Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Milan, Italy
+47
- 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Lake Como is known as one of Italy’s most stunning districts, but visitors unfamiliar with the area risk missing out on the best locations. Enjoy an in-depth, intimate introduction to the lake and its surrounding towns during this small-group, full-day tour from Milan. A boat cruise is included, plus get-down stops in Bellagio and Varenna, with a return train to Milan.
- Get assistance and information from a guide for the duration of the tour
- Enjoy a personalized experience within a group capped at 14 people
- Grab a traditional local lunch during free time in Bellagio (own expense)
- All transportation tickets are included: ferry, train, subway, and cruise
What's Included
- ❌ NO BIG GROUPS ➡️ SMALL GROUP ONLY ✅ 14 PEOPLE MAX
- Visit Como, Bellagio & Varenna. Enjoy a balanced mix of free time and tour
- Train tickets (first class), ferry, subway & boat skip-the-line tickets are included in the cost
- Professional local expert English-speaking guide to make your experience informative & entertaining
- Priority skip-the-line access for boat cruise & guaranteed prebooked seats on the ferry to Bellagio
- Lake Como boat cruise is included in the cost with guaranteed seats & reserved skip-the-line access
- LunchStop by a lakeside restaurant in Bellagio to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. Your guide will suggest you a couple of wonderful lake-view restaurants. Lunch cost is not included in the tour.
- Last Supper Leonardo Da Vinci museum visit is not included in this activity
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
Type to search
End point
- Milan CentralPiazza Duca d'Aosta, 1, 20124 Milano MI, Italy
The tour will end in the Central Station of Milan.
Itinerary
1
Milan
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Como
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Lake Como
1 hour 40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Villa Olmo (Pass By)
Cernobbio (Pass By)
Lake Como (Pass By)
Torno (Pass By)
Villa Erba (Pass By)
Villa Carlotta (Pass By)
Villa Del Balbianello (Pass By)
4
Bellagio
1 hour 50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Bellagio
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Varenna
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Stazione Centrale
55 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- All time for transportation (train, ferry, subway, etc) is already included in the tour duration.
- The tour programme & schedule can change for operations reasons (eg train strike, bad weather, force majeure, technical issues of the boat, etc)
- At the end of the tour the group will normally take the train from Varenna to return to Milan, but if you wish you can stay in Varenna to spend more time there and take on of the next trains/buses by yourself (we will provide the tickets - this must be comunicated before 13:00 on the day of the tour)
- During the summer period, there is a small beach in Varenna if you want to swim a little
- The tour is always confirmed in case of rain. Tour duration is approx. 10 hours (the tours ends in Milan Central Station).
- In the winter time (November-mid March) the tour starts 1 hour earlier (7:55 AM meeting point in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and 8:15 meeting point in Central Station), while summer time (April-October) the tour starts 1 hour later (8:45 AM meeting point in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and 9:15 meeting point in Central Station).
- It is possible to cancel free of charge only up to 24 hours before the tour, after that term it is not possible to cancel free of charge or modify the booking (for any reason). No-shows are non refunded. In order to cancel the booking, you need to do it from your account, please do not text us or call us to cancel the bookings - it can only be done by you personally from your account
- If you wish to visit Last Supper on the day of the tour, please book it separately in the early morning or late eveving.
- Bring an ID (passport, ID or driving license - an original, not a photo), this can be requested by train company
- If you wish to visit Villa Cipressi (Gates of Heaven) or Villa Monastero during your free time in Varenna, you can buy the ticket directly there in the villa
- Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Cathy_H
This is one of the best tours we have been on in Italy. The guide was fantastic. The scenery was spectacular. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. We saw so many things on this tour, including stops in several towns on the lake and learned about all the Villas and famous sites. We had plenty of free time in each of the stops so we’re able to do a little shopping and walk around the towns. This tour is a must if you want a comprehensive experience of Lake Como.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,515 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
karisma_p, Sep 2026
This was a lovely experience- really enjoyed the tour and our guide was very knowledgeable and knew how to ensure we weren’t standing in the heat too long. Bellagio & Varenna are stunning and seeing the lake by ferry was great.
Alejandro_W, Sep 2026
My tour guide Angela was incredible! She had a fantastic attitude and was so knowledgeable on the area. I loved the stops in Bellagio and Varenna, walking the alleyways and being surrounded by beautiful architecture and the Dolomites was an unforgettable experience. Definitely take a swim if you get the chance in Varenna!
Dominic_M, Sep 2026
Very rushed. Guide moves the group along too fast. Felt like the local version of 7 countries in 7 days. Not recommended for anyone who has problems with stairs.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello, this small group tour allows a mix of a guided tour and free time - you don't have to follow the guide all the time if you don't want to. In just one day you visit Bellagio, Como City and Varenna - 3 of the most beautiful villages of Lake Como, with a live tour guide with all tickets included. You will not any other tour like this online. If you want a slower tour, you should book the tour our competitors organize, where you will spend 4 hours commuting in a huge bus with 50 people and just 1 guide, and see significantly less, with less commentary too. Regarding the stairs, there is a standard amount of walking to explore new towns and villages - you don't have to climb any hills or mountains. Lake Como is a mountainous area so obviously the towns and villages there are not entirely flat; as mentioned on the tour page this tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility; but it does not require anything in particular too - in each city you walk about 1.5 km which is a very little amount to explore the city.
Best regards
Memento Italy
Sean_S, Sep 2026
Lake Cuomo is beautiful, the tour was well executed. Angela our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and was actually one of the highlights of the trip.
Rain_W, Sep 2026
Allesandro was an incredibly knowledgeable and charming guide with quick wit and a host of fun facts. The sights were beautiful….a must do if you come to Milan
Alex_K, Sep 2026
My fiance and I loved this day trip. Despite the sweltering hot weather in August, the views were majestic and our tour guide was very kind, helpful, positive.
Antonella was our tour guide and was very excited and enthusiastic about showing us the history of the area.
Como, Bellagio and Varenna are beautiful. The boat ride was nice. Bellagio and the boat tour ahead of are the best parts.
Things to consider: bring sunscreen, a good hat, and water with you. The boat ride is 2 hrs long. Bellagio is majestic. Varenna is pretty but not as impressive as Bellagio. There isn’t much to do there; less shopping and cafe options than bellagio. Como is also great but we only had 40 min in the area. It has a lot of shopping and attractions (churches, shops, cafe and pasty shops, old buildings, etc ) to warrant 2 hrs stay.
Michael_M, Sep 2026
Allesandro was a fun, enthusiastic and informative guide. Como, the lake and Bellagio were beautiful.
Sandee_S, Sep 2026
Long day. A lot of walking in the heat. Nice to visit Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna. Our guide. Antonella was great. Very accommodating and extremely knowledgeable.
Marcella_P, Sep 2026
I both liked and disliked this tour, and I realize that you can't please everyone. Overall, I thought the villages were beautiful, but the amount of time spent at each stop could have been planned much better.
Oddly enough, the tour partially started at the Duomo and partially at the train station. While it was nice to be met at the Duomo, we then had to take the subway to the train station anyway. About half of our group was already waiting at the train station, so it seemed like an unnecessary use of time. It would have made much more sense to simply have everyone meet at the train station.
Once on the train, it took about 40 minutes to reach Como, where we were supposed to have approximately 45 minutes. Realistically, that was enough time to grab a coffee, but not enough time to really explore the town. Everything felt rushed. I was also somewhat disappointed by Como itself, as I wasn't expecting to see stores like Foot Locker and other familiar U.S. chains. It didn't feel as authentic as I had hoped.
From Como, we went to catch the ferry. Our guide told us to get there early so we could get good seats, which meant we ended up standing around at the ferry for almost 45 minutes. The ferry was crowded, but fortunately everyone in our group did get a seat.
The ferry ride to Bellagio was very long — about two hours or even a little longer. Along the way, the ferry stopped at various villages to let people on and off, and at one point we had to wait because water taxis were occupying a dock. The first half of the ride was enjoyable and the scenery was beautiful, but by the second half, everyone seemed ready to get off. There wasn't a lot to see after a certain point, and the long ride became a bit tedious.
Bellagio, however, was fantastic. We had lunch there on our own and had enough time to visit a few shops. As with most tours, you always feel somewhat rushed, especially when lunch is involved, but I absolutely loved this village. I would have happily spent much more time there.
Our final stop was Varenna, where we had well over an hour. In my opinion, that was far too much time. There really isn't that much to see or do, and I think 45 minutes would have been more than enough. I would have much rather seen that extra time allocated to Bellagio, where there was considerably more to explore.
The return train ride was a little hectic because so many people were trying to catch the train back. However, our guide was great in this situation. She basically bulldozed her way onto the train and managed to get seats for everyone in our group! That was definitely appreciated after such a long day.
Overall, I enjoyed seeing Lake Como and especially loved Bellagio. The biggest issue for me was the way the time was allocated. Too much time was spent waiting around or traveling, while some of the places that were actually worth exploring felt rushed. With a little better planning of the schedule — particularly less time in Varenna and more time in Bellagio — I think this could have been a much better experience.
Response from Host, Sep 2026
Hello, our tour has 2 convenient meeting points - near Piazza Duomo (which is convenient if your hotel is there), or in Central Station - if you are staying near central station.
We are the only company in Milan that offers the meeting point in Piazza Duomo for our clients which is very convenient, so the guide will reach the central station together with you and makes things more easy; and has always been appreciated by our clients.
If you wanted to meet the guide in Central Station, then you needed to choose the meeting point in Central Station - it is possible to choose the preferred meeting point during the booking process on Viator.
The time in each city allows to visit 3 towns in just one day (which requires a lot of planning in advance and logistics) - Como in the morning (where you arrive at 10:20, and leave at 12:00), Bellagio in the afternoon (from 14:00 till 16:00), and Varenna at the end (from 16:15 till 17:15).
Regarding the boat ride, normally the second part is the most popular because you can see the famous Villa Balbianello where many Hollywood movies were made (James Bond, Star Wars, etc), Villa Carlotta, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, and generally speaking the mid-part of the lake is very beautiful as you are higher in the Alps, compared to the lower part of the lake (near Como City).
We are glad you enjoyed the tour and the tour guide and hope to welcome you again in the future.
Best regards,
Memento Italy
Jenna_I, Sep 2026
Absolutely wonderful wonderful experience! As a solo female traveler, this was still highly enjoyable. Small high-quality group and Angela is an absolute rockstar. The day goes by fast, so make sure to do your shopping and wine tasting and photos during every stop!
Lisa_K, Aug 2026
Very well organised tour, our guide Angela was fantastic. Travelled by bus on way back due to train line servicing, wasn’t an issue got some picturesque vistas.
Aaron_Y, Aug 2026
Angela was such an amazing guide. Very well planned and communicated. We were always the first to board the ferry.
Divya_K, Aug 2026
Was good experience.Enjoyed it so much , good and scenic views from the lake , the small towns were nice ..
Tim_A, Aug 2026
Angela was a very good guide who kept us informed and organized. She knew how to keep us close on the train cars. 1st class on these regional trains is not quite as nice as longer rides and seats are not assigned but it was still a plus. Angela also knew to get us inside 1st floor of the boat on the best side and near large clear windows. Never felt the need to go upstairs. Just a great day all around. Bellagio and Varenna were true highlights. Sunny and 86F when we went.
Peter_L, Aug 2026
This was an excellent tour, relaxing, informative and well presented. Our guide Martino was very good making sure we go our seats on the train, reserved a restaurant for lunch and generally took care of us.
Lisa_M, Aug 2026
Allesandro did a fantastic job of moving our group on the train to the ferry and back. He was checking to make sure we stayed together throughout the busy train station. He’s a great guide.
Jeff_T, Aug 2026
Elsa our guide was amazing. Wonderful experience and so beautiful. A must see. Our guide was very friendly and organized
berleeg, Aug 2026
Elma is a wonderful guide. So much knowledge, and a wealth of information about everything. She is so patient and kind. The tour was fabulous. The group tour is a must as you get priority boarding. The views, wowowooww!!! Such beauty everywhere you turn.
Daniela_B, Aug 2026
Beautiful places to see, the trip is fantastic. Good value for the money we paid. And luckily the weather was super today.
Deborah_B, Aug 2026
We had an absolutely perfect day with Angela! Lake Como was beautiful! Angela knows the areas we visited well and made it fun and informative. It was incredibly hot and she always tried to keep us out of the sun. She went the extra mile through out the day. Would definitely recommend.
Kamal_K, Aug 2026
A great way to cover Como, Bellagio and Varenna in one day. Our guide Angela was excellent—very knowledgeable and well organized. She made sure we had priority access and the best seats on the boats. She was definitely the best part of the tour. Highly recommended!
Caryn_W, Aug 2026
We had a great experience on this tour. Our guide Alessandro is local to the area and provided us with lots of interesting stories and information on the towns and villas on the lake. He kept us on time and on track so we were able to see everything there is to see in one day. I highly recommend this tour.
Irina_M, Aug 2026
Great experience. Alessandro was patient and very knowledgeable. It was a whole day of packed fun. We even learned about the subway system
Marcia_N, Aug 2026
It was a wonderful tour. The small group was just perfect; easy to stay together and perfect for getting personal attention with the tour guide. We also loved having time on our own to explore each town.
Ekaterini_T, Aug 2026
Keep walking. Loved every minute. Alessandro was the perfect guide. Perfect day at lake Como. Loved the boat ride
mikkolim, Aug 2026
Barbra was a great guided. My family greatly enjoyed the tour. They even didn’t complain about all the walking. The views of the lake were amazing.
Steven_P, Aug 2026
Wonderful visit packed with lots of amazing sights. Our guide Nadia was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We started with a train from Milano Centrale to Como, then a walking tour of Como and ferry sightseeing ride to Bellagio. Nadia recommended a lovely place to eat, after which we took another ferry to Varenna. That was a highlight and then we took the train back to Milano.
Petra_B, Aug 2026
Chiara was an amazing guide! We traveled with my husband and his family and it was truly amazing! We stopped at Como City, Bellagio and Varenna and each was more beautiful than the next. Having a small group made the tour even better! Our guide was very attentive, recommended lunch spots and even made a reservation for us in Bellagio before we arrived. Overall a great experience, don’t hesitate to book!
Amy_K, Aug 2026
This day trip was a lot of fun. It was beautiful to see like Como and Bellagio, the guide was wonderful. She was very informative throughout the trip made sure we all stayed together and traveled safely. The boat ride over to Bellagio was two hours long with a few stops so it was a long journey and we had only about an hour in each stop, which really wasn’t much to do a lot of looking around, but they are small villages for the most part.
Oscar_S, Aug 2026
We loved this small tour, our guide Angela was incredibly nice, knowledgeable, funny and smart about making things like making lines or going from one place to another go smoother. Big shout out to her!! We decided to stay at the end in Varenna and it was the best decision.
From $129.43
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise
1,515
10 hours 30 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$129.43
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Milan, Italy
- Fidenza Village Tours & Tickets
- Navigli District Tours & Tickets
- Via della Spiga Tours & Tickets
- Museo del Novecento Tours & Tickets
- Church of Santa Maria at San Satiro (Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro) Tours & Tickets
- Brera Tours & Tickets
- 10 Corso Como Tours & Tickets
- Branca Tower (Torre Branca) Tours & Tickets
- Milan Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale di Milano) Tours & Tickets
- Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) Tours & Tickets
- Leonardo3 Museum Tours & Tickets
- Ticinese Tours & Tickets
- Palazzo Lombardia Tours & Tickets
- Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio) Tours & Tickets
- Como-Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como-Brunate) Tours & Tickets
- Brera Art Gallery (Pinacoteca di Brera) Tours & Tickets
- Poldi Pezzoli Museum (Museo Poldi Pezzoli) Tours & Tickets
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Tours & Tickets
More attractions near Milan, Italy
- Da Vinci's Last Supper (Il Cenacolo) Tours & Tickets
- Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) Tours & Tickets
- La Scala (Teatro alla Scala) Tours & Tickets
- Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie Tours & Tickets
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Tours & Tickets
- Bernina Express Tours & Tickets
- San Siro Stadium (Stadio San Siro) Tours & Tickets