Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise
At a glance
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise is a 10h small-group experience in Milan, Italy, operated by Abroads Tours. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 82 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $124.46 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Professional, English-speaking local guide with you all day, Skip-the-line boat entrance for the boat cruise, First-class train tickets (Milan ⇆ Lake Como).
Highlights
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 11 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 10h
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful corners — but in summer, the wrong timing can mean hours lost in ferry queues.
This small-group tour, limited to 15 guests, is planned by a guide who knows exactly when and where the crowds hit. You’ll reach Como in the morning, then explore Bellagio before continuing to Varenna. It’s the classic Lake Como day trip from Milan, with the timing planned to make the most of your day.
On the cruise from Como to Bellagio, you’ll see famous villas from the water — George Clooney’s home, Versace’s villa, Villa Passalacqua, voted the world’s best hotel, and filming locations from *House of Gucci*, *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, *James Bond* and *Star Wars*. Your guide will share the stories behind them.
In Bellagio, you can also visit Villa Melzi, one of the lake’s most spectacular gardens. Entrance is not included and the visit is optional.
Your train tickets and skip-the-line ferry boarding are arranged for you.
What's included
What's included
- Professional, English-speaking local guide with you all day
- Skip-the-line boat entrance for the boat cruise
- First-class train tickets (Milan ⇆ Lake Como)
- Radio whispering system (if necessary)
- ✅ Small group, capped at 15 — never a big bus or a crowd to follow
- A balanced day: guided touring plus free time to explore on your own
Not included
- Lunch and drinks — your guide will point you to the best lake-view spots in Bellagio
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 1h
Explore Como, Lake Como’s largest town, before the crowds arrive. Discover its historic Duomo, wander through cobblestone streets, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city in the morning.
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Stop 2
A grand 17th-century villa famous for its terraced botanical gardens and art collection, seen from the water.
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Stop 3
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.
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Stop 4
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.
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Stop 5
✅ Villa Oleandra
George Clooney's celebrated Lake Como home, the villa that helped turn the lake into a global icon. -
Stop 6
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.
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Stop 7
A 19th-century estate used in Ocean's Twelve and in the famous Nespresso commercial with George Clooney.
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Stop 8
A spectacular 18th-century villa-turned-hotel, recently crowned among the very best hotels in the world.
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Stop 9
Villa d'Este, Cernobbio
A legendary 16th-century estate turned world-famous luxury hotel, set in vast lakeside gardens. -
Stop 10 · 2h
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
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Stop 11 · 1h 30m
Your last stop. 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)
Meeting point
MEETING TIME: 7.25 AM - sharp on time
PLEASE BE ON TIME
LOCATION: THE SQUARE IN FRONT OF THE TRAIN STATION, NEXT TO THE GIANT APPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SQUARE
The guide will hold a stick with the Italian flag.
Good to know
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise take?
The experience lasts about 10h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $124.46 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Professional, English-speaking local guide with you all day; Skip-the-line boat entrance for the boat cruise; First-class train tickets (Milan ⇆ Lake Como); Radio whispering system (if necessary); ✅ Small group, capped at 15 — never a big bus or a crowd to follow; A balanced day: guided touring plus free time to explore on your own.
Where does it start?
MEETING TIME: 7.25 AM - sharp on time PLEASE BE ON TIME LOCATION: THE SQUARE IN FRONT OF THE TRAIN STATION, NEXT TO THE GIANT APPLE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SQUARE The guide will hold a stick with the Italian flag.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 82 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Milan.
