Lake Como and its villas tour in Lake Como
Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como and its villas tour

Outty Ranking 57 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $375

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$375
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Lake Como and its villas tour worth booking?

Lake Como and its villas tour is a 8-hour experience in Lake Como, Italy, from $375 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
8 hours
From
$375 per person

The soothing and elegant atmosphere of Lake Como is inimitable. Since the Roman age, it has been a leisure location for aristocrats and still, due to the quite impervious configuration, it has not been reached by the mas

What you get

    About this experience

    The soothing and elegant atmosphere of Lake Como is inimitable. Since the Roman age, it has been a leisure location for aristocrats and still, due to the quite impervious configuration, it has not been reached by the mass tourism. From the Renaissance to the Napoleonic age, wealthy families, clergymen and politicians have built here their summer residences. This exclusive guided tour will take you along the lakeside, to discover some of these art treasures: Villa del Balbianello, Villa Erba, Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d'Eril, also famous for its garden. You will be astonished by their beauty and by the harmony between architecture and landscape. After just one day, a light will be shining forever in your eyes and your soul.

    What's included

    Included

    • Taxi boat to and from Villa Balbianello
    • Private transportation
    • Qualified private guide
    • Ferryboat tickets

    Not included

    • Lunch
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Villa Erba

      Built between 1898 and 1901 under the direction of architects Angelo Savoldi and Giovan Battista Borsani, this majestic villa initially belonged to the Erba family, chemists from Milan. Carla, the daughter of Luigi, first owner of Villa Erba, married duke Giuseppe Visconti di Modrone; their son, the well known film director Luchino Visconti, also spent some time in this mansion and worked here at the editing of his movie "Ludwig".

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Villa Del Balbianello

      The villa was built in 1787 by cardinal Angelo Maria Durini; later, it was bought by a Milanese politician, who hosted artists and intellectuals such as Alessandro Manzoni, Giovanni Berchet and Giuseppe Giusti.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    3. I Giardini Di Villa Melzi

      Built between 1808 and 1810 for Francesco Melzi d'Eril (1753-1816), Duke of Lodi, Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon and then Grand Chancellor of the Napoleonic Reign of Italy. The English-style gardens were designed by the architect Luigi Canonica and by the botanist Luigi Villoresi.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Bellagio

      This village, which could even have been founded in the 6th century B.C. by Gauls, has been an exclusive leisure location since the Roman age: Virgilius and Plinius visited the site, the latter even owning a summer residence in the town. Many gorgeous villas have been built in Bellagio and its surroundings throughout the centuries, for example Vill Serbelloni (15th century), now a property of the Rockefeller Foundation.

      60 minutes here

    5. Villa Carlotta

      This Baroque mansion, surrounded by a magnificent garden which also hosted, in the 19th century, such artists as Gustave Flaubert and Stendhal, was commissioned by Marquis Clerici. Here, a collection of neoclassical works of art (Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen and Francesco Hayez) and furniture dating back to that period, is kept.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Tremezzo

      This small village, on the Western coast of lake Lario, is well known for its public gardens, designed by rationalist architect Pietro Lingeri, and for Villa Carlotta, a Baroque mansion surrounded by a magnificent garden which also hosted, in the 19th century, such artists as Gustave Flaubert and Stendhal.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    de, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Book Your Italy

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Como - cathedralLake Lario - Cernobbio - Grand Hotel Villa d'EsteLake Lario - Cernobbio - Villa ErbaLake Lario - Cernobbio - Villa Erba - interiorsLake Lario - Lenno - villa Balbianello - view from the lakeLake Lario - Tremezzo - Villa Carlotta

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    3 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Good for families

    1 mention

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Small groups

    1 mention

    The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for Lake Como and its villas tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Edward_H · July 2025

    Mirella Is an exceptional...

    Mirella Is an exceptional guide who takes the time to know her clients before crafting a custom tour based on their personal interests. Her thorough and engaging articulation of the history, culture, and environment of the Lake Como region and its people are phenomenal! Best tour we’ve ever taken! Thank you. The Hilton Family

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review. We already forwarded it to Mirella. Regars.

    via Viator

    Judy_K · April 2023

    Best tour in Como

    Fiorellla is one of the best guides in Milan & Como area! Extremely knowledgeable and friendly and knew how to effortlessly engage the varied interests in our small group. She steered us to the hidden gems of the villa and the best in Bellagio. Bellisimo!

    Response from the operator: Dear Judy, thanks a lot for your review. Fiorella is really a very good guide and a very nice person. I will forward your words to her. Best regards, Stefano Costa.

    via Viator

    Kim_E · October 2022

    Villa Tour at Lake Como

    Natalia was very knowledgeable and we had a wonderful time learning about the villas in the area. Our driver was also excellent. They recommended a great lunch place looking over the water with delicious food.

    Response from the operator: Dear Kim, thanks a lot for your review. We are working hard everyday with our collegues, in order to offer the best quality for all services. Best regards, Stefano Costa

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    $375 to $826
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)25
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Lake Como and its villas tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lake Como.

    How much does Lake Como and its villas tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $375 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lake Como usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Lake Como and its villas tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 8 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 Lake Como is not rushed.

    Is Lake Como and its villas tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Lake Como, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Como and its villas tour?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Lake Como and its villas tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Lake Como and its villas tour?

    +

    Around 1 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 Lake Como 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?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lake Como and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Lake Como and its villas tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lake Como 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 Lake Como?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Lake Como 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, Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise, Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat. 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 Lake Como?

    +

    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 Lake Como?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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