
Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat worth booking?
Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat is a 10.5-hour experience in Milan, Italy, from $101 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (12)
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- From
- $101 per person
Discover the magic of Lake Como and Lugano with a full-day panoramic experience. Cross Lake Como on a comfortable boat, enjoying the panoramic view of elegant villas, alpine landscapes and crystal clear waters. Stroll th
What you get
About this experience
Discover the magic of Lake Como and Lugano with a full-day panoramic experience. Cross Lake Como on a comfortable boat, enjoying the panoramic view of elegant villas, alpine landscapes and crystal clear waters. Stroll through Bellagio, famous for its romantic lakefront, colourful gardens and boutique-filled alleys. Continue to Varenna, where the iconic Lovers' Promenade offers breathtaking views to capture with your camera. Admire the spectacular beauty of the Gorge of the Orrido di Bellano, a natural canyon carved by water over the centuries. Your journey ends in Lugano, where Swiss style blends with Mediterranean charm, creating the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing visit by the lake. A day of beauty, culture and unforgettable memories.
What's included
Included
- Skip-the-line tickets for the cruise
- English and Spanish speaking guide
- Headphones
- Cruise on Lake Como
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Bellano
We will move towards Bellano and its natural wonder, time for a refreshment and we will embark to Varenna our first destination
40 minutes here
Varenna
From the Varenna Ferry Terminal, where you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Lake Como. Stroll along the Lovers' Promenade, a picturesque lake walk with colorful houses and blooming flowers A few steps away is Piazza San Giorgio, the heart of Varenna. Visit the Church of San Giorgio, a Romanesque masterpiece with beautiful 14th century frescoes. Ready to leave for Bellagio
60 minutes here
Bellagio
the "Pearl of Lake Como". Enjoy some free time to soak up the atmosphere of this idyllic and relaxing place
120 minutes here
Lake Como
Cruise on Lake Como from Bellagio we will spend an hour on board admiring the beautiful lake landscapes, historic villas such as Villa Carlotta, Balbianello, Melzi and those of famous people such as George Clooney or Versace, the corners of unspoilt nature
60 minutes here
Lugano
the city center the lakefront, the Lac, the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, the Ciani park, the Via Nassa and its prestigious Boutiques. You can't miss a taste of the most famous chocolate in the world. Enjoy the Swiss mediterranean charm of Lugano where Swiss and Italian culture blend completely.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Milan
The meeting point is right in front of the Fidenza Village point, corner via Turati. Our experienced Tour Guide will welcome you on board.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting point is right in front of the Fidenza Village point, corner via Turati. Our experienced Tour Guide will welcome you on board.
Options you can book
Summer
Winter
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travelmade
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Possibility of transporting strollers
- Valid identity card (photos, photocopies or virtual documents are not permitted)
- Original passport (photos, photocopies or virtual documents are not permitted)
- We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes.
- Due to uneven and steep surfaces, this activity is not suitable for those who have difficulty walking.
- For safety reasons or due to adverse weather conditions, public navigation will be used. The itineraries can also be carried out in reverse for operational reasons without compromising their validity and completeness
- Not recommended for those with walking problems
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Satisfactory
For those who don't have mastery in other languages, it's very cool. Everything is fine, calm, and organized.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A great day!
The meeting point was easy to find. The bus was comfortable. The traffic around Lake Como was terrible, but to be expected. The driver navigated it well. The stops gave a taste of the towns and it was enough to make me want to go back. The lake cruise was refreshing in a very hot day.
via Viator
One Hour Boat ride not provided. Book a different tour.
I can’t, in good faith, give this tour a positive rating. As someone who travels frequently and has taken many guided tours, this review comes from experience. First, the positives: the bus was comfortable and had excellent air conditioning. Varenna, Bellagio, and Lugano were absolutely breathtaking. I loved exploring the small shops, and the amount of free time in each location felt appropriate and enjoyable. I specifically chose this tour because it included both Lugano, Switzerland, and a boat ride on Lake Como. Unfortunately, there were several issues. Communication from the guide was lacking from the start. During the first part of the tour, most of the commentary was given in Spanish, leaving many English-speaking guests feeling like they were missing important information. After this was brought to his attention, the English communication improved. However, if you enjoy learning local history and hearing detailed information about the places you visit, this may not be the tour for you. The guide primarily reviewed the itinerary and provided very little additional insight. For those wondering, the tour did not offer Wi-Fi or charging ports. While these amenities were never promised, it may be helpful for future travelers to know. The biggest reason for my low rating is that the advertised boat ride was never provided, and I never received a clear or honest explanation as to why. Several reasons were suggested, but they were later proven to be inaccurate. (Too bad the boat didn’t float as well as the excuses.) The most likely explanation seemed to be that the tour operator had not properly arranged it, or perhaps there were not enough participants to make it worthwhile. Regardless, it was a beautiful, sunny day, so weather was definitely not the issue. Instead of the boat ride, we waited approximately 35–45 minutes for a bus. During that time, I contacted the tour operator through Viator to express my frustration. A 20% refund was eventually offered, but that did not adequately compensate for the disappointment, inconvenience, and missed experience that was one of the primary reasons I booked this tour. Additionally, Viator did not stand by their product by resolving my complaints with tour provider. My recommendation is to choose a similar tour with a larger number of consistently positive reviews. Sadly, I would not recommend this particular tour to anyone.
via Viator
More certainty on the boat ride!
This is a fine tour. We enjoyed the first three stops in Bellano, Varrena and Bellagio. We were told the one hour tour of Lake Como was cancelled because the boat “broke.” This seemed confusing and we were told there would be a 20 percent refund which we have not yet received. We had to wait for the bus for the hour we would have spent on the lake boat ride. The trip to Lugano was ok and could be dropped in favor of more time at the other stops and a true boat ride. We loved the day but really wanted the boat ride.
via Viator
Not exactly what’s expected
The guide just dropped us at Varenna(1hr) and Bellagio(2hr) with no information only of we wanted to have lunch at his favorite restaurant, the boat trip around the lake was the best part, then we ended in Lugano at the lake front, very pretty but again no guidance, just there is a church with Renaissance frescos if you want to see it keep walking few blocks more or the main square is that way and we meet here in 50 min. The bus was 30 min late at the pick up point, we finally arrived at Milan past 8:30, in part due to a medical emergency (nobody fault) which envolved first responders and police. It was late and no taxis around.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Milan.
How much does Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat cost?
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Prices start at $101 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 Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat take?
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Plan for about 10.5 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 Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 12 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 Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat?
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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 Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat?
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Around 4 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 10.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Milan : Tour of the Lakes in Varenna, Bellagio and Lugano by Boat 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 Gnocchi, Pasta, Tiramisù and Wine Class, Milan: Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine, Milan's Hidden Gems: Unique Bike Tour (ENG, NL). 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.
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