How long is the Bellagio & Varenna full-day tour?

The experience lasts around eight hours, including time spent in both villages, the Villa Monastero visit, and the return cruise to Como.

Do we have time for lunch during the tour?

Yes, you will have free time for lunch in Varenna. Your guide will suggest restaurant options based on your preferences and the timing of the day.

Is the entrance to Villa Monastero included?

Yes, the entrance to Villa Monastero is included unless otherwise specified. Your guide will accompany you along its lakeside garden and historic interiors.

What type of boat is used for the tour?

The tour uses a comfortable private boat with an open deck suitable for sightseeing, photography, and relaxed lake cruising.

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Lake Como?

Yes. The itinerary combines two of the lake’s most iconic villages and is designed to offer a complete and enjoyable introduction to Lake Como.

Is the tour available in all weather conditions?

The tour operates in most weather conditions. In case of severe weather or unsafe lake conditions, you will be notified in advance and offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, children aged 7 and above, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. The experience is suitable for families, and the walking sections are at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from the lakefront in Como. You will receive the exact meeting point details in your confirmation email.

Are animals allowed on the tour?

No, animals are not allowed on this tour to ensure comfort, safety, and smooth logistics for all participants.

Is the tour suitable for guests using wheelchairs or with mobility limitations?

Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or for those who have significant mobility difficulties. Boarding the boat requires stepping down onto the dock and moving steadily on uneven surfaces, and there is no safe way to assist wheelchair boarding on this vessel.

We are based in Milan — how can we reach the meeting point?

Lake Como is located about 50 km (31 miles) north of Milan and is easy to reach by train, car, or taxi. By Train 1. Milano Centrale → Como San Giovanni (40–45 min) Direct regional or Eurocity trains Walk 7–8 minutes to the lakefront 2. Milano Cadorna → Como Nord Lago (60–75 min) Trenord regional trains Final stop is right next to the lake 3. Milano Porta Garibaldi → Como San Giovanni (40–50 min) Direct Trenord trains Short downhill walk to the lakefront By Car Driving takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Parking is limited near the lakefront. Recommended parking: Parcheggio Centro Lago (covered, central). By Taxi Journey time is about 1 hour; fares usually range from €75 to €150 depending on pickup point and time. Main companies: Taxi Blu +39 02 4040, Radio Taxi 8585 +39 02 8585, Yellow Taxi +39 02 6767.

Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio — by boat

A beautifully planned full-day experience to Lake Como’s two most iconic villages, Varenna and Bellagio, by Venetian taxi boat — with time to explore both towns and the lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi at a smooth, comfortable pace.

Highlights

Two iconic villages — Varenna & Bellagio — in a single day
Venetian taxi boat along Lake Como’s most scenic stretches
Guided visit of Villa Monastero and its long garden promenade
The lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi, beside Bellagio
Small group of max 10 guests with whisper audio system
Free time for lunch in Bellagio at your own pace

How the day unfolds

09:45 · MEETING
Piazza Cavour 26, Como
Meet your guide for a short briefing, then board the boat. Departure at 10:00.
MORNING
Varenna & Villa Monastero
Cruise to Varenna, a peaceful lakeside hamlet, and visit Villa Monastero with its garden promenade and panoramic terraces.
MIDDAY
Free time for lunch
Cross the water to Bellagio, set where the lake’s three branches meet. Enjoy free time for lunch; your guide will suggest restaurants to match your preferences and the pace of the day.
AFTERNOON
Bellagio
Explore Bellagio with your guide — its alleys, artisan shops and shaded steps, at an unhurried pace.
AFTERNOON
Villa Melzi
A stroll through the lakeside botanical gardens, a short walk from Bellagio.
LATE AFTERNOON
Return to Como
Departing around 17:00, cruise back to Como along the lake, arriving approx. 18:00.

Times are approximate and may vary with lake and weather conditions.

What’s included

Included

Small group of max 10 guests
Professional guide (tour in English only)
Guided tour of Varenna and Bellagio
Admission to Villa Monastero
Admission to Villa Melzi gardens
All transfers by boat (usually a Venetian taxi)
Whisper audio system

Not included

Villa Melzi interior (private residence, opened only for events)
Lunch (flexible; we can reserve a recommended restaurant)
Pick-up / drop-off — reach the meeting point on your own
Private tour (this is a shared experience)

Meeting point

Piazza Cavour 26, Como

Meet your guide 15 minutes before departure. Guests reach the meeting point on their own; there is no pick-up or drop-off.

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Good to know

Which days does this tour run?

This tour runs exclusively on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, giving you flexibility. Your guide can reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

Not for everyone. The day involves boarding and disembarking at lake piers, steps and uneven ground, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users, or for guests with limited mobility, balance difficulties, or a strong susceptibility to motion or seasickness. A comfortable level of fitness is needed, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes are strongly recommended.

What should I wear?

Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended; flip-flops and open sandals are not advised, as piers and boat decks can be wet and slippery.

How much walking is involved?

More than most guests expect. Lake Como is a mountain lake, and Varenna and Bellagio climb straight up from the water: between the pier and the heart of each village you walk cobbled lanes, stepped alleys and short, steep gradients. The gardens of Villa Monastero run level along the shore, but you reach them on foot and by steps. We keep the pace unhurried and stop often, though you should be comfortable spending much of the day on your feet and on uneven ground. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes make a real difference.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 48 hours before the tour begins and receive a full refund. Within 48 hours of the departure time the booking is no longer refundable.

€ 450 / personCheck availability