Overview
Explore Lake Como by land and water on this full-day walking and boating tour, with a visit to the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa del Balbianello. Sample local cheeses, meats, olive oil, and wine, take a walking tour of Varenna and gain insight into the region’s Celtic heritage.
Savor a tasty lunch of fish appetizers and pasta in a local restaurant, then admire sweeping views over Lake Como’s villas and gardens during a sightseeing cruise in a Venetian taxi. Disembark at Villa del Balbianello to take pics and enjoy the view, then cruise onwards to Bellagio, where you shall be guided through the wonderful Villa Melzi gardens, followed by a stroll along the lakeside.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 6 days before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Guided walking Tour of Varenna
Tickets to Villa Melzi
Tickets to Villa del Balbianello
Special lunch in a local restaurant: starters, pasta, water, a glass of wine and coffee
Professional, English-speaking guide
Tasting of delicious local specialties in a charming old mill
1.5h Boat Tour (open top Venetian taxi)
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Our Tour starts in front of the Ferry Terminal Ticket Office in Varenna at 1030 am . Just look for the team with a LAKE COMO FOR YOU sign !
If you are arriving from Como, Cernobbio or Moltrasio please do get in touch with us for directions.
End point
The tour ends in Bellagio. There are plenty of mid-lake shuttles or car ferries linking Bellagio to Varenna and other locations.
The last speedboat to Como will depart at the end of our tour. Our tour guide will be happy to show you departure point.
Good to know
• Please provide mobile phone number in case we need to get in touch last minute
• Please bring your passport or a copy or a pic of your passport. Our boat supplier may deny you boarding in case you do not have it with you
• A moderate amount of walking is involved. The trail to the mill for the morning tasting entails a descent with some steep steps which must also be ascended on the return trip. Please make sure you are physically adapt and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• The tour runs rain or shine. In case of bad weather conditions it is possible that the tour undergoes some slight changes and that the transfer to Villa Balbianello is done using public transport and not with the private boat taxi due to safety reasons
• Hotel pickup is not included for this activity, however it will be requested at the time of booking. It helps knowing where you are staying, should we need to contact you and can't reach you via phone or email.
What to expect
-
Villa Del Balbianello
1 hour
.
-
I Giardini Di Villa Melzi
30 min
.
-
Chiesa di San Giorgio
15 min
The group will enter the church and be given a detailed description.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel at least 6 full days before the start time: 100% refund.
Cancel between 2 and 6 days before the start time: 50% refund.
Cancel within 2 days of the start time: 0% refund.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- We are following Italy's Covid rules as they change. We do not ask for vaccination or tests to take our tours but suggest bringing with you a FFP2 mask in case it is needed on transports.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Lake Como Cruise With Tastings at a Local Mill and Lunch
Where does the tour end?
The tour ends in Bellagio. The guide can show you the departure point for the last speedboat to Como, which leaves at the end of the tour.
What are the tour stops, and how long is spent at each?
There are 3 named stops: Villa Del Balbianello (60 minutes), I Giardini Di Villa Melzi (30 minutes), and Chiesa di San Giorgio (15 minutes), in that order.
What food and drink are included?
The tour includes a tasting of local specialties at an old mill and lunch at a local restaurant with starters, pasta, water, a glass of wine, and coffee.
How much time is spent on the boat?
The boat tour lasts 1.5 hours and uses an open-top Venetian taxi.
How long is the tour, and what should I wear for the walk?
The tour lasts 7 hours. A moderate amount of walking is involved, including steep steps down to the mill and back up, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts in front of the Ferry Terminal Ticket Office in Varenna at 1030 am. Look for the team with a LAKE COMO FOR YOU sign.
Operated by Lake Como For You
