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