from
$172
Lake Como, Bellagio and Varenna Small Group Day Trip from Milan
Visit three lakeside villages, enjoy a 90-minute boat cruise, and travel by train and ferry
What's included
Expert, English-speaking guide
Round-trip first-class train and ferry tickets
90-minute boat cruise
Visit Como, Bellagio, and Varenna
Guide tips
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
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.
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 (optional), Italy's last Gothic cathedral, before continuing through Piazza San Fedele to the waterfront at Piazza Cavour.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Select participants and date
Start times are in the product’s local time
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Sat, 17 Oct 2026
Meeting and drop-off point
Important Details
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. The Duomo visit is optional
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 14 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 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 (optional)
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 - please note the visit is optional)
See what people are saying
4.93
41 verified ratings
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What reviewers sayPowered by Cicero AIBETA
Reviewers frequently praise the guides for their knowledge, helpfulness, and ability to secure comfortable seating with great views, enhancing the overall experience of visiting Lake Como and its villages. Some found the pace fast and the group occasionally challenging to stay together, while others noted delays and crowded ferries beyond the guide's control.
Karen B.
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October 15, 2026
The tour was wonderful. The guide was very informative. The boat rides were relaxing and guide made sure we were sitting on the correct side of the boat to see the best sights. Once we docked in Bellagio we didn’t realize there were so many hills and stairs, that were strenuous for my companion. The same was true For Cadenabbia and Como. If you have mobility issues this trip may not be best for you. But I must add that we had the best tour companions ever! Everyone was beyond nice and helpful. We all looked out for each other. I have been on many tours but this group was exceptional.
Lake Como Tour
Ellis E.
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October 12, 2026
Mr. Martino was great! I thought the tour was well worth the price and we had a great time. We could have used more time in Bellagio or Varenna but understand if you want to see more you need to keep moving!
An enjoyable day
Susan M.
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September 29, 2026
The overall trip was great! Our guide made sure we had seats in the first class section on the train and was excellent in directing us to the best seats on the boat so we would have the best views of the villas. We were a group of 14 , so it was nice to be able to meet all of the other guests. At times the guide walked extremely fast which made it a bit challenging to stay all together, but the guide was aware that there was a visually impaired individual, so even if the group got ahead, he always stopped and waited for us at the meeting point of that part of the excursion.
Lilisbeth M.
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September 29, 2026
Great tour and Barbara was such an amazing guide
Elaina M.
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September 25, 2026
Laura B.
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September 12, 2026
In Awe of Lake Como
Patricia H.
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August 16, 2026
If only I could afford to live on Lake Como! The tour was perfect. We had a decent amount of time to walk each village, have lunch, and do some shopping. The cruise was absolutely amazing with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and villages. Our guide was delightful and knowledgeable, and also placed our group in the most comfortable areas (out of the heat and sun) in each transition between villages. We were able to relax and take in the views, and tour villages with time and comfort.
Kelvyn A.
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August 03, 2026
Very enjoyable. But the temperatures must be taken into account. It does pose a health risk. Cold Bottled water should be supplied once or twice. Certainly in the USA it could give rise to a liability issue in my professional opinion. Salvo was a very good guide informative and patient, I would definitely use him again.
Great trip! Can't wait to go back
Jacqueline G.
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July 18, 2026
Ms. Angela was an amazing guide. She was full of knowledge, got us the best seats, suggested great places to go for lunch and shopping, and gave us short cuts and what felt like insider tips. She was the perfect guide for what was a beautiful and breathtaking day
Started rough and finished beautifully!
Kayvan L.
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June 19, 2026
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!
Lake Como, Bellagio, Varenna tour
Judy F.
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May 27, 2026
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 …
Outstanding!
Heather V.
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May 26, 2026
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!
A Rainy Start, A Beautiful Day on Lake Como
Pi-Yu C.
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May 16, 2026
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.
Anna
anna N.
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May 12, 2026
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.
Wonderful day at Lake Como
Leeanne A.
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May 06, 2026
We had a fantastic trip to Lake Como. Our guide, Antonella Boccuto, was amazing. She is super friendly and enthusiastic. Despite rainy weather, she made the trip bright and fun. She is super knowledgeable and told us lots of interesting information about the lake, the towns, the villas and the history. She is very familiar with the area and the logistics and always got us to the front of the line for the ferries and the trains. Our seats were always top tier. She also gave us great suggestions for lunch restaurant and pastry shops! The lake is beautiful and the towns we visited, Bellagio and Varrona, are so cute and fun for shopping and dining. We would highly recommend this trip, especially with Antonella!
Alessandro was fantastic
TRACY B.
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April 17, 2026
Alessandro was fantastic
Monica B.
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March 26, 2026
Great guide & day!!
Lisa Y.
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March 17, 2026
As 2 Texans traveling in Milan for the first time, we had the best time!!! Salvo was a great guide & gave us so much information!! Loved it!!
Greg L.
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October 27, 2025
Magnificent Views
Julie B.
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October 05, 2025
🇮🇹✨ 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 ☕️💛
A very busy day
Hal B.
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September 20, 2025
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”.
Jeremy R.
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September 17, 2025
Wonderful!
Jessica Z.
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September 09, 2025
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.
Anthony H.
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August 14, 2025
Angela was great! She knew all the tips to get through the crowds. I highly recommend.
Very Good Way to Spend the Day
Shan M.
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August 11, 2025