Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio — by boat and ferry


A relaxed full day on the water and by ferry: cross the lake by Venetian-style boat to Varenna and the gardens of Villa Monastero, then continue by ferry to Bellagio for lunch and free time — guided in English, with every ticket and crossing handled for you.

Highlights

  • Cross to Varenna aboard a Venetian-style taxi boat
  • Guided visit of Villa Monastero and its lakeside gardens
  • Scenic ferry crossing from Varenna to Bellagio
  • Free time and lunch in Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como”
  • Fast ferry back from Bellagio to Como
  • Small group of maximum 10 guests, guided in English all day

How the day unfolds

  • 09:45 · Meeting

    Piazza Cavour 26, Como

    Meet your guide for a short briefing, then walk to Sant’Agostino pier for departure.

  • Morning

    Varenna · Villa Monastero

    Cross the lake by Venetian-style boat to Varenna, collect tickets at the desk and enjoy about one hour visiting the villa and its gardens.

  • Midday

    Varenna → Bellagio

    A short 20–30 minute walk to the pier, then the ferry across to Bellagio.

  • Afternoon

    Bellagio

    About one hour for lunch, then a guided walk and free time for shopping and the village’s alleys and terraces.

  • 18:20 · Return

    Fast ferry to Como

    Board the fast ferry from Bellagio back to Como to end the day.

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

What’s included

Included

  • Transfer Como to Varenna by Venetian-style boat
  • Villa Monastero tickets and guided tour
  • Ferry tickets Varenna to Bellagio
  • Fast ferry tickets Bellagio to Como
  • Professional guide for the entire day
  • Small group of maximum 10 guests

Not included

  • Lunch
  • This is a shared experience, not a private tour
  • Personal expenses

Meeting point

Piazza Cavour 26, Como — 09:45

Walk to the centre of Piazza Cavour and face the lake: on your right, a bright yellow façade stands beside a small square. Your guide will be waiting there before walking together to the Sant’Agostino pier.

Meeting point at Piazza Cavour 26, Como — bright yellow façade beside the soft pink one

Good to know

Is this a private tour?
No — this is a shared small-group experience, with a maximum of 10 guests. If you prefer a fully private day, we also offer private tours on request.
Which days does it run?
Departures are on Monday and Wednesday at 10:00. Travelling on another day of the week? Our Villa del Balbianello & Bellagio cruise runs daily except Monday and Wednesday. Please plan to arrive in time for the 09:45 meeting in Como.
How can I reach Como from Milan?
Regional and regional-express trains connect Milan to Como in around 40 minutes to one hour, arriving close to Piazza Cavour.More details
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included — you have free time in Bellagio to choose where to eat. We can suggest a recommended restaurant on request.
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. Part of the route uses the public ferry, which is boarded from a pier.
How much walking is involved?
A fair amount, and it is the part guests most often underestimate. Lake Como is a mountain lake: Varenna and Bellagio rise steeply from the water, so you walk cobbled lanes, stepped alleys and short climbs between the pier and each village. Villa Monastero’s gardens run level along the shore but are reached by steps. You also board and disembark at piers, including the public ferry. The pace is unhurried, though you should be comfortable 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.
€ 285 / personCheck availability