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
We showed up early at the meeting point and saw all of the tour guides arrive and leave with their groups, but none of them had us listed as part of their group. We had our email confirmation showing the tour company etc, but did not have a name of our tour guide. Finally one tour guide, Elma, was kind and professional and said she would not leave us behind. She took matters into her own hands and got us to join her group. Elma, showed true customer-obsession in ensuring we were not left behind, even though, we were not officially on her list. Once this mixup was behind us, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the beautiful scenery of Lake Como. The towns were stunning and left us wanting to go back!
The tour guide was very kind & gave us a lot of information that was great! Loved everything we saw on this tour. The train ride back, on the other hand, was a nightmare. I understand that Italian trains can be somewhat not on time, but this went beyond being late. We met at 6:15p for our train, & I just got to my hotel @ 10pm! The train ride back just didn’t show up & no one knew what was going on. We waited (in the heat-I know that can’t be changed) for over 2 hours without knowing why the train was that late. It wasn’t the tour guides fault either, & he handled himself well. Then I find out that Friday the trains are striking (they do this every month). Unfortunately, it just happens that I thought I would try a train instead of flying from Milan to Zurich for another tour that I can’t miss. Now I have that to figure out. I don’t understand the logic of shutting down the trains & totally inconveniencing people’s travel schedules. I have only used the Tour Guy for tours & have always enjoyed them. I have done several before & have another two this trip. Thank you …
Mauro was an awesome guide. He made sure we were together & had a great time despite the crowds & various modes of transportation. Plenty of free time to explore. So much to see! Lake Como was Beautiful! We had a wonderful day!
It started out with heavy rain, but luckily we were on the train and boat during the worst of it. Our guide, Francesco, went above and beyond to find us great seats on both the train and the boat. We visited three beautiful places — Como, Bellagio, and Varenna. After lunch, the sun came out, and we were able to fully enjoy the lake. We really appreciate our guide Francesco. His caring and kindness made the trip so much more enjoyable.
Outstanding tour. Tour guide interacted with all of us on a one on one basis. All the destinations were wonderful, a glorious sight to be seen.
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.
