From Milan: Villa del Balbianello and Varenna by Train

Northern Italy, Milan



By train from Milan a day discovering Varenna and the wonderful Villa del Balbianello. Back in Varenna, you will then have the opportunity to visit Villa Monastero with its lush garden.

Lake Como Day Tour from Milan: Villa Balbianello and Varenna

This full-day tour from Milan includes train travel, boat navigation, and visits to Villa Balbianello Park and Villa Monastero in Varenna, ideal for nature and culture enthusiasts.

Highlights

  • Day tour by train from Milan to Lake Como
  • Visit Villa Balbianello Park
  • Boat ride on the public Lake Como service
  • Explore Villa Monastero in Varenna with its garden and house museum
  • Admire tropical plants, sculptures, and Japanese pond at Villa Melzi D'Eril

Itinerary (16 June – 5 October 2025)

08:20 – Departure from Milano Centrale by regional train to Varenna.

09:24 – Arrival in Varenna with 1 hour free to explore the town.

09:56 – 10:55 – Boat trip on public ferry from Varenna to Lenno.

Approximate 30-minute walk from Lenno ferry terminal to Villa del Balbianello Park for visit and free time.

Return 30-minute walk to Lenno ferry terminal.

14:10 – 15:05 – Boat from Lenno to Varenna.

Two hours at leisure to visit Villa Monastero’s gardens and house museum.

18:35 – Departure by bus from Varenna station to Milano Centrale.

19:40 – Arrival at Milano Centrale.

Note: Boat schedules may vary according to the public navigation timetable on Lake Como.

Includes

  • 2nd-class roundtrip regional train ticket from Milano Centrale to Varenna
  • Roundtrip public boat ticket for Varenna – Lenno route
  • Entrance to Villa del Balbianello Park
  • Entrance to Villa Monastero (garden and house museum)
  • 24-hour assistance with dedicated telephone support during the excursion
  • Travel agency and reservation system fees

Excludes

  • Entry to Villa del Balbianello interiors
  • Guided tours
  • Lunch
  • Tips

Important Information

  • There is an approximately 30-minute walk between the Lenno ferry terminal and Villa del Balbianello

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 7 days before the tour for a full refund.

For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and check boat schedules in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes train travel from Milan to Lake Como, visits to Villa Balbianello and Villa Monastero, a public boat ride on Lake Como, and time to explore Villa Melzi D'Eril's gardens.
You take a regional train from Milan Centrale to Varenna, followed by a public boat ride to the park of Villa Balbianello.
The tour runs from June 16 to October 5, 2025; check the website for exact departure times and availability.
The train departs from Milano Centrale station for the trip to Lake Como and Varenna.
Yes, the tour includes time to explore Villa Monastero's garden and house museum in Varenna.
The tour uses a public boat for lake navigation between stops.
No, train and boat rides are included in the day tour package from Milan.
Villa Melzi D'Eril features tropical plants, sculptures, and a Japanese pond within its gardens.
Yes, the park at Villa del Balbianello offers notable architecture alongside beautiful gardens and lake views.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.