
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 83 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise worth booking?
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise is a 10-hour experience in Milan, Italy, from $125 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 83 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (83)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $125 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
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
What you'll see and do
Como
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.
60 minutes here
Villa Carlotta
A grand 17th-century villa famous for its terraced botanical gardens and art collection, seen from the water.
Pass by without stopping
Villa del Balbiano - Complesso Architettonico di Ossuccio (ante 1778)
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.
Pass by without stopping
Villa Del Balbianello
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.
Pass by without stopping
Laglio
✅ Villa Oleandra George Clooney's celebrated Lake Como home, the villa that helped turn the lake into a global icon.
Pass by without stopping
Villa Le Fontanelle
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.
Pass by without stopping
Villa Erba
A 19th-century estate used in Ocean's Twelve and in the famous Nespresso commercial with George Clooney.
Pass by without stopping
Villa Passalacqua
A spectacular 18th-century villa-turned-hotel, recently crowned among the very best hotels in the world.
Pass by without stopping
Cernobbio
Villa d'Este, Cernobbio A legendary 16th-century estate turned world-famous luxury hotel, set in vast lakeside gardens.
Pass by without stopping
Bellagio
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
120 minutes here
Varenna
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)
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Milan
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Abroads Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 82 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
82 verified traveler reviews for Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful tour of Como, Belligio & Veranna! Beautiful day & excellent experience!
Giulia Odobez is an excellent tour guide. She is very lively and provides valuable information about Lake Como & and the villages along the way. She interacted with all of the guests personally giving excellent advice on where to go & what to do at each stop. She is very knowledgeable about the area since she lives in Lecco along Lake Como. Be sure to ask specifically for Giulia - she is top notch!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience and guide! Loved it
Had a lovely time during this tour, enjoyed every bit of it and our guide Mrs. Giulia was very friendly. She made the tour even more fun! Would definitely recommend!💯👍🏻
via Tripadvisor
Perfect time with beautiful frends and guide
As a frequent traveler and get your guide consumer this trip was one of the best organized events that i have been to. Giulia is one of the best tour guides i have ever met and we as a group of friends had the best time exploring Lake Como with all his beautiful landscapes and sites. I can only share with all tending customers to book Giulia if they tend to visit Lake Como. P.S. Dear Giulia we are all expecting you to come and visit us as agreed and no worries we came back with not a single bit of a problem on the way back Thank you soo much
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour Trip
This trip was FABULOUS! It was everything we had hoped for and more! Our tour guide, Chiara, was so informative and helpful. We are grateful to her. The winery is family opened and operated and all the wines were delicious. We purchased wine to take home. The wines were white and red and we sampled many!! We had a welcome cocktail made with moscato! This is such a beautiful area in Alba. We would definitely do this again. Worth every cent. Thank you to the winery, Abroad Trips, and Chiara for all the information and help today. -Pam and Mike A. from the U.S..
via Tripadvisor
Chaira Wine Tour & Piedmont Experience
Chaira led an all inclusive enjoyable experience, touring the vineyards, Il Castillo, e cittá di Alba. Quite the memorable experience to begin my trip to Milan & Maranello! Thank you. ✅⭐️
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $125 to $139
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 29
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Abroads Tours, who run 5 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.3 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Abroads Tours runsWhy this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Milan.
How much does Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Milan usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Milan is not rushed.
Is Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 83 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Milan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Milan can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Milan and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Milan within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Milan?
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On Outty we rank every Milan experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise, Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class, Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Milan?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Milan?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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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); and ✅ Small group, capped at 15 — never a big bus or a crowd to follow. Not included: Lunch and drinks — your guide will point you to the best lake-view spots in Bellagio; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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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. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan, Villas Cruise?
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Across 83 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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