10 days in Lake Como, Portofino & Cinque Terre Itinerary

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 Kayaking & Canoeing. Explore Bellagio's surroundings by going to Castello di Corenno Plinio (in Dervio), Greenway del Lago di Como (in Colonno) and Basilica di San Fedele (in Como). There's much more to do: stroll around La Punta Spartivento, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica di San Giacomo, look for gifts at Azalea - Silk of Como, and take a stroll through Menaggio.

To find ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Bellagio trip planner.

Johannesburg, South Africa to Bellagio is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Johannesburg to Bellagio. Plan for a bit warmer temperatures traveling from Johannesburg in August, with highs in Bellagio at 33°C and lows at 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to drive to Portofino.

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.

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

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.