Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna Semi-Private Day Trip from Milan
Visit three lakeside villages, enjoy a 90-minute boat cruise, and travel by train and ferry
Lake Como can feel daunting to explore independently, with public transport from Milan hard to navigate alone. That’s why, with a local guide, we’ll take you to renowned spots like Bellagio and Varenna, avoiding the stress of traffic and delays by traveling smoothly by train, so you can relax and immerse yourself in the heart of this stunning region. Enjoy a cruise across sparkling waters and experience the magic of Lake Como on this semi-private, stress-free adventure.
What You Get With This Tour
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Expert, English-speaking guide
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Round-trip first-class train and ferry tickets
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90-minute boat cruise
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Visit Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
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Guide tips
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Lunch
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide near Milan Central Station
Your Lake Como adventure begins near Milan's bustling Central Station. Your guide greets you with a friendly smile and introduces your small group before boarding a first-class express train for the scenic 50-minute ride toward the Alps. -
2
Explore Como
Step off the train into Como, a lakeside city with roots stretching back to pre-Roman times. Wander narrow marble streets while your guide shares stories of the city's past. Pause at the Duomo Cathedral, Italy's last Gothic cathedral, before continuing through Piazza San Fedele to the waterfront at Piazza Cavour. -
3
Cruise Lake Como past celebrity villas and film locations
Board your boat for a 90-minute cruise along the glittering lake. Glide past Villa Olmo's neoclassical gardens, Villa Erba from Ocean's Twelve, and the luxurious Villa d'Este. Continue past Villa del Balbianello, featured in Casino Royale and Star Wars, while the Alps rise dramatically behind you. -
4
Visit Bellagio
Your cruise ends in Bellagio, the village nestled in the lake's famous golden triangle. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and soak in waterfront views. Enjoy free time for an authentic Italian lunch at a lakeside restaurant recommended by your guide. -
5
Discover the quiet charm of Varenna
After lunch, ferry across to Varenna, a peaceful village on the eastern shore. Narrow alleys wind between pastel-colored houses draped with flowers. In your free time, visit Villa Monastero's botanical gardens or climb up to Castello di Vezio, a medieval castle with panoramic lake views. -
6
Your tour ends in Milan
Board your first-class train at Varenna station and relax in spacious seats as you glide through the Lombardy countryside. You'll arrive back at Milan Central Station in the evening, just steps from the city center, with a full day of Lake Como memories behind you.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Weather Advisory: This day trip runs rain or shine. Please note that the schedule or means of transportation (trains/ferries) may change due to force majeure or operational reasons (e.g., train strike/railworks, adverse weather conditions).
Dress Code (Duomo): Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women to enter the Como Duomo
Accessibility: Because of the areas visited (including trains, ferries, and uneven terrain), this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
ID Requirement: A valid passport or ID document matching the name on your booking is required for the train journey and potential checks.
Please Note: The maximum of 12 people applies to the land-based portion of the tour. However, the ferry rides between stops and 90-minute cruise use the public lake transport service, which will be shared with the general public.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 10-hour day trip from Milan includes:
Expert English-speaking licensed guide
Round-trip train ticket to Milan in first class
Ferry tickets to Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
90-minute boat cruise along the lake
Guided walking tour of Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
Admission to Duomo of Como
Maximum group size of 12
What to bring:
Government-issued ID matching the name provided at the time of the booking (required for train travel and potential checks)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water and snacks
Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are advisable, as it may be windy on the lake)
Cover-up (shawl/scarf for the Duomo)
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Customer Reviews
🇮🇹✨ Alessandro was a magnificent guide 🙌 2-hr ferry to Bellagio ⛴️ (wish it was 1, but I read previous reviews and knew this) — Bellagio so charming 💐, Varenna stunning views 🌄 best enjoyed from a café ☕️💛
Emma was personable and informative; she was calm and kept the group together without making us feel constrained. The tour was probably as much as (or more than) we could have accomplished in a day on our own. Most people slept on the bus ride back to Milan! We were exceptionally grateful that the tour arranged all the transportation; it saved us a lot of time and stress. The tour was advertised as “semi-private” and was limited to 12 people. However, we travelled on ferries with the masses and returned to Milan on a bus with 2 other groups so it hardly felt “semi-private”.
We had a lovely with tour with Anna in Como, Bellagio and Varenna! She was very knowledgeable and friendly. We had a small tour of 13 guests which was great BUT perhaps I didn't read the description well enough, I was under the impression the boat tour would also be that small but the boat tour and ferry rides were absolutely packed with a ton of other people. Again, maybe this was a mistake on my part but I do with that had been a little more clear. Purchasing tickets with the Tour Guy was a breeze and again, Anna was a fantastic guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Please bring a valid passport or ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes and umbrella in case of rain.
What to bring?
Please bring a valid passport or ID document matching the name provided at the time of the booking. We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes and umbrella in case of rain.
Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?
No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Milan.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, because of the areas visited, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have other concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to assist you .
What happens if it rains?
We run our Lake Como Day Trip rain or shine. The schedule/means of transportation of the tour can change due to force majeure/operations reasons (eg. train strike/railworks, weather conditions, etc).
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
No, but you'll have a break to find delicious food. Your guide will suggest several wonderful lake view restaurants in Bellagio.
Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No hotel pickup is included on this tour. You will meet your guide at the designated meeting point near the Milan Central Station.
Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?
Kids are welcome on this day trip from Milan, and there is a reduced fee for kids aged 17 and under.
