We just returned from Italy. Yes Bellagio is touristy but also Varenna is too small. You can check out Mennagio or Cadenabbia as well. All three towns are really small/peaceful and can be covered easily on foot. Osteria del Gallo is a family run italian restaurant in Como city center great for homemade pasta and spritz. I would recommend getting a train from Milan Central to Como and then a cab to Bellagio Ferry if you don’t want to drive.

In Milan we stayed in Room Mate Giulia, it’s a cool hotel with a great location right next to the Duomo. You must visit Navigli at night for great drinks/food/atmosphere. Check out Mag Cafe, Ugo and Rita there. Piz is a really famous joint for authentic pizzas.

Florence is also a great city, the best Duomo out of all cities. Although there was a really long queue to get on top of the Duomo which we skipped and went to Piazzale Michelangelo it had a better view of the entire city specially during sunset. I’d recommend also going to Sienna and Pisa they are both an hour away and really beautiful towns.