How long is the full-day tour?

The experience lasts around eight hours, including the villa visit, time in Bellagio, and the return cruise to Como.

Do we have time for lunch during the tour?

Yes. You will have free time for lunch, and your guide can recommend trusted, non-touristic restaurants in Lenno or Bellagio depending on the timing of the day.

Is the entrance to Villa del Balbianello included?

Yes, the entrance to Villa del Balbianello is included unless otherwise specified.

What type of boat is used for the tour?

We use a comfortable private boat designed for sightseeing, with open seating, excellent visibility, and enough space to move and take photos easily.

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

Yes. This itinerary combines two of Lake Como’s most iconic destinations and offers a complete introduction to the lake.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, children aged 7 and above, accompanied by an adult, are welcome. The experience is suitable for families and includes relaxed walking sections.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs from Piazza Cavour 26 in Como. Exact meeting point details and a reference photo are included 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 wheelchair users or guests with mobility limitations?

Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs or those with significant mobility difficulties. Boarding the boat requires stepping down onto the dock and moving on uneven surfaces.

Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi & Bellagio — by boat

A full day along the western shore: the terraced gardens and panoramic balconies of Villa del Balbianello, free time and lunch in Bellagio, and the lakeside gardens of Villa Melzi — reached by Venetian taxi boat, guided in English, with every ticket and timing handled for you.

Highlights

Two iconic villa gardens in one day — Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi
Free time and lunch in Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como”
Travelled by Venetian taxi boat along the western shore from Como
Small group, maximum 10 guests, guided in English
Whisper audio system so you can always hear your guide

How the day unfolds

09:45 · Meeting
Piazza Cavour 26, Como
Meet your guide for a short briefing, then walk to the pier. Departure at 10:00.
Morning
Villa del Balbianello
Cruise to Villa del Balbianello, set on its wooded headland above the water, for a guided visit of the terraced gardens and panoramic balconies overlooking the lake.
Midday
Bellagio
Free time for lunch, followed by a guided walk through Bellagio’s alleys, boutiques and terraces.
Afternoon
Villa Melzi
A stroll through the lakeside botanical gardens.
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

All transfers by boat (usually a Venetian taxi)
English-speaking professional guide
Villa del Balbianello — gardens entry
Villa Melzi — gardens entry
Whisper audio system throughout the tour

Not included

Villa del Balbianello interior (due to time constraints)
Villa Melzi interior (private residence, opened only for events)
Lunch — left free for flexibility; we can reserve a recommended restaurant
Pick-up or drop-off; guests reach the meeting point on their own
Personal expenses
Private tour (this is a shared experience)

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 soft pink one — we wait outside, directly in front of the pink one. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

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

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Good to know

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?

The tour runs in most conditions. In case of adverse weather affecting safety on the lake, timings or the itinerary may be adjusted; we contact you directly if any change is needed.

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. Please plan to arrive in time for the 09:45 meeting.More details

Is the villa interior included?

The experience visits the gardens and panoramic balconies of Villa del Balbianello. The villa interior is not included due to time constraints, and Villa Melzi’s interior is a private residence opened only for events.

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. For safety we cannot accommodate children under 7, or guests travelling with animals.

How much walking is involved?

A moderate amount, on ground that is rarely flat. Lake Como is a mountain lake: Villa del Balbianello occupies a wooded promontory, and from the landing its gardens rise through steps and sloping gravel paths. Bellagio’s lanes are cobbled and stepped, while Villa Melzi’s gardens are level but reached on foot. Add boarding and disembarking at lake piers through the day. The pace is relaxed, with regular pauses, but you should be steady on your feet. Closed-toe, non-slip shoes are strongly recommended.

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