Feeling the pressure to come up with the “perfect plan” for Valentine’s Day? If you want to avoid the usual cliché of a candlelit dinner this year and surprise your loved one with something truly cinematic, the solution is just an hour from Milan. In Lombardy, there is a corner where time seems to stand still and the alleys open onto the water: a romantic cruise between Varenna and Bellagio, designed for those who want to experience the magic without the stress of organizing it.
The centerpiece of this romantic getaway is a unique cruise that departs directly from Como. Imagine: the light breeze in your hair and the spectacular reflection of the Alps on the waters of Lake Como, tinged with orange by the sunset, as you approach the famous ‘lovers’ promenade’ in Varenna.
Forget the car: the GT bus takes you from Milan directly to the heart of the fairy tale
Photo: Unsplash / Lewis J Goetz
Como is also a convenient, easy, and close destination to reach from Milan, and the ticket includes transportation from Milan to Como by Gran Turismo bus, so you can hop on the bus and then hop on the cruise. Forget the stress of traffic and the impossible hunt for parking: the tour includes transportation from Milan, so all you have to think about is enjoying the view.
As the sun sets behind the Alps, the lake glows with golden reflections: the perfect moment for a toast or a photo to cherish forever.
Varenna: 500 meters of pure magic on the ‘Lovers’ Walk’
Photo: Unsplash / FUTC
One of the stops on the tour is Varenna, a magical village with its lovers’ walk: a 500-meter-long pedestrian path jutting out over the water and covered with climbing plants, connecting the pier to the picturesque historic center with its lakeside cafes, small shops, and many other interesting corners to discover.
Bellagio: lose yourself in the pastel-colored alleys of the ‘Pearl of the Lake’
Photo: Unsplash/Kasturi Ro
If Varenna charms, Bellagio makes you fall in love. Its cobbled streets, stairways, flower-filled squares, and pastel-colored houses create a romantic and timeless atmosphere. Cafés, artisan boutiques, and restaurants along the lakefront make every stroll a pleasure. Despite the visitors, Bellagio maintains a sense of peace and suspension, ideal for those seeking a special moment, such as you who are on a romantic getaway. And then there’s its spectacular location. Situated on the tip of the promontory that divides Lake Como into two branches, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters and mountains. Every corner looks like a postcard.
So, have we convinced you? Forget the stress of city life this Valentine’s Day and enjoy the beauty of two gems of rare beauty.