I just got back from Italy about a month ago. I only had 2 full days in the Lake Como region after spending a week in Cinque Terre area. Alas! It was BEAUTIFUL! I will be back for sure.
I stayed mid-lake in Varenna. So cute! I then took the midlake ferry to the towns in that area. I checked out the gardens at Villa Monastero (Varenna), Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo), Villa Balbianello (Lecco). That and a little shopping and gelato eating was about all I had time for. More on gardens/villas
Things I wanted to do and didn't make it: - Visit Como - Head to Switzerland - Lunch at the restaurant on Isola Comacina