home from Lake Como.
If you’re interested in Italian wine, stop by Enoteca Principessa, a small wine shop tucked away in one of Bellagio’s narrow streets. The knowledgeable staff can help you choose a bottle to enjoy during your trip or arrange international shipping if you find something you love.
10. Villa Carlotta
Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo is one of the most beautiful villas of Lake Como. While the elegant interiors are well worth seeing, the real highlight is its spectacular botanical garden.
The gardens are home to an impressive collection of plants from around the world and are especially beautiful in spring, when the azaleas and rhododendrons are in bloom. Even in summer and fall, however, Villa Carlotta is one of the best places to visit on Lake Como.
Good to know: Villa Carlotta is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Bellagio.
TIP: Buy your entry tickets online in advance to skip the ticket line, especially in the peak season.
11. Villa Balbianello
Villa del Balbianello in Lenno is another must-see near Bellagio. Perched on a wooded peninsula overlooking the lake, it’s one of the most photographed villas in Italy and has appeared in several famous films, including Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.
The villa can be reached either by a scenic 20-minute uphill walk from Lenno or by a short shuttle boat ride from the village.
TIP: Book your tickets in advance. During the busiest months, this can easily save you an hour or more of waiting.
Good to know: Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello are close to each other, making them easy to combine into one day trip from Bellagio. Ferries from Bellagio to Lenno take about 30 minutes and stop at several lakeside towns along the way, including Tremezzo for Villa Carlotta.
LEARN MORE: How to Visit Villa del Balbianello
12. Spend a Day at the Beach
If you’re visiting Bellagio in summer, consider spending a few hours by the water. There are several places where you can swim in the lake, but the most comfortable option is Lido di Bellagio, a beach club with a small sandy beach, an outdoor pool, sun loungers, and beautiful lake views.
If you prefer a free option, head to San Giovanni Beach or the earlier-mentioned Punta Spartivento. Both are pebble beaches, so water shoes are a good idea if you plan to go swimming.
Good to know: Lake Como is warm enough for swimming only during the summer months, typically from June through September.
13. Madonna del Ghisallo
Just a short drive into the hills south of Bellagio lies Madonna del Ghisallo, one of the most famous cycling landmarks in the world.
The road to Ghisallo Pass is a legendary climb featured in races such as the Giro di Lombardia and the Giro d’Italia, making it a bucket-list destination for cyclists. But you don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy visiting. The views over Lake Como are beautiful, and the small hilltop chapel is unlike any other.
Dedicated to the patron saint of cyclists, the Madonna del Ghisallo shrine is filled with cycling memorabilia, including racing jerseys, trophies, photographs, and bicycles donated by some of the world’s greatest riders.
Right next door is the Museo del Ciclismo, which tells the story of cycling through interactive exhibits, historic bicycles, and memorabilia from famous races and athletes. Even if you’re not a cycling enthusiast, it’s an interesting stop because of its unique setting and history.
Practical information: You can reach Madonna del Ghisallo by car, taxi, or bus C36 from Bellagio. If you’d like to cycle the famous climb yourself, consider a guided e-bike tour that includes a visit to Madonna del Ghisallo.
TIP: If driving or biking, stop at the panoramic viewpoint in Civenna (see map). It’s located at Parco Bellavista, close to Chiesa di San Rocco church.
14. Try Risotto with Fried Perch
No visit to Bellagio is complete without trying risotto con pesce persico, one of Lake Como’s signature dishes. Made with creamy risotto and lightly fried local perch, it’s a regional specialty you’ll find on many restaurant menus around the lake.
For the best experience, skip the tourist-oriented restaurants along the waterfront and look for a family-run trattoria on one of Bellagio’s quieter side streets.
One of my favorites is Ristorante Bilacus, a family-run restaurant serving excellent risotto alongside other traditional Lake Como dishes. If the weather is nice, ask for a table on the charming flower-filled courtyard terrace.
15. Take a Cooking Class
If you’re looking for a memorable way to experience Bellagio beyond sightseeing, consider joining an Italian cooking class. It’s a fun way to learn about the local cuisine while preparing traditional dishes with fresh regional ingredients.
Most hands-on classes end with a leisurely meal featuring everything you’ve cooked, and some also include wine or other local specialties. If you’d rather skip the cooking, consider a wine tasting with local food pairings instead.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, it’s a fun way to experience Lake Como beyond the usual sightseeing.
16. Stay Overnight in Bellagio
While many visitors come to Bellagio on a day trip, it’s one of the best places to stay on Lake Como. Once the day-trippers leave, the town becomes much quieter, making the evenings especially enjoyable.
Whether you’re looking for luxury or good value, Bellagio has accommodations for every budget. If possible, book a room with a lake view—it’s well worth it.
Good to know: Many hotels in Bellagio are seasonal and typically open from April to October or November.
Here are some of the best places to stay:
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni – Bellagio’s iconic lakeside luxury hotel with beautiful gardens, a spa, and elegant historic interiors.
- Belvedere Bellagio – One of the best-rated hotels in town, offering spectacular lake views, a pool, and spacious rooms just a short walk from the center.
- Hotel Bellagio – An excellent-value hotel in the heart of Bellagio, within walking distance of the ferry terminal, restaurants, and shops.
- Hotel Du Lac & SPA – A charming hotel by the waterfront with a rooftop terrace and spa.
- Hotel Borgo Le Terrazze – A great choice if you’re driving. Located just outside town, it offers spacious rooms, a pool, free parking, and panoramic lake views.
TIP: Still deciding where to stay? Check out our guide to the best towns and hotels on Lake Como to find the perfect base for your trip.
Practical Information & Tips for Visiting Bellagio
Visit in the shoulder season if possible. Bellagio is at its best in April-May and September-October, when the weather is pleasant, prices are lower, and there are fewer crowds. July and August can be very busy, while many hotels, restaurants, and attractions close for the winter season.
Book ahead. Bellagio is the most popular town on Lake Como, so it’s best to reserve your hotel well in advance. If you’re visiting in the peak season, it’s also a good idea to book restaurants for dinner at least a day ahead (or several days ahead for weekends).
How long to stay? You can explore Bellagio itself in just a few hours, which makes it a popular day trip from Milan. However, if you want to visit nearby towns and villas, plan to stay at least 2-3 days.
Getting there. Bellagio is about a 90-minute drive from Milan, but one of the nicest ways to arrive is by boat. If you’re traveling by public transport, the easiest route is to take the train from Milan to Varenna, followed by the short ferry crossing to Bellagio.
Do you need a car? Not really. Central Lake Como is easiest to explore by ferry, and parking in Bellagio can be difficult during the peak season. If you’re traveling by car, be sure to book accommodation with on-site parking.
TIP: For more practical information for your trip, take a look at our first-timer’s guide with info and tips for visiting Lake Como.
READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Lake Como
So, these are our tips for visiting Bellagio. I hope this guide inspires you to spend a little more time exploring this beautiful corner of Italy. Bellagio may be the most famous town on Lake Como, but there’s so much more to discover around the lake.
If you’re planning to explore beyond Bellagio, don’t miss Varenna — it’s my favorite town on Lake Como after Bellagio. If you have more time, Como is also well worth a visit. You can also find more inspiration in our guide to the best towns on Lake Como.
TIP: If you’re traveling to Lake Como from Milan, be sure to spend some time in the city as well. See our guides to the best things to do in Milan and how to spend one day in Milan.
More Italy travel inspiration:
- Best places to visit in Italy
- Italy itinerary
- Best cities in Italy
- Venice travel guide
- Florence travel guide
- Italian Dolomites travel guide
TIP: Save this guide for later, share it with your friends, or pin it to Pinterest so you can easily come back to it when planning your trip.
Rome Travel Guides:
- Tips for visiting Rome
- Tips for visiting the Colosseum
- Best things to do in Rome
- 1 Day in Rome
- 2 Days in Rome
- Rome 4 days itinerary
- Hidden gems of Rome
- Best views in Rome
- Ancient Rome (the best oldest sites & landmarks)
- Where to stay in Rome
- How to get to Rome from the Airport
Tuscany & Central Italy:
- Best towns in Tuscany
- Tuscany itinerary
- Best things to do in Siena
- Siena Cathedral (complete guide & tips)
- What to see & do in Montepulciano
- Visiting Cinque Terre
- 1 Day in Cinque Terre
- Porto Venere (the 6th town of Cinque Terre)
- Best small towns of Italian Riviera
- Emilia Romagna itinerary
- Best things to do in Bologna
- Best things to do in Ravenna
- San Marino
Southern Italy:
- Amalfi Coast itinerary
- Capri Island
- Best things to do in Naples
- Tips for Visiting the Amalfi Coast
- How to Visit Mt Vesuvius Volcano
- Best day trips from Naples
- 1 day in Naples
- How to get to the Amalfi Coast from Naples
- Path of the Gods Hike
In our Italy travel guide, you can find more information and destination guides for many more popular places in Italy. Check it out!
We are staying in lake Como, lezzeno as of this Saturday for 4 nights. Any must do’s?
Hi George, sorry for the late reply – we are just back from a trip. Take a look at this guide to the best places in Lake Como for some inspiration on where to go and what not to miss.
Enjoy your weekend!
Fantastic information! Much appreciated!
We (2) are planning to visit Florence, Milan, Lake Como and Venice in September or October. Which arrival airport do you suggest? We are coming from the US. Is it best to take the train between cities or rent a car or fly?
Hi Elvira, depending on where you are flying from, you can choose the best option – there are airports in all those cities. Milan is the biggest one with most international connections, then Venice, and then Florence.
And yes, for traveling between cities, it’s best to take a train. You can find more information about traveling around Italy at the bottom of our article with a suggested 2-week Italy itinerary. I wouldn’t rent a car for the cities, only if you are planning to visit many smaller villages or nature destinations. Also places like Lake Como are best visited without a car. You may want to read our tips for visiting Lake Como as well.
Good luck with the planning and once you have your itinerary set, book your accommodations asap (especially in Venice!).
Can you take a day trip from Bellagio to Milan
Sure. The easiest way is probably to take a boat from Bellagio to Varenna and from there a train to Milan. You can find more info on what to see and do there in our guide: one day in Milan.
Amazing article- incredibly helpful, as was your other guide to the different towns of lake como (where to stay) THANK YOU! This info is great. Well done
Glad to hear that, Sophia! Have a great time in Italy!
Hi Jurga
Thank you for such a comprehensive guide. We are staying at the Grand Hotel Serbelloni in June, and can’t wait. I found you suggestion about the restaurant off the tourist track very helpful, as this kind of local knowledge is not always easy to come by. Although we will be tourists ourselves, its always nice to avoid others 🙂
🙂 I know what you mean, Philip – we’re all tourists, but we also long for more local experiences. Nothing wrong with that!
I think it’s impossible to get completely off the beaten path in a place such as Bellagio in the high season, but it sure helps to do some research and check out some of the better restaurants. I also recommend using Google Maps to see restaurant reviews instead of just eating at the first place you come across. Have a great time in Bellagio!
This is a great guide and there’s only one thing I would add. We have visited the area many times and we chose to stay up the hill a bit at a wonderful hotel called Il Perlo Panorama. This family run hotel is situated above the town, with the most amazing terrace views. It is really a joy. The only down side is arranging travel up and down the hill but the hotel will do that with prior notice. They also serve wonderful home made meals if requested in advance. Bellagio is such a very special place. Happy travels to you and your family and thanks again.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Caroline. It looks like a nice hotel indeed. I added a link to your comment in case people want to check it out.
Happy travels to you too.
Hi Jurga,
Your article is very inspiring.
I was in Como on 08 November 2019, unfortunately I was not able to visit Bellagio. I thought I have seen the best when I walked at the old town and by the promenade of Lake Como. And precisely my research for the place is lacking. I appreciate very much reading your article and most for the tips that you have shared. Trully you and your family’s experience is quite interesting. Your travel expand the horizons of you children. Like myself I have two grown up children and I introduced them to travel at ages 5 and 3 and they don’t stop.
Joy
Thank you, Joy, and good to hear that your kids got the travel bug too. Travel is one of the best gifts we can give them, I think.
As for Lake Como, there is so much more to see and explore than Como town, that’s for sure. Maybe a good reason to go back? 😉
Happy travels!
We are visiting at Christmas time on a boat trip from Vareena – spending the day in Bellagio.
That must be very special. Enjoy your trip! PS If you have the time, Como has a really nice Christmas Market every year – with great light shows and all. Check it out!
Will be coming in April for a day trip. We’re driving from Stresa, and stopping at Como ( found a car park) then driving to Bellaggio. I know it’s difficult to find parking but I was told that I can find free “side of the road” parking in Bellagio less than 5mins walk from the ferry terminals at the centre of the waterfront. Is it true? I don’t mind if I have to pay as long as it’s not too expensive.
I need and address for my GPS. Can you help please?
Thanks in advance
Carmen
Hi Carmen, sorry, but I have no experience with parking in Bellagio and I have no idea how busy it is in April. You can try Google maps and street view, but the reality is that you don’t know how easy or difficult it is to park till you get there. I’d say just go and make the best of it. If you have more time, you can also leave your car in Como and take a boat, but that would require a good part of the day just to get there and back, depending on the boat schedule.
We arrived in this magical part of the world last night, read and reread your blog of amazing info. , sitting lakeside at a cute in Varenna … thank you ! We will follow your guide all the way
Enjoy your vacation! It’s like walking inside a postcard, isn’t it?
We arrive in Bellagio 25 Aug, booked at H Metropole for 6 nights and found your info practical & inspiring for planning our trips in&around the town!
Thanks & keep up the great info!
Glad to hear that. Enjoy your time at Lake Como!
I loved all your suggestions….the most comprehensive I’ve read! I’ll be in Bellagio
next month. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your kind feedback, Sharon. Enjoy your trip!
Thank you Jurga! This has been so so helpful. We are going to start in Bellagio and then drive up past Lake Garda perhaps stop for lunch in Riva and then carry on to San Cassiano which is where we found a hotel. It seems quite central to a lot of the hikes and we are there for 4 nights so can always go either back to Selva or the other way and then we are ending in Venice. We are staying off the main island so will be able to come and go which is great. Thanks for all your great suggestions!
Good to hear you figured it all out. Enjoy your trip!
Hi Jurga,
I have come across your blog today and love all of your stories and wow you have been to so many amazing destinations. We like your family love to travel and plan a two week trip each June with our three kids, now twins are 12 and youngest is 9. We currently have flights to northern Italy and a very rough route mapped out but you have so many great thoughts. We have 12 nights we are flying into Milan and heading straight to Lake Como for 4 nights, 4 nights up to the Dolomites and then down to Venice for 4 nights. Our kids aren’t big on cities and museums and more interested in the outdoors and adventure.
Wondering if I have mapped this out right? Could we possible do 3 nights Lake Como, pass through Lake Garda on the way to Trentino 2 nights, Dolomites 3 nights and Venice 4 nights? Or is that too long in Venice. Really only 3 days there and want to visit the islands there too.Everything you have written about northern Italy sounds amazing. Don’t want to do too much driving nor try and do too much but would love to see it all. Would love your thoughts on how much time you think we should spend in each place so I can readjust hotels. Thank you!
Oh, it’s such a tough choice, Allison as you could spend a week at each of those places. If you don’t mind changing hotels too often and don’t like the cities too much then I’d recommend something like this:
– Arrive and head to Bellagio. Stay in Bellagio for 3 nights, two full days. That should be more than enough time to see the main things in Bellagio area, Varrena, and one or two villas with the splendid gardens. You can find more info and hotel recommendations in this article. Here you can book Bellagio hotels.
– From Bellagio head to Sirmione (2,5 hrs drive), visit the town and stay 1 night in Sirmione. Here you can find more information about Lake Garda. Here you can book Sirmione hotels.
– Head to the northern part of Lake Garda, visit Desenzano and Limone along the way. Stay in Riva del Garda for 2 or 3 nights. Next day Visit Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, maybe hop off at Torbole. If you decide on 3 nights, the next free day you could either head to Val di Fumo or maybe try jungle canyoning in Storo if kids like something more adventurous. More information in this article: Trentino with kids. Here you can find Riva del Garda hotels. In that area you can also make a short stop at Ledro lake (Lago di Ledro) and time permitting Lago d’Idro.
-From Riva drive to Val Gardena (about 2hrs) and make one short hike that day or drive some scenic roads before heading to your accommodation. You can find hiking suggestions here: best hikes in the Dolomites. Stay in Val Gardena for 3 or 4 nights. I recommend Selva – it’s a nice town with a great location for hiking or driving the passes. Here you can find Selva accommodation.
-From there head to Venice (3,5 hrs drive) and spend the rest of your time in Venice. One day is plenty for the city and you could maybe also see some of it on the day when you arrive already as well and then the next day take a half day trip to Murano and the other islands (something like this half-day tour). Here you can find Venice accommodations. PS if you stay in the city, you can leave your car at the car parking at the train station, but it’s not cheap.
The alternative would be to stay just 2-3 nights in Selva and 1 night in Cortina d’Ampezzo – just driving between the two you’ll see some amazing places and there is also a beautiful hike there – see my Dolomites guide. The roads via the passes are crazy though, but you could also drive via Lago di Braies – the roads aren’t that impressive, but the lake certainly is. If you stay in Cortina, from there it’s a much shorter drive to Venice (just 2 hrs), so in a way, this would make more sense and you would see more.
Hope this helps.
PS we’re about to leave on a trip ourselves, so I won’t be able to help you with this further. But I think this should help and you can arrange the trip that best suits your family’s interests.
For two thousand years, Lake Como has attracted the most artistic people in the world inviting them to relax, to be inspired and to make contact with the beauty of nature in one of the most romantic locations in the world. The legendary historic villas of Lake Como are a wonderful opportunity to go back in time. You’re right – Bellagio is a great town for exploring this area!
Thank you, James, for this very poetic contribution 🙂