Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise
Description
Lake Como is one of Italy's most beautiful corners — but in summer, the wrong timing means hours lost in ferry queues. This small-group tour (max 15) is planned by a guide who knows exactly when and where the crowds hit, so you reach Varenna in the morning while it's still quiet and explore Bellagio at its best. On the cruise from Bellagio to Como, you'll see Lake Como's most famous villas from the water — George Clooney's home, Versace's villa, Villa Passalacqua (voted the world's best boutique hotel), and the villas from House of Gucci, The Devil Wears Prada 2, James Bond and Star Wars — as your guide points out the stories behind each one. In Bellagio you can also visit Villa Melzi, one of the lake's most spectacular gardens (entrance not included, on your own). Your train and skip-the-line boarding are arranged for you. End your day free to stay for dinner by the lake, ride the funicular up for sunset over Como (on your own), or head back to Milan with your guide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your first stop, reached in the morning while the village is still calm. Explore Varenna's romantic lakeside "Walk of Lovers," pastel houses, and cobblestone lanes with your guide, then enjoy free time before the crowds arrive. (Optional, on your own: the gardens of Villa Monastero)
The "pearl of Lake Como." Wander its steep stone staircases, elegant gardens, and boutiques with your guide, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch at a lake-view restaurant your guide recommends
Your cruise ends in the lively town of Como. Stroll the historic center with your guide and see the Duomo — the last Gothic cathedral built in Italy — before heading back to Milan, or staying on for dinner by the lake
A grand 17th-century villa famous for its terraced botanical gardens and art collection, seen from the water.
One of Lake Como's most iconic villas — the film setting for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale, with dramatic gardens cascading to the lake.
The opulent palazzo from Ridley Scott's House of Gucci and The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026) — one of the most lavish private estates on the lake.
✅ Villa Oleandra George Clooney's celebrated Lake Como home, the villa that helped turn the lake into a global icon.
A 19th-century estate used in Ocean's Twelve and in the famous Nespresso commercial with George Clooney.
A spectacular 18th-century villa-turned-hotel, recently crowned among the very best hotels in the world.
Villa d'Este, Cernobbio A legendary 16th-century estate turned world-famous luxury hotel, set in vast lakeside gardens.
A dramatic gorge and waterfall tumbling between the cliffs of Nesso, one of the lake's prettiest villages.
The lavish lakeside villa once owned by fashion designer Gianni Versace, who transformed it into one of the most glamorous private homes on Lake Como.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(73)
Hello, We enjoyed this well-organized and very interesting excursion to Lake Como. Julia was a very good guide, friendly and smiling. We are delighted with this day and will recommend you. Thank you again for this beautiful discovery. Céline
Had a wonderful tour with The Abroad tours- Guide - Ms. Giulia Odobez was professional, knowledgeable, friendly & had patience to explain each & everything with a beautiful smile. She was on time at Milan Central station as mentioned in their itienary & the tickets jn the highspeed train to Varenna been prebooked - First class tickets. From Varenna to Bellagio was on a ferry & from Bellagio to Bellano another ferry. All pre booked by Abroad tours in advance. This helps to quit the que! She recommended local restaurants at Bellagio. If your wallet is fat she got suggestion where to eat & if you are a budget friendly like us then she got places for that too. Varenna & Bellagio tour.
Amazing experience with Monica as tour guide.
Mari was our guide for the half day lake como tour. Nice quick tour. Very helpful and informative.
Our guide 'wolf boss' was friendly and funny. We had memorable experience. Nice half day tour, for scenic lake Como
The wolf was excellent She explained the history and the all the important landmarks in Lake Como. She is the best.
Excellent tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and very engaging. Took an interest in all of us. Was a wonderful experience. Julie was the best.
Enjoyed having the tour in such great venue, perfect weather and the guide was very patient and hekpful because I needed special arrangements.
We had the best time and that is all thanks to Chiara! She was so lovely which was comforting and made us confident to ask any questions we wanted. She made everything go so smoothly and I doubt that would’ve been the case if we done it ourselves! Would definitely recommend.
My husband & I absolutely enjoyed the experience. We hopped off at Torno and gave as an insight of life as a local. Chiara was a great tour guide.
