Milan: Lakes Tour to Varenna, Bellagio, and Lugano by Boat

If you’re considering a day trip from Milan that combines scenic lakes, charming villages, and a touch of Swiss elegance, this Lakes Tour might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, based on the information available, it offers a good overview of some of Lake Como’s most iconic spots and a quick crossing into Switzerland.

What we really like about this experience is its blend of natural beauty and leisurely exploration, especially if you’re after a relaxed day without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. The private cruise in Lake Como is a definite highlight, offering fantastic views of historic villas and lush gardens. Plus, the visit to Lugano with its Swiss sophistication sounds like a charming addition to a lakeside adventure.

However, a potential downside is that some travelers found the tour a bit rushed, especially in Como and Bellagio, with limited time to truly soak in each spot. Also, there was an unexpected change in the itinerary—Bellano was replaced by Lugano—so if visiting Bellano or Bellagio specifically is your goal, you might want to double-check if the tour will fit your expectations.

This tour can be ideal for those who want to see a lot in one day—from Italian lakeside villages to Swiss towns—but it might not be perfect if you prefer a more leisurely pace or detailed sightseeing. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy guided experiences and are okay with a busy schedule.

Key Points

• Scenic & cultural highlights: Combines lakes, villages, and Swiss town visits.
• Comfortable transportation: Includes private coach and boat rides, with scenic views.
• Guided insights: Live guides in Spanish & English add value.
• Time management: The itinerary is tightly scheduled, so expect some rushing.
• Value for money: Offers a full day of diverse experiences, but some reviews suggest it could be cheaper if you DIY.
• Rushed experience: Limited time at each stop might feel hurried for some travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at What to Expect

This tour promises a full 10-hour day packed with sightseeing, and overall, the itinerary balances both natural scenery and cultural stops. Starting from Milan’s Piazza della Repubblica, you’ll travel comfortably by coach through the Lombardy countryside—a scenic drive that sets the tone for the day ahead.

The Natural Wonder of Bellano & the Orrido Gorge

Your first stop is Bellano, famous for the Orrido Gorge, a natural marvel carved by the waters over millennia. If you love dramatic landscapes, this will be a favorite. The gorge is accessible via suspended walkways, waterfalls, and shimmering rocks, which make for great photo opportunities. It’s a relatively short stop—about 45 minutes—but enough time to appreciate nature’s power.

From the reviews, it’s worth noting that some visitors felt the visit here was rushed, but most agree that the scenery is impressive and worth seeing. It’s a good introduction to the raw beauty of the lakeside environment.

Cruising from Bellano to Varenna

Next, you’ll hop on a boat for a 20-minute ferry ride to Varenna, one of Lake Como’s most charming villages. Varenna’s narrow streets, colorful houses, and peaceful waterfront are enchanting. You’ll have an hour to explore, so take your time strolling along the Lovers Lane, the scenic lakeside walkway.

Many travelers appreciate the relaxed vibe here, with some choosing to leave the group to wander or grab a quick coffee, which is totally fine. The free time allows you to soak in views and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Bellagio: The “Pearl of Lake Como”

A second boat transports you to Bellagio, arguably the most famous lakeside town. Known for its flower-filled gardens, elegant shops, and picturesque stairways, Bellagio is a postcard come to life. You’ll have about 1 hour and 50 minutes here, giving you enough time to explore on your own or relax along the promenade.

According to reviews, Bellagio is a highlight—and the private boat cruise through Lake Como’s heart is a real treat. You’ll glide past historic villas, lush gardens, and notable film locations like Villa del Balbianello, which adds a touch of glamour to the experience.

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The Private Panoramic Cruise

This cruise is often cited as the most memorable part of the day. The boat glides smoothly past some of the lake’s most stunning villas and lush estates, giving you a unique perspective on the grandeur of Lake Como. If you’re a fan of beautiful scenery, this part will definitely impress.

Crossing into Switzerland: Lugano

After the lakeside exploration, the journey continues into Switzerland for about 1.5 hours, with a guided walk in Lugano’s elegant historic center. The visit includes a stop at the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, known for its Renaissance frescoes, and a chocolate tasting—which is always a bonus.

Lugano’s vibe is a mix of Mediterranean and Swiss influences, and many travelers find it an enjoyable addition to the day’s adventure. You also get some free time to browse luxury boutiques along Via Nassa, making it a chance to indulge or pick up souvenirs before heading back.

Return Journey

The coach ride back to Milan wraps up the day around 7 PM, leaving you with plenty of memories and perhaps some photos of the day’s highlights. It’s a long day, but one that packs in quite a bit of diversity.

Is It Worth It?

Looking at the price and the reviews, the value hinges on what you’re after. The tour offers a lot of sights in a single day—which is great if your time in Milan is limited and you want a quick overview. The private cruise and guide are definite perks. But some travelers, like one from the UK, felt the experience was rushed, and that the cost might be slightly higher than DIY options, especially considering that ferries and trains are relatively cheap.

If you prefer a structured day with guided commentary and don’t mind a busy schedule, this tour could be perfect. But if you want more relaxed exploration or more time at each stop, you might prefer planning your own trip or choosing smaller, more flexible tours.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors eager to see the highlights of Lake Como and Lugano without the hassle of organizing transport and tickets. It’s also good for travelers who enjoy guided commentary and want a rundown of the region in one day.

It’s probably less ideal if you’re seeking a leisurely, in-depth exploration or traveling with a group that prefers more personal pace, as some parts are quite rushed.

FAQs

Do I need my passport or ID card?
Yes, it’s recommended to bring your passport or ID card, especially for crossing into Switzerland, even though the tour doesn’t specify strict border checks. It’s safer to have it just in case.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
Not really. The description mentions that it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, likely due to the nature of some stops and walking involved.

How much free time do I get at each stop?
You’ll have about an hour in Varenna, nearly two hours in Bellagio, and 1.5 hours in Lugano. The rest of the day is guided or transit time, so plan accordingly if you want to explore on your own.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers transportation, the boat cruises, guided walking tours, and some tastings like Swiss chocolate. It also includes skip-the-line access to avoid queues.

Is it worth paying extra for the private cruise?
Absolutely. The private cruise is often highlighted as a major highlight and offers a different perspective on Lake Como’s stunning villas and gardens.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, and a waterproof hat can be handy, especially if the weather is changeable or if you’re planning to walk along scenic paths.

Final Thoughts

This Lakes Tour from Milan offers an energizing way to see some of Italy’s most beautiful lakeside villages and a touch of Swiss sophistication in Lugano. The combination of outdoor scenery, charming towns, and guided insights makes it a practical choice for travelers who want a well-rounded day without the stress of planning every detail.

While some may find the schedule a bit tight and the experience rushed, the highlights—like the private cruise and the scenic ferry rides—are genuinely memorable. If you value diversity in a day trip and enjoy guided tours that hit all the major sights, this could be a wonderful addition to your Milan itinerary.

Just keep in mind the time constraints and the potential itinerary change. It’s best suited for those ready for a full, active day, happy to enjoy the scenic highlights with some guided commentary.

Remember—the regions visited are undeniably stunning, and the tour offers a relatively convenient way to see a lot in one go. If you’re after a comprehensive peek at Lake Como’s beauty and a bit of Swiss flair, it might just be the right choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: