Start your day in central Milan, where you’ll meet your guide and board a spacious, air-conditioned coach. Relax with Wi-Fi as you leave the city behind, winding through Lombardy’s rolling hills and scenic villages. Your guide will give a quick overview of the day’s highlights and what to look forward to.
Arrive in the lakeside city of Lugano and follow your guide through its charming streets. Stroll along the waterfront, admire the architecture of St. Lawrence Cathedral, and explore Ciani Park with its sprawling gardens. Wander through old town alleys and browse boutiques on Via Nassa, stopping for photos or a quick coffee to take in the Swiss lakeside charm.
Next, a short drive brings you to Como, where you’ll have free time to enjoy a local lunch and explore the historic city center. Stroll the lakeside promenade, admire elegant villas and lush gardens, and step into landmarks like Como Cathedral or Tempio Voltiano. Whether you choose to take photos, shop for souvenirs, or relax by the water, Como offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic beauty.
After exploring Como, step aboard a boat for a scenic one-hour cruise across Lake Como. Glide past medieval villages like Torno and Moltrasio, capture the colorful houses reflected in the water, and soak in panoramic mountain views. This is your chance to experience the lake from the water, creating unforgettable memories of its serene landscapes.
Finally, board the coach back to Milan, reflecting on a day filled with lakeside charm, Alpine scenery, and a seamless journey through both Swiss and Italian towns. You’ll arrive in the evening with plenty of memories and photos from a perfectly planned day trip.
| Tour Type | Price Range | Duration | Transport | Guide | Group Size | Season Availability | What’s Included | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boat Tours | €60–€120 | 1–2 hours | 🛥️ Boat only | ❌ Optional (usually private tours) | Varies; smaller for private tours | March–October (some year-round) | Boat ride, safety equipment; some include refreshments | Scenic cruise past lakeside villages, photo stops, and relaxing on the water. Private tours often include commentary and hidden spots. |
Day Trips | €70–€200+ | 8–13 hours | 🚌 AC coach / bus + 🛥️ boat; some include 🚞 train/funicular | ✅ Professional English-speaking guide | Usually 10–20; smaller for private tours | March–October; limited winter options | Round-trip transfers, guided walking tours, optional boat cruise, sometimes meals | Explore lakeside towns and historic landmarks, stroll promenades, enjoy a scenic boat ride, and experience Lake Como’s culture and landscapes in one seamless day. |
When planning a trip to Lake Como, the towns you visit and the villas you choose to explore are more than just stops: they shape the rhythm, activities, and vibe of your entire stay. From bustling lakeside promenades to tranquil garden retreats, your choices will influence how you experience the lake’s culture, scenery, and history. Understanding the differences between towns and villas helps you plan a trip that matches your interests, whether you’re seeking leisure, adventure, or a romantic escape.
Perfect for travelers short on time.
A relaxed itinerary covering top sights and villas.
Day 1: Como & Brunate
Day 2: Bellagio & Varenna
Ideal for travelers wanting a deeper Lake Como experience.
Day 1: Como & Brunate
Day 2: Bellagio & Varenna
Day 3: Lenno & Tremezzo
Optional Day 4: Cernobbio & the North
Regular public ferry and private boat tours mainly run from March to October, with peak operations in May–September. Winter months have limited ferry services, and a lot of private tours shut down due to weather and reduced demand.
Yes, especially in the peak season (May to September). Guided tours, boat rentals, and villa entries can sell out. Pre-book online or directly with local operators.
Yes—guided tours are ideal if you want historical insights, stress-free logistics, and curated access to villas, gardens, or even private boat rides. Many tours cover multiple towns (e.g., Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo) in one day and include stops by major sites like Villa Balbianello or Villa Carlotta.
Public ferries are inexpensive (€4–€15 per leg), can be hopped on and off as you like, scenic but slower. Private boat tours are more expensive (€150–€400+ per hour), but customizable, faster, and great for photography or special occasions. Some include prosecco, guides, or villa stops.
Not at all. Most popular towns are connected by ferry and bus. A car may be helpful for remote villages or mountain hikes, but it’s not recommended in busy towns due to narrow streets and limited parking. Trains + ferries are the easiest combo.
Absolutely. Trains from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni or Varenna-Esino take about 40–60 minutes. Day tours from Milan often include transportation, a boat cruise, and guided visits to villages. However, staying overnight allows more time for ferry-hopping and villa visits.
Shared boat tours are typically 90 minutes. Private boat tours included in day trips from Milan are usually longer, around 2 hours.
You do not need a passport for Lake Como itself, as it is in Italy. However, if you book a tour that includes a stop in Switzerland (like Lugano or St. Moritz), you must bring your passport and check any visa requirements.
The best way to explore is by ferry, which connects all the major towns like Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. Buses and trains are also available. We recommend planning your routes in advance, especially during peak season.
Enjoy a private boat tour on Lake Como, plus free time to explore Bellagio at your own pace—convenient and relaxing in one trip.
Inclusions
Full day trip to Como and Bellagio
2-hour private boat tour of Lake Como
High-speed Wi-Fi onboard
Guided walking tour of Como city center
Free time at Bellagio
Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
Expert English/Spanish-speaking guide
Exclusions
Maximize your day with a seamless trip to Italy and Switzerland, including a private boat tour and guided tours, all with hassle-free transportation.
Inclusions
Full day trip to Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
2-hour private boat tour of Lake Como
High-speed Wi-Fi onboard
Guided tours of Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Experience both Italy and Switzerland in one day, with a boat ride on Lake Como and a scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps.
Inclusions
Full day trip to Como and St. Moritz
Private boat tour of Lake Como
Round-trip bus transfers from Milan
Bernina Red Train round-trip tickets
Free time at St. Moritz
Expert English/Spanish-speaking guide
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
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