Lake Como from Milan: Varenna, Bellagio, and the Iconic Villa
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Milan, Italy
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Check out the highlights of central Lake Como on a day trip from Milan by train and boat. With a guide at your side, you’ll travel on the train to Varenna, a town on the banks of the chic Italian lake. Hop on a boat and cruise over the water to Bellagio, then continue by boat to Tremezzo where the decadent Villa Carlotta waits to be explored. Entrance fees, transport, and ample free time are included through the day.
- Day trip from Milan to central Lake Como
- Travel by train with a guide all the way to Varenna
- Cruise between Varenna, Bellagio, and Tremezzo
- Spend free time in beautiful Bellagio to shop and eat
- Visit Villa Carlotta and explore its expansive gardens
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Round-trip train travel between Milan and Varenna
- Visit to Villa Carlotta
- Boat-cruise to Bellagio
- Walking tours in Varenna and Bellagio
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Central Station area, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, Italy
Meeting point with your Guide in front of Five Guys inside the Central Station ( Milano Stazione Centrale) 1° floor at the train platform level.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
1
Varenna
4 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Bellagio
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
3
Villa Carlotta
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 3 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Channing_D
Despite rainy weather, our tour was excellent and gave us a nice glimpse of Lake Como and Vareena and Belagio. Our guide Renzo was excellent, very informative and interesting, friendly, and very helpful. We would definitely recommend him, he took great care that we enjoyed our visit, provided excellent advice for places to eat.
Reviews
4.7
based on 74 reviews
Anne_Q, Jun 2025
Comfortable shoes and plan for many stairs. Well worth it. A beautiful location our guide was amazing
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your suggestion :-)
We happy you had great time with us. We hope to be able to share with you another experience like this in the future!
Grazie e Arrivederci!
Your Travel Diary
Nicholas_D, May 2025
Great day trip from Milan to the highlights of Lake Como. Guide was knowledgeable, very patient, and often pointed out little things that make a tour unique. Booking this gave me all I wanted and more, not to mention it saves you tons of time not having to stand in the long lines for the boats!
Response from Host, May 2025
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the beauty and serenity of this picturesque
destination with our guide Renzo. Grazie!
Your Travel Diary
Maria_B, Apr 2025
Our guide Francesco was WONDERFUL. But there is no way this tour was worth the $500+ the two of us paid for it. It was a bunch of things we could have easily arranged in our own for about a quarter of the price. Add in the guide, and we are still at less than half the price. Also, who wants to spend 3 hours in crowded tacky Bellagio? That stop could've been eliminated or cut short. Francesco is knowledgeable and engaging and we would give him our highest recommendation, but the itinerary is padded and overpriced. I would like a credit on my upcoming Viator purchases. i think that would be fair.
Response from Host, May 2025
I am really very sorry about your feedback. You wrote a bad review, asked for money back and tried in any way to make the day a bad day...
In my opinion, you had a great tour with Francesco. You selected the wrong day to make the tour, during weekend and during italian festivities which all milaneses and italians move to como lake to enjoy the day off.
You are right, Bellagio is over crowed but people still want to stay there and visit it. consider the fact to tell your parents, friends, colleagues to visit Como lake skipping Bellagio, maybe something can change, but if we spend time in Bellagio is not my fault.
regards
Josephine_C, Apr 2025
We had a wonderful day touring Lake Como, Villa Carlotta and Bellagio. Our tour guide Emilio was so nice and shared so much history about each location. We had free time in Bellagio and I wish we’d had more time there as there’s so much to see!
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Dear Travellers,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. We hope to be able to share with you another experience like this in the future!
Grazie e Arrivederci!
Your Travel Diary
Luis_A, Sep 2024
Lake Como was beautiful except there were no trains back to Milan. Maria Angela was great, she went beyond her touring skills and made sure we got back safe. She is very knowledgeable and caring.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hello
thank you for your kind words, Maria Angela is a very great guide, we made our best in order to make you enjoy the tour even when the train was very late. thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Happy travels!
-Your Travel Diary
Shirley_B, Jul 2024
We had a lovely day on this tour. Lorenzo was accomodating, kind and also very professional and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your lovely review! We're really happy to hear that you enjoyed your day in Varenna and Bellagio with Renzo as your guide. It's wonderful to know you appreciated his knowledge and found Villa Carlotta beautiful. Thank you and Arrivederci!
Your Travel Diary
Jane_M, Jul 2024
Our tour to the Lake Como area was informative and delightful, due to the expertise of our guide Alexandra. Not only did she run ahead to hold the ferry, she dealt with other challenges of schedule chances and locations with efficient and effective results. We applaud her knowledge, cleverness, and abilities. What a beautiful tour with a lovely lady.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review, we are grateful for your time in sharing your experience.
Appreciatively,
Your Travel Diary
AnaE_F, Jul 2024
My sister and I went on this tour with Renzo as our guide. He was very flexible and very knowledgeable, taking us on a memorable visit of the Lake Como area. We highly recommend this tour!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're really happy to hear that you and your sister had a memorable visit to the Lake Como area with Renzo as your guide. His flexibility and knowledge are indeed some of the qualities we pride ourselves on. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on another tour soon! Safe travels!
ElmerSanPedro, Jun 2024
The entire tour was fantastic! But my favorite part was learning the history of Lake Como and the surrounding area via an excellent local guide! Lake Como is absolutely gorgeous! But the historical context that our guide provided brought the past into the present and helped me to better understand the culture and history surrounding Lake Como, Varenna and Bellagio! 12/10! I would highly recommend this tour! And ask for Renzo to be your guide!
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found the historical context provided by Renzo enriching. Lake Como, Varenna, and Bellagio are indeed beautiful, and we're happy Renzo could help bring their history and culture to life for you. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to see you on another tour soon!
Your Travel Diary
Channing_D, May 2024
Despite rainy weather, our tour was excellent and gave us a nice glimpse of Lake Como and Vareena and Belagio. Our guide Renzo was excellent, very informative and interesting, friendly, and very helpful. We would definitely recommend him, he took great care that we enjoyed our visit, provided excellent advice for places to eat.
Response from Host, May 2024
Hello Dear Travellers,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with our guide Renzo. We believe that Renzo has the magical power to turn every tour in an unique experience, even if it was raining! However, we look forward to host you again in Italy in future!
Thank you and Arrivederci!
Matilde-ytd team
ALLENLINDA_B, Oct 2023
If you don’t have a lot of experience in trains, busses, boats this was so ideal. He met us at a pre designated spot at the train station led us into the train,, narrated along the way. Took us to Villa Carlotta, the beautiful gardens, Bellagio and Varenna. All very beautiful. You might wish for a little longer free time in Bellagio or Varenna but then you’d miss the Villa. We thought it was great! Lots of stairs everywhere.. but you can stay on the lower lake view level at a cafe if mobility is a problem. Basically you leave Milan train station about 8:20 and get back home 5:30 ish. It’s a great tour! Highly recommend
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review, especially for delving into the enchantment of Como Lake.
It's truly special to hear that Como Lake resonated with you, and we are grateful for your time in sharing your experience.
Appreciatively,
Your Travel Diary.
Richard_P, Oct 2023
We enjoyed our 10 hour tour of Lake Como from pick-up to drop off at Milano Centrale. Emilio has a detailed knowledge of the area and its sites, and a passion for his job. The itinerary is well-organized and includes some free time for wandering and shopping. We particularly enjoyed Varenna and were very happy we took Emilio up on his offer to lead us up the hill on a guided tour of two older churches. Some downsides: a couple of the ferry rides were VERY crowded (uncomfortable like a NY subway) and the price is high especially considering that gratuities were not included.
Svitlana_B, Sep 2023
Great experience, amazing view. Highly recommended The tour guide was very helpful and friendly.
The only thing: the company should provide more information about meeting point. The details are very important!!!
isabelledinerman, Sep 2023
Our guide was Emilio and as my friend and I were the only ones who signed up for the tour, it ended up becoming a private tour for the two of us by default. Emilio was absolutely fantastic and Villa Carlotta was beautiful and full of interesting art. However, for me, the best part was the gardens. We had a rainy day but Emilio still made it fun. He also had an excellent suggestion for lunch.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Receiving such positive feedback is incredibly affirming and serves as a testament to the dedication and passion that went into our Tours Planning.
Emilio and our Team want to say you a big "Grazie Mille!"
Thank you for choose Your Travel Diary.
Sylvia_T, Sep 2023
Our tour guide Emilio was wonderful. He was well organized, and the pace of visiting the different islands was well done. He was very kind and patient. My husband and I ended up being the only people on the tour and yet he still took us out.! The train ride from Malon to Varena went smoothly. The visit to Villa Carlotta was beautiful. Villagio is also very beautiful. We had a very nice lunch there. Was not much time to shop, but we got to see everything. Would definitely go again. Thank you so much, Emilio.
Response from Host, Dec 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review, especially for delving into the enchantment of Como Lake. Your words captured not just the essence of my work, but also the essence of the breathtaking surroundings.
It's truly special to hear that Como Lake resonated with you, and we are grateful for your time in sharing your experience. Your review has added an extra layer of joy to the beauty of the lake itself. Emilio and Our Team it will be a pleasure to host you again! Ciao!
Appreciatively,
Your Travel Diary
Laurene_B, Jul 2023
I loved this tour! Our guide was very knowledgeable and kind.
Plenty of time to explore & shop!
It’s a very busy tourist spot but our guide knew how to manage the group and avoid the lines :D
Many thanks L.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
We are absolutely delighted to receive your wonderful review of our Lake Como tour! Your appreciation for the beauty and charm of this stunning destination resonates deeply with us. It's incredibly rewarding to know that our efforts to create a captivating and memorable experience have left a positive impression on you. Grazie!
-Tour Travel Diary
Lee_G, Jul 2023
Mixed trip. Difficulties with transit, not the fault of the guide and he responded as well as he could. however, the fault lines with the tour company. However as good as the guide was in getting us from location to location he was poorly informed and unable or disseminate accurate information about the sites visited.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
I am very sorry for your complaint, unfortunately we had problems with transport and from there we had to plan an alternative tour, all fully explained and shared with you. I'm sorry that even after these efforts you still submitted a complaint.
we always try to do our best.
Alexandra_M, Jul 2023
Gardens and view from Villa Carlotta was a highlight as well as Bellagio. Emilio was the best most knowledgeable guide. Spoke very good English.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for entrusting us with your exploration of Lake Como with our guide Emilio and for taking the time to share your glowing feedback. we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you back for another enchanting adventure in the future! Grazie!
-Your Travel Diary
Rebecca_T, Jun 2023
I highly recommend this tour and guide. The train line had a last minute close down. This could of resulted in our tour being cancelled 5mins in. Renzo was amazing and recreated the day to work around it and still get us to lake Como. It was perfect regardless of the changes. He’s very knowledgeable and kind.
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience with our guide Lorenzo. Your support is truly invaluable, and we're excited to continue exceeding your expectations in the future!
-Your Travel Diary
Caren_K, May 2023
I along with my client was VERY disappointed. We met the tour guide in the morning at the train station and was informed instead of returning at 5PM we would return at 7PM due to train changes which required us to take another long ferry back to the train station in Como. We ended up getting back close to 8PM which was unacceptable and caused my client alot of stress since she had missed her dinner plans and was traveling back to the US very early the next morning. I would appreciate a refund for the tours. It was have been nice to receive an email the night before!!!!!!!!!!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello, I am very sorry for your review. we tried our best in order to make your client's tour enjoyable but we had problem with the transports so we tried to make a different arrangement for them.
LISA_B, May 2023
Emilio was an excellent guide! He had the day well planned and organized, but was also flexible when we wanted to make a quick stop. He is extremely knowledgeable about history and all the places he showed us. We enjoyed getting to see Varenna and Bellagio as well as Villa Carlotta. Fantastic day in beautiful Lake Como!
Response from Host, Jan 2024
Hello Lisa! Thank you for choosing our tour and allowing us to be a part of your memorable tour with Emilio around this breathtaking destination. We look forward to welcoming you back for more magical moments by the shores of Lake Como!
-Your Travel Diary
Juanita_L, Oct 2022
I would do this tour again in a heartbeat! The forecast was for 95% chance of rain. We took the chance, and did not cancel!! So so glad that I didn’t!! Don’t trust the forecast, just go. We got rain very early in, then completely stopped, then we had beautiful clouds lying between the mountains, and then there were blue skys after!! We experienced the different sceneries!! Breath taking both ways!! Our tour guide Renzo was magnificent! He loves history and he shared it so well with us.. He is so passionate about all the details of the art pieces, the historical buildings, Villa Carlotta and making sure we got the most out of our full day around the cities in Como! He is so knowledgeable and excited to share with us all details, that we will not forget it. It made every thing come to life. It was worth it all. We ordered the fresh catch of the day which was astounding, and we bought beautiful silk scarves and leather goods. The ferry ride was just amazing.We want to go back!!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thanks for the awesome review, Juanita! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Come back and see us soon. Cheers!
Maryjane_N, Oct 2022
Great guide and a wonderful experience. Beautiful place and scenery.I would suggest being careful with older folks on the amount of steps you have to climb
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review .We really appreciate you taking time to drop us this feedback. Especially Bellagio is an old panoramic village, in case you are with older folks our guides can suggest places to stay and relax, in Bellagio you can observe mainly cypresses and olive trees, hedges that shape the terraces. The panorama sweeps over the two branches of the lake, with views of extraordinary beauty. Hope we see you soon again in Italy.
Happy travels!
Ian_H, Oct 2022
Wonderful day visiting Varenna, Bellagio and Villa Carlotta. Renzo was an excellent guide and knew so much history about the area. The views alone are worth it! I wish we had had more time in the gardens at Villa Carlotta; we’ll have to come back one day and spend an entire day there. Overall an excellent tour and would recommend it anyone!!
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review .We really appreciate you taking time to drop us this honest feedback. We are glad that you had such a wonderful experience with us. Hope we see you soon again in Italy.
Happy travels!
Anonymous, Sep 2022
Our group of 5 friends found our guide Renzo at the appointed time and place without problem. Renzo was an excellent guide and shared his extensive geographical and historical knowledge of the region while en route to Varenna on the train. Arriving at Varenna we walked downhill to the harbor to embark on the ferry to Villa Carlotta. Renzo guided us expertly through the beautiful gardens and museum, sharing his enthusiasm for both the natural and artistic beauty of the Villa. Upon arriving at Bellagio around noon, he led us through the quaint side streets and plazas to the church and northern point of the peninsula, while advising us of several options for lunch and shopping. We had a delicious lunch on our own as well as time for shopping. We would have loved to spend more time at each location but it was a very full day and we look forward to a return visit in the spring when gardens are in full bloom.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Thank you very much for your nice review and your time spent with us. We will be here waiting for you in Spring. Please contact me directly on Your Travel Diary website so we can customized your next tour throught the magic of nature and beauties on the lake.
best, Beatrice
anthony_m, Jul 2022
Very Beautiful place. Spent the day with my wife there and had a great day. The views are spectacular and the people there are very nice.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much for your kind review .We really appreciate you taking time to drop us this honest feedback. We are glad that you had such a wonderful experience with us. Hope we see you soon again in Italy.
Happy travels!
Sandra_G, Jul 2022
Our guide was excellent at helping us get the most education and comfort. It was hot and she helped us stay safe while giving us detailed information about the venue. She was fantastic and made the day enjoyable and interesting.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks for the awesome review! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear we hit the mark for you. Come back and see us soon. Cheers!
FREDERICK_M, Jul 2022
Andrea was a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who offered us commentary, but tailored it to our questions. We had great flexibility for exploring on our own and he helped us as needed in finding places to eat. The timing was sufficient between and at destinations. A perfect day at Lago di Como! Thank you.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Thank you very much for your feedback, you have definitely got the essence of our tour. Small group allow you to have a personal relationship with the guide, being able to customize the itinerary, answering questions, helping with curiosities, shopping, food and enjoying the most you can have on a quiet day on the lake without hordes of tourists who have to crack the second to reach the meeting point.
Happy travels thank you !
Patty_B, Jul 2022
Our guide Pietro was great. However the tour is overprice as you have to travel to/from Lake Como via train on standard cabin (cost per person is $26 euros) then the ferry to go from place to place is around $24 per person) so basically you are paying extra $160 to have a tour guide for the day.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
We are really sorry to receive feedback like this. In my opinion completely valueless, it does not help anyone nor us as a tour operator to grow nor the travelers who will be interested in this tour.
By joining a guided tour you know that there are not only out-of-pocket costs that you found on the internet, otherwise why taking part of a guided tour, managed and well organized directly for you, ready to be tasted!
The price is high, yes of course, because it is a quality tour. An expert local guide stays with a very small group all day on a well-organized tour where you don't waste a minute of your day, taking you to places you wouldn't even be able to discover on your own
..and sorry did you also forget to include some other costs or did you not find the cost on internet?
Britt_H, Jun 2022
Renzo was a great guide! Three destinations on Como in a day is a lot to manage, but he did a great job balancing providing useful and engaging pointers and information while still allowing guests to personalize their experiences within the time frame of each stop.
Response from Host, Jul 2022
Hello,
Thank you very much for your recent visit and kind review on TripAdvisor. Thank you for choosing us and we are at disposal for your next trip to Italy!
Best Regards & Happy Travels!
From $352.28
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