Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards worth booking?
Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards is a 11-hour experience in Lake Como, Italy, from $332 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 23 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (23)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $332 per person
A very Small-Group tour departing from Milan Central station for the transfer, either by train or by minibus, to Lake Como where we take a short walk in the charming village of Varenna and adjacent area. Getting back in our minivan we drive along a panoramic section of the lake shore with spectacular view heading toward a restaurant possibly where they serve some local dishes: cheese sauced buckweath pasta, venison and cured meat etc (on your own expenses, average € 30/35 per person) and after that we explore the nearby off-the-beaten-path region where we can admire the UNESCO dry-stone walls of the vineyards terraces and, if possible, a short visit with tasting of a local wine producer (on your own expenses, average € 20 per person). Finally we either take the train or minibus for the return to Milan Central station.
What you get
About this experience
A very Small-Group tour departing from Milan Central station for the transfer, either by train or by minibus, to Lake Como where we take a short walk in the charming village of Varenna and adjacent area. Getting back in our minivan we drive along a panoramic section of the lake shore with spectacular view heading toward a restaurant possibly where they serve some local dishes: cheese sauced buckweath pasta, venison and cured meat etc (on your own expenses, average € 30/35 per person) and after that we explore the nearby off-the-beaten-path region where we can admire the UNESCO dry-stone walls of the vineyards terraces and, if possible, a short visit with tasting of a local wine producer (on your own expenses, average € 20 per person). Finally we either take the train or minibus for the return to Milan Central station.
What's included
Included
- Transport (train + van)
- English speaking tour guide
Not included
- Optional lunch at a local restaurant (€30/40 per person)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Any drink and/or food tasting
- Wine cellar visit (average € 20 per person)
- Optional wine tasting (avarage € 20 per person)
What you'll see and do
Milan
Local train ride from Milan
60 minutes here
Lake Como
Visit of the charming little town of Varenna and surrounding!
90 minutes here
Lake Como
Driving along part of the Lake shore
Pass by without stopping
Morbegno
Typical restaurant for lunch
90 minutes here
Valtelline Valley
Explore this off-the-beaten part region just next to the Lake. Here we can also see some of the UNESCO dry-stone walls built long time ago as terraces for vines.
60 minutes here
Lake Como
Local train ride back to Milan Central station
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Lake Como
Meeting point is at the ferry boat pier at 09:30
Meeting point
Lake Como
BRING YOUR VALID PAPER PASSPORTS. Climb the stairs inside the Station all the way to the upper floor until you are right before the gates to enter the tracks and meet our guide just outside the entrance of the BISTROT CENTRALE at 08:00 (facing the gates to the right, at the end of the hall)
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting point is at the ferry boat pier at 09:30
Ends at
BRING YOUR VALID PAPER PASSPORTS. Climb the stairs inside the Station all the way to the upper floor until you are right before the gates to enter the tracks and meet our guide just outside the entrance of the BISTROT CENTRALE at 08:00 (facing the gates to the right, at the end of the hall)
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 7 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- LUCAfromITALY
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 12 years
- Not recommended for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. It is a 12 hours long day involving some uphill walk and stairs.
- WE ARE GLAD TO OFFER SUGGESTIONS, BUT WE ARE NOT INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTING YOU FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION TO OUR MEETING POINTS. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IF YOU MISS THE ESTABLISHED TOUR DEPARTURE TIME
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
5 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
23 verified traveler reviews for Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great Lake Como Experience!!!
Our experience on this trip was amazing 👏. Our guide was absolutely fantastic, Luca was very informative and took us to all the off the main areas of this tour. We started in Milan with Niko, one of his city guides and he made sure we got on the right train to Varenna where we met Luca. From there the rest of the day was amazing walking and driving the coast of Lake Como and seeing the beautiful areas. We drove to an amazing vineyard, drank awesome wines and ate at a small out of the way local restaurant where we had local dishes and an amazing lunch. Luca started as a guide and became a friend by the end of the day!! Dan, Donna, Billy and Michelle from Florida
via Tripadvisor
A Once in a Lifetime Experience
Our tour experience was exceptional and by far the best tour I've had in my travels. We were fortunate enough to be the only group in the tour as we were slightly ahead of tourist season (our tour was April 24th) which allowed us to take full advantage of Luca's guidance and knowledge on the area. Lake Como and the surrounding towns are breathtaking, the people we met along the way were extremely welcoming, and Luca and his assistants were very friendly, conversational, and helpful. Hope to take another of Luca's tours in the future.
via Tripadvisor
A perfect day, stunning views, fantastic food and the perfect tour guide
This trip was the highlight of our Italian adventure. After a few days in busy Milan we loved the relaxing pace of Lake Como. Luca was the PERFECT guide, he listened to our pleas for relaxing coffee spots, lakeside views with fresh fish for lunch, cheese and wine shopping stops and plenty of photo opportunities. He was able to find some stunning off the beaten track locations and took us to some fantastic locations only a local would know. Nothing was too much trouble for him. The wine tasting was fantastic. A real find of a place, traditional and very family run. A fabulous day from start to finish. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Canceled last minute
I was emailed 2 weeks before my trip asking if I could reschedule, though our itinerary did not allow and I let them know right away. I heard nothing back until 3 DAYS PRIOR to our scheduled trip (booked many months ago) that it was canceled. Very poor communication by this operator (just tell me it’s canceled two weeks ago when you first asked), and now scrambling to find an alternative way to see this region with little time to plan and limited availability to book. Super bummed.
Response from the operator: Dear Amy, I truly apologize if you had hard time in finding an alternative because of our cancellation! I am the only guide of our small Tour Operator Company that can provide the "Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards" tour and after I emailed to you if you could reschedule, since I had an unexpected happening out of my control, I tried my best to fix it in order to be able to deliver the tour. Only three days before the date I realized that it was not possible. I am very sorry about that, I should have cancelled the tour earlier giving you more time to look for something else.
via Tripadvisor
Unbelievable must do day trip!!
One of the best tours I have ever been on and with the nicest most informative tour guide Luca.. From the outset, everything was very straight forward, meeting point, transport and plan for the day ahead. Initially we worried it would have been too long a day but it flew by and just kept getting better as the hours went on 🇮🇹❤️ Before arriving in Italy Luca was very easy to get in touch with and replied to any questions via trip advisor promptly. It was my husbands 50th birthday trip and Luca could not have made it any more special. Taking us to the most beautiful parts of Varenna, lake como, vineyards, winery’s, castles, stone walls, and lunch in one of the most scenic farm house restaurants I have ever seen. And not forgetting our special treat at the end of our day from Luca with a trip to his local gelato shop for an amazing yoghurt gelato dessert❤️ He was also an excellent photographer into the bargain lol.. I would highly highly recommend this day to anyone considering to book it, as it was the highlight of our trip. The scenes I will never forget. And the facts we took home we will remember forever. Best day with the best company! We will be back ❤️🇮🇹 Thank you Luca
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 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
- 8
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by LUCAfromITALY, who run 4 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 84.1 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything LUCAfromITALY runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lake Como.
How much does Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards cost?
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Prices start at $332 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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards take?
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Plan for about 11 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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 23 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lake Como, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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Around 8 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?
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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 Lake Como and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards 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 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?
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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 Ghisallo Pilgrimage - Road and E-bike Tour, Lake Como Private Wooden Boat Tour & Italian Glamour, Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class in Como with Aperitivo. 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?
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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 Lake Como?
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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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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Included: Transport (train + van); and English speaking tour guide. Not included: Optional lunch at a local restaurant (€30/40 per person); Gratuities (optional); Any drink and/or food tasting; and Wine cellar visit (average € 20 per person). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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Meeting point is at the ferry boat pier at 09:30 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards 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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards 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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards 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 Private Lake Como & UNESCO Dry-stone Walls Vineyards?
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Across 23 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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