Bellagio in Lombardy is one of Italy’s most photogenic spots, famous for its cobbled streets, lush gardens, and stunning lake views. It’s no surprise that the area attracts travelers looking for a mix of natural beauty and authentic experiences. Whether you want a comprehensive day trip from Milan, a relaxing boat cruise, or an active kayaking adventure, Bellagio offers a variety of tours that suit every interest and pace. We’ve handpicked the best options, from guided bus tours to private driver trips, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. One of our favorite experiences is the From Milan: Como & Bellagio Day Tour & Scenic Lake Cruise, which combines sightseeing, a scenic cruise, and free time for exploring charming villages.
What makes Bellagio especially appealing is the ease of combining different activities—think boat rides, garden visits, or water sports—all accessible within a day. Our list includes everything from leisurely kayak rentals and stand-up paddleboarding to culturally enriching villa visits and multi-day guided tours. Read on for detailed reviews of each, so you can find the perfect way to explore this beautiful part of Italy.
1. From Milan: Como & Bellagio Day Tour & Scenic Lake Cruise
This popular day trip from Milan is ideal if you want a full experience packed into roughly ten hours. It starts with a comfortable bus ride from Milan, with options departing from centrally located spots like Piazza della Repubblica. The tour then takes you to Como, where you can explore the cathedral, vibrant squares, and soak in the atmosphere. The highlight is the scenic cruise on Lake Como, which offers spectacular views of historic villas and lush landscapes. Afterward, you’ll be guided through Bellagio’s charming streets, with ample time to wander and shop.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of guided sightseeing and a relaxing boat ride, which provides a perfect balance of activity and leisure. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the well-organized itinerary, making it a great choice for first-timers or those short on time. It’s priced to reflect its value, especially considering the inclusion of transportation, guided tours, and the cruise. Perfect for those who want a comprehensive taste of Lake Como without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day trip that covers the best of Como and Bellagio, with scenic cruising as a highlight, ideal for travelers seeking convenience and value.
2. Bellagio Lake Como: Kayak Rental
For the active traveler, the Kayak Rental offers a chance to paddle amidst some of the most beautiful scenery on Lake Como. You can rent a kayak for between one and three hours, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace. This experience takes you past Riverside Beach, Villa Melzi’s gardens, and lesser-known inlets and beaches, where you can find peaceful spots away from crowds.
The reviews consistently praise the ease of booking and the friendly service, with many mentioning how smooth the check-in process is. The rental includes dry bags and waterproof cases, so you can take photos without worry. During your paddle, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Bellagio’s cliffs and lakeside villas, making this a memorable, immersive experience.
Since this is a self-guided activity, it’s perfect for confident swimmers and those comfortable on the water. It offers excellent value, especially for families or couples wanting a personalized adventure. Just bring your sense of adventure, and you’ll have a fantastic time.
Bottom Line: A flexible, fun way to see Lake Como from a different perspective, excellent for confident paddlers wanting scenic solitude.
3. Lake Como: Small-Group Kayak Tour
If you prefer to join a guided tour, the Small-Group Kayak Tour at Pescallo di Bellagio is an excellent choice. Lasting about 1.5 hours, it takes you past the Rockefeller cliffs and the impressive Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, offering a closer look at the lake’s dramatic scenery.
Led by an experienced guide, this tour provides a friendly, small-group atmosphere—perfect for those who want some expert insights without feeling rushed. You’ll navigate calm waters, with plenty of time for photos and questions. This option is especially suitable for first-timers or those who prefer a more structured experience with a guide.
Although brief, it delivers beautiful views and a hands-on experience of kayaking on Lake Como. It’s a value-packed option for travelers keen on a quick adventure or trying water sports for the first time.
Bottom Line: A short but rewarding guided kayak experience, ideal for beginners and those wanting a taste of lake-side paddling with expert support.
4. Bellagio Lake Como: Stand up Paddle Rental
For those who prefer a different water sport, the Stand Up Paddle Rental offers a serene way to explore Lake Como from the water. It’s similar to kayaking but requires a bit more balance and core strength. You can rent a paddleboard for one to three hours, giving plenty of time to find quiet spots and enjoy the landscape.
Paddleboarding is particularly good for focusing on your balance, and many reviews mention how rewarding it is to quietly glide past villas and discover secluded beaches and gardens, like Villa Melzi. The rental includes all necessary gear, making it easy to start right away.
This experience is best suited for active travelers or those curious about trying stand-up paddleboarding for the first time. It offers a peaceful alternative to kayaking with a chance to explore hidden corners of the lake.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, physically engaging way to see Lake Como’s shoreline at your own pace, suitable for active travelers eager for a new challenge.
5. Lake Como: Villa Melzi Garden Entry Ticket with Ferries
A visit to the Villa Melzi gardens is a must-do for garden lovers and architecture fans. This entry ticket includes a ferry ride from Varenna or Tremezzo, making it a full-day adventure. Once there, you can explore the beautifully landscaped English gardens, sculptures, and Japanese ponds at your leisure.
The ferry trip itself is part of the charm, offering scenic views of the lake from the water. The gardens are perfect for wandering and photography, with plenty of shaded spots to relax. Some reviews highlight how the gardens’ tropical plants and sculptures create a tranquil oasis amid the busy lakeside towns.
This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate well-maintained gardens and want a flexible, self-guided experience. It’s a good value considering the ferry transfer and access to one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe.
Bottom Line: A scenic, relaxing day exploring exquisite gardens with the added bonus of a ferry ride—perfect for garden enthusiasts and photo lovers.
6. Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries
The Villa Carlotta tour takes you to Tremezzo’s renowned villa, known for its stunning art collection and botanical gardens. The ferry from Bellagio or Varenna provides a scenic crossing, and once there, you can explore the villa’s museum, gardens, and art exhibits at your own pace.
While reviews are mixed, many appreciate the beauty of the villa and the lush gardens that surround it. It’s a good option if you prefer a more self-directed day, with the ferry making transportation easy and scenic. The art collection and the lush surroundings make it a worthwhile stop for culture and nature lovers alike.
This tour suits travelers with an interest in art, architecture, and botany who enjoy flexible schedules. It’s a straightforward way to enjoy a significant cultural site with the convenience of ferry transport.
Bottom Line: A relaxing, culturally enriching visit to Villa Carlotta, with scenic ferry rides and enough free time to explore.
7. Bellagio: Tiramisu Cooking Class with Shuttle
Food lovers will enjoy the Tiramisu Cooking Class in Bellagio. Hosted at Hotel Il Perlo, this two-hour class gives you hands-on experience making Italy’s most famous dessert. You’ll start with a welcome drink, then learn to make tiramisu from scratch using fresh ingredients, with plenty of tips from Chef Max.
The class includes transportation from Bellagio ferry, making it a stress-free experience. Many reviews praise the friendly instructor and the delicious results. It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about Italian culinary traditions and bring home a homemade treat.
This tour is ideal for foodies and those wanting a cozy, cultural activity that ends with a tasty reward. It offers good value considering the hands-on experience and the included transportation.
Bottom Line: A delightful, interactive cooking experience perfect for foodies or anyone who loves making and tasting authentic Italian desserts.
8. Bus tour from Lecco to Bellagio
This scenic bus tour from Lecco offers a relaxing journey along Lake Como’s shores, with a stop in Bellagio for walking and sightseeing. It includes a visit to Villa Melzi’s gardens, giving you a taste of lakeside elegance without the hassle of driving.
The tour emphasizes comfort, with a private coach service that takes you directly to Bellagio, saving you from navigating narrow roads yourself. Ideal for travelers who want to avoid the stress of driving or who prefer a guided experience, the tour offers a balance of scenic views and cultural stops.
Reviews mention the smooth ride and the well-organized itinerary. It’s suitable for those who want to enjoy the lake scenery without strenuous activity or extensive planning.
Bottom Line: A stress-free way to see Bellagio and Villa Melzi’s gardens with transportation included—perfect for relaxing sightseeing.
9. Lake Como and Lugano: a journey through time among villas and historic villages.
This full-day tour combines the best of Lake Como and nearby Lugano, Switzerland. Starting from Milan, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with a boat ride across the lake. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Lugano, known for its lakeside promenades and Swiss elegance.
The itinerary includes stunning photo ops, a walk through Lugano’s city center, and free time for shopping or relaxing. The combination of Italian and Swiss scenery offers a unique cultural experience, and the reviews highlight the smooth organization and scenic views.
This tour is best suited for travelers interested in both lakeside scenery and small city explorations, with a good mix of guided and free time.
Bottom Line: An enriching day crossing borders, ideal for those wanting a broader experience of Lake Como’s natural beauty and Swiss charm.
10. From Milan: Lake Como+Bellagio Day Trip with Private Driver
For maximum flexibility, this private driver offers a personalized 10-hour trip to Lake Como and Bellagio. You’ll enjoy exclusive transportation, allowing you to customize your stops and pace. The itinerary includes a scenic drive, with visits to Bellagio and other spots like Palazzo Riva, along with optional stops at Lake Lugano.
This option is perfect for travelers wanting a more intimate experience, with the flexibility to focus on specific sights or take extra time for photos. Many reviews highlight the comfort and personal attention from the driver, making it a great choice for families or groups seeking privacy.
While more expensive, it offers a tailored experience with the freedom to craft your ideal day.
Bottom Line: The best way for travelers valuing privacy and customization to explore Lake Como at their own pace.
11. Italy and Switzerland: Como, Bellagio and Lugano from Milan
This comprehensive private car tour spans 12 hours and covers Italy and Switzerland. It includes guided visits to Como, Bellagio, and Lugano, with free time in each location. The journey offers spectacular lake views and a chance to explore both Italian and Swiss culture in one day.
The trip is ideal for travelers wanting a seamless, all-inclusive experience with a knowledgeable guide handling logistics. Many reviews mention the comfort of the private vehicle and the varied itinerary, which allows for sightseeing, walking, and shopping.
It’s a premium option best suited to travelers with a bigger budget and a desire for a tailored, all-in-one day.
Bottom Line: A top-tier, all-in-one experience for those who want to see Italy and Switzerland comfortably and efficiently.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding which tour to pick, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. If you’re short on time, the From Milan: Como & Bellagio Day Tour offers a full experience in one day. For active travelers, kayaking or paddleboarding tours provide hands-on fun, while culture lovers will appreciate the villa visits or the Lugano combination.
If privacy and customization matter most, the private driver or full-day Italy-Switzerland tour are excellent choices. Consider the logistical details, like ferry rides or walking distances, to match your activity level. Booking early is recommended during peak seasons in spring and summer, especially for popular experiences like the villa visits or private tours.
Final Thoughts
Bellagio Lombardy offers a diverse range of tours that cater to nearly every traveler type—whether you’re after scenic cruises, water sports, cultural visits, or private adventures. For a classic experience, the day trip from Milan strikes a good balance of sightseeing and relaxation. If you prefer an active day, kayaking or paddleboarding provides a fun way to see the lakeside from the water. For those interested in gardens and culture, Villa Melzi or Villa Carlotta tours are ideal.
If you want the ultimate flexibility, booking a private driver or a full-day guided tour covering both Italy and Switzerland ensures a seamless and personalized experience. With so many options, you’re sure to find a Bellagio tour that matches your style and schedule.
Remember, these tours fill up quickly in high season—so plan ahead and book early to make sure you don’t miss out on exploring this stunning region.
