From Milan: Lakeside villas on Lake Como with ferries
Greco, Milan
By train from Milan, you will arrive in Varenna and here you will start a self-guided tour to Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril, you will reach the various villas by public boat
Lake Como Villas Self-Guided Day Tour from Milan
This self-guided day tour from Milan explores the historic villas and gardens of Lake Como, ideal for independent travelers interested in art and nature.
Highlights
- Visit Villa Monastero in Varenna with its garden and house museum (house museum closed on Tuesdays)
- Explore the gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril and its lakeside promenade
- Tour Villa Carlotta, featuring art collections and lush gardens
- Sail on Lake Como using the public boat service
- Experience seamless transfers between lakeside towns by boat
Description
This self-guided tour begins with a regional train departure from Milano Centrale station to Varenna. Upon arrival, use the public boat to travel between towns and villas along Lake Como.
Itinerary (approximate times):
- 08:20 – Departure by train from Milano Centrale to Varenna (1st or 2nd class)
- 09:24 – Arrival at Varenna station
- 09:51 – Transfer by public boat from Varenna to Tremezzo
- 10:40 – Arrival in Tremezzo; short walk to Villa Carlotta for a visit
- 12:10 – Public boat transfer from Tremezzo to Bellagio
- 12:30 – Arrival in Bellagio with free time for lunch (not included)
- Afternoon – Visit the Gardens of Villa Melzi D’Eril
- 16:08 – Public boat transfer from Bellagio back to Varenna
- 16:50 – Arrival in Varenna and visit to Villa Monastero (house museum closed on Tuesdays)
- 18:35 – Return train from Varenna to Milano Centrale
- 19:40 – Arrival at Milano Centrale station
*Boat schedules may vary according to the public navigation timetable on Lake Como.
Includes
- Round-trip regional train ticket (1st or 2nd class) between Milano Centrale and Varenna
- Entrance ticket to Villa Monastero (house museum and botanical garden; garden only on Tuesdays)
- Full-day public boat transfer ticket for Lake Como routes included in the itinerary
- Entrance tickets to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi Gardens
- All taxes and service fees
Excludes
- Lunch and drinks
- Tour guide services
- Any items not specifically listed under 'Includes'
- Tips and personal expenses
Important Information
- From 15 June 2025 to 15 September 2025, a bus replacement service will operate between Lecco and Varenna due to railway works.
- The tour is self-guided with no fixed schedule or guide; following the suggested itinerary will optimize your experience.
- Boat timetables are subject to change based on public navigation schedules.
- Villa Melzi D'Eril is private property; only its gardens are accessible to visitors.
- On Tuesdays, only the gardens at Villa Monastero are open; the house museum is closed.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 7 days before your booking date for a full refund.
For best experience, check current boat and train schedules before departure and bring comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can visit Villa Monastero in Varenna, Villa Melzi D’Eril gardens, and Villa Carlotta with its art collections and gardens.
The tour begins with a regional train from Milan to Lake Como towns like Varenna or Bellagio, where you explore on foot and by public boat.
Yes, the tour includes sailing on Lake Como’s public ferry system connecting the various villas and towns.
No, the house museum at Villa Monastero is closed on Tuesdays; check the official site for current opening hours.
Yes, visitors can enjoy the gardens and the green promenade surrounding Villa Melzi D’Eril.
This is a self-guided tour ideal for independent travelers, so no guide is necessary.
You board the public boat at piers in towns like Varenna or Bellagio to travel between Lake Como villas.
You can choose your departure time based on regional train schedules from Milan, but check boat and villa timings in advance.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and check the website for villa opening hours and ferry schedules.
Yes, the self-guided format and boat rides make it suitable for families interested in exploring villas and gardens at their own pace.
