Como, Bellagio and Varenna Small-Group Day Trip from Milan with Boat Cruise
About Como, Bellagio and Varenna Small-Group Day Trip from Milan with Boat Cruise
This guided day trip takes you from Milan to Lake Como by train, then by ferry to the villages of Bellagio and Varenna. Groups are capped at 14 people. It has 1,700 reviews and a 4.9 rating.
The trip lasts about 10.5 hours, including all train and ferry time, with prices from about $125 per person. It ends back at Milan Central Station.
Itinerary
- Milan (40 minutes)
- Como (45 minutes)
- (1.7 hours)
- Villa Olmo
- Cernobbio
- Lake Como
- Torno
- Villa Erba
- Villa Carlotta
- Villa Del Balbianello
- Bellagio (1.8 hours)
- Bellagio (15 minutes)
- Varenna (1.5 hours)
- Stazione Centrale (55 minutes)
What’s included
- Priority skip-the-line access for boat cruise & guaranteed prebooked seats on the ferry to Bellagio
- Professional local expert English-speaking guide to make your experience informative & entertaining
- Lake Como boat cruise is included in the cost with guaranteed seats & reserved skip-the-line access
- Train tickets (first class), ferry, subway & boat skip-the-line tickets are included in the cost
- Visit Como, Bellagio & Varenna. Enjoy a balanced mix of free time and tour
- ❌ NO BIG GROUPS ➡️ SMALL GROUP ONLY ✅ 14 PEOPLE MAX
Meeting point
Your guide will meet you in front of Central Station of Milan near the giant apple statue (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=45.48495101928711%2C9.203128814697266). The guide will have a professional guide's badge. A day before the tour we may also share the exact name & direct contact of the guide. | Your guide will meet you in Como City, directly in front of the train station Como San Giovanni. The guide will have a professional guide's bagde. One day before the tour we will also provide you the exact name & direct contact of the guide. | Your guide will meet you in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (near Piazza Duomo) in front of Louis Vuitton store. The guide will have a professional guide's bagde. One day before the tour we will also provide you the exact name & direct contact of the guide.
What to expect on the day
You meet your guide in Milan and take an express train to Como. From there, a ferry cruise with pre-booked seats and priority boarding carries you up the lake past historic villas and the Alps to the central part of the lake. In Como, Bellagio and Varenna you get a mix of guided walking and free time. Your guide suggests lake-view restaurants in Bellagio for lunch. The group normally takes the train back to Milan from Varenna.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: A local English-speaking guide, first-class train tickets, subway tickets, the ferry cruise with guaranteed seats and priority boarding, and visits to Como, Bellagio and Varenna.
- Not included: Lunch in Bellagio, entry to villas such as Villa Cipressi or Villa Monastero (pay at the villa), and the Last Supper in Milan.
What to bring
- An original ID, such as a passport or driving license, which the train company may ask to see.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the hilly village lanes.
- A light jacket for the ferry, and swimwear in summer if you want to use the small beach in Varenna.
Tips for a better day
- Meeting point: Meet in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II near Piazza Duomo, in front of Milan Central Station by the giant apple statue, or in front of Como San Giovanni station. Arrive 5 minutes early, as the group leaves on time.
- Check the start time: From November to mid-March the tour starts about 1 hour earlier than from April to October.
- Stay longer: You can stay on in Varenna and return to Milan on your own with the tickets provided. Tell the operator before 1:00 PM on the day.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Travelers based in Milan who want to see the highlights of Lake Como in one day without planning trains and ferries.
Consider another option if: You are already staying on the lake and want a slower, private day on the water. The private wooden boat tour leaves from Como town.
Restrictions
Travelers need a moderate level of fitness. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments, spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. It runs in rain, and the program can change because of train strikes, bad weather or boat problems.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. After that, bookings cannot be changed or refunded, and you must cancel through your own account.
FAQ about Como, Bellagio and Varenna Small-Group Day Trip from Milan with Boat Cruise
How long is the Lake Como day trip from Milan?
About 10.5 hours, including all train and ferry time.
Where does the tour start?
In Milan, at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II or Milan Central Station. There is also a meeting point at Como San Giovanni station.
Which villages does it visit?
Como, Bellagio and Varenna.
How big are the groups?
A maximum of 14 people.
Is lunch included?
No. Your guide suggests lake-view restaurants in Bellagio, and you pay for lunch yourself.
Are train and ferry tickets included?
Yes. First-class train tickets, subway tickets and the ferry cruise are included.
Does the tour run in the rain?
Yes. It is always confirmed in case of rain.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes. Bring an original passport, ID card or driving license, as the train company may ask for it.
Can I stay longer in Varenna?
Yes. Tell the operator before 1:00 PM on the day and you get tickets to return on your own.
Is it suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
No. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.
