
Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 919 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat worth booking?
Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat is a 10-hour experience in Milan, Italy, from $136 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 919 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (919)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $136 per person
Discover the must-sees of Lake Como — the dreamy villages of Bellagio and Varenna — and a hidden gem no other tour reaches: the dramatic Bellano Gorge. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Bellagio and Varenna, with ample free time to explore Villa Melzi, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and take in the views. Skip the lines and crowds with priority boat access. Explore Bellagio, Varenna, and Bellano on a walking tour with your guide in a small group of no more than 15 — while guiding larger groups of 25+ is banned by law in Bellagio. In summer, you can stay longer in Bellano and enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Como, weather permitting. The beach is small and rocky, with deep water close to shore.
What you get
About this experience
Discover the must-sees of Lake Como — the dreamy villages of Bellagio and Varenna — and a hidden gem no other tour reaches: the dramatic Bellano Gorge. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of Bellagio and Varenna, with ample free time to explore Villa Melzi, enjoy lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and take in the views. Skip the lines and crowds with priority boat access. Explore Bellagio, Varenna, and Bellano on a walking tour with your guide in a small group of no more than 15 — while guiding larger groups of 25+ is banned by law in Bellagio. In summer, you can stay longer in Bellano and enjoy a refreshing swim in Lake Como, weather permitting. The beach is small and rocky, with deep water close to shore.
What's included
Included
- Free time in Bellagio & Varenna. Explore, relax, and enjoy the lake at your own pace.
- Round-trip express train (first class) Fast, comfortable travel from Milan — no buses, no traffic.
- Licensed, top-rated English-speaking guide. Clear explanations, small group, no bilingual tours.
- Radio headsets provided Always hear your guide, even in busy areas.
- Lake Como: Varenna – Bellagio – Bellano cruise with pre-booked skip-the-line boarding
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Visit Varenna, one of the most photographed villages on Lake Como. Stroll along the scenic lakeside promenade, explore the old town streets, and enjoy free time to discover viewpoints, cafés, and small local shops. Your guide helps orient the visit so you can make the most of your time.
60 minutes here
Bellagio
Explore Bellagio at your own pace, one of the most scenic villages on Lake Como. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, climb the stone stairways of the old town, relax in quiet piazzas, or enjoy a coffee with lake views. You may also choose to visit Villa Melzi Gardens or browse small local shops. Free time is unhurried, allowing you to enjoy Bellagio calmly without rushing.
150 minutes here
Menaggio
Cruise past the lakeside town of Menaggio, enjoying beautiful views from the water as you continue toward the next stop.
Pass by without stopping
Orrido di Bellano
Walk through the Bellano Gorge (Orrido di Bellano), a natural canyon carved by rushing water over thousands of years. Follow elevated walkways fixed to the rock walls, passing waterfalls, narrow passages, and dramatic views directly above the river below. The visit is fully walkable and well maintained, making it easy to explore while enjoying a unique natural setting. After the gorge, take time to visit Bellano, a calm lakeside village with a local atmosphere, far from mass tourism. This stop adds a quieter, natural experience that most Lake Como day trips do not include.
75 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Milan
Choose this option to join from Varenna Meeting at the train station of Varenna, in front of the station Bar. MEETING TIME FOR VARENNA 9:25
Meeting point
Milan
Meet outside Milano Centrale, facing the main entrance. Stand at the pillar between the left and central arches. Guide holds an Italian flag on a stick. MEETING TIME FOR MILAN 7:45 MEETING TIME: 7:45am. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Choose this option to join from Varenna Meeting at the train station of Varenna, in front of the station Bar. MEETING TIME FOR VARENNA 9:25
Ends at
Meet outside Milano Centrale, facing the main entrance. Stand at the pillar between the left and central arches. Guide holds an Italian flag on a stick. MEETING TIME FOR MILAN 7:45 MEETING TIME: 7:45am. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
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 12 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
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Note: This 10-hour tour includes travel time—round-trip train ride and boat cruise
- Minimum age: 6 years. No strollers allowed
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 906 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
906 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
SO ENJOYABLE!!!
Guilia was our guide, and she was outstanding!! One of the best tours we’ve been on, and we lucked out with absolutely perfect weather. Guilia was very knowledgeable about the area, friendly, helpful and offered a lot of suggestions on things to do in each of the towns we visited on Lake Como. We highly recommend this tour and guide.
via Tripadvisor
Pleasant day, may have to...
Pleasant day, may have to stand on train home from last stop which is approx 2 hrs as the train may be very full
via Viator
Lake como trip
Very good experience our guide Giulia was very nice. Train tickets, Ferry tickets etc were all included enough time was given in Bellagio, Varenna and the best was the water fall in Bellano. It was a hidden gem. Will recommend this one day trip.
via Tripadvisor
Awesome day trip to Lake como
We loved our entire trip! Our guide, Giulia, was so warm and kind. I completely recommend this experience
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Experience
So beautiful. Absolutely stunning! Our tour guide Alice was informative and enthusiastic. Highly recommend.
via Viator
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
- $136 to $145
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 322
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
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 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Milan.
How much does Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat cost?
+
Prices start at $136 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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat take?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 919 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Milan, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat suitable for kids and families?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
Around 322 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?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat 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 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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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.
What is included in Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
Included: Free time in Bellagio & Varenna. Explore, relax, and enjoy the lake at your own pace; Round-trip express train (first class) Fast, comfortable travel from Milan — no buses, no; Licensed, top-rated English-speaking guide. Clear explanations, small group, no bilingual; Radio headsets provided Always hear your guide, even in busy areas; and Lake Como: Varenna – Bellagio – Bellano cruise with pre-booked skip-the-line boarding. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
Choose this option to join from Varenna Meeting at the train station of Varenna, in front of the station Bar. MEETING TIME FOR VARENNA 9:25 Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat offered in?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Minimum age: 6 years. No strollers allowed. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat if the weather is bad?
+
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 Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat?
+
Across 919 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat.
Pick your date




