From Milan: Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip

From Milan: Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip

If you’re looking for a way to escape the bustling city of Milan and soak in some of Italy’s most picturesque lakeside scenery, this day trip to Lake Como might just be your answer. We’ve reviewed this experience based on actual traveler feedback, itinerary details, and what makes it a truly memorable outing—minus the fluff.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines easy train travel, giving you a taste of local life, with stunning boat cruises that showcase Lake Como’s famous villages. The free time in Varenna and Como means you can wander at your own pace, soaking up the atmosphere, while the funicular ride adds a fun, panoramic finale.

A potential downside? The overall rating reflects some mixed experiences—mainly due to the short duration of stops and the reliance on public transportation schedules, which can sometimes be unpredictable. Still, if you’re an adventurous traveler craving authentic spots without the hefty price tag of a private tour, this could work well.

This trip suits travelers who love scenic views, enjoy historic small towns, and prefer a budget-friendly, flexible day out. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of lake life without committing to a longer, more expensive cruise or private guide.

Key Points

• Scenic Lake Cruises: Glide across Lake Como’s calm waters, capturing iconic lakeside scenery.
• Authentic Town Exploration: Free time in Varenna and Como allows for personal discovery and photos.
• Convenient Transport: Train and ferry tickets are included, making logistics smooth.
• Panoramic Views: The Como-Brunate funicular offers sweeping hillside vistas.
• Flexible Schedule: The itinerary balances guided moments with free exploration.
• Authentic Local Experience: Travel on regional trains and boats, avoiding overly touristy options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Breakdown of the Experience

This day trip is a carefully curated balance of transport, sightseeing, and free time, designed to maximize your visit without overwhelming your schedule. Starting from Milano Centrale, you’ll hop on a regional train heading north—an efficient way to escape the city noise and transition into the peaceful lakeside atmosphere.

The Journey to Varenna

Traveling from Milan to Lecco takes about an hour, after which a replacement bus transports you to Varenna. While the bus ride adds a layer of unpredictability—sometimes subject to delays—it’s a small inconvenience for the promise of exploring one of Lake Como’s most charming villages.

Varenna itself charms with its quiet streets, colorful houses, and lakeside promenade. With an hour of free time, you can wander through its narrow alleys, snap photos of its quaint harbor, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the boats bobbing in the water. One reviewer mentioned, “Varenna was a highlight—it’s so peaceful and authentic, with fewer travelers than Bellagio.”

The Lake Como Cruise

At 11:07 am, you’ll board a public boat for a scenic cruise from Varenna to Como. This 2.5-hour ride is really the star of the trip, offering sweeping views of lakeside villas, lush hills, and picturesque villages. During this time, you’ll get plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to relax on the deck while soaking in the landscape.

One traveler noted, “The views from the boat were absolutely stunning—probably the best part of the day.” Keep in mind, small groups on the boat might be a bit crowded during peak times, but the overall experience remains memorable.

Exploring Como

Arriving in Como around 1:40 pm, you’ll have about an hour to explore this lakeside town. Highlights include the impressive Cathedral of Como, and some visitors enjoyed wandering through the historic streets and browsing local shops. The free time is a good chance to grab lunch, though keep in mind that food options are limited within the short window.

Another reviewer appreciated the flexibility: “The free time in Como allowed us to see what interested us most, and the funicular ride was a fantastic view.” The roundtrip tickets for the Como-Brunate funicular are included, which is a real value add, offering panoramic vistas from the hilltop.

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The Funicular Experience

The funicular ride from Como to Brunate is often praised for its scenic views. The ascent is quick—about 10 minutes—but during that time, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you can take in the scenery or grab a quick coffee before heading back down.

One reviewer mentioned, “The panoramic views from Brunate are worth the trip alone. It’s a great way to see the area from above.” The round-trip ticket is convenient and saves you the hassle of buying separate tickets.

Return to Milan

After a relaxed afternoon, the group departs Como at 5:36 pm, returning to Milan via regional train, arriving around 6:17 pm. The entire day runs smoothly, though travelers should be aware that boat schedules might change based on public navigation timings, so flexibility is key.

Transportation & Logistics

The train tickets are second-class, ensuring affordability, and the inclusion of ferry and funicular tickets makes this a straightforward, all-in-one package. The scheduled times are optimized to give plenty of sightseeing without rushing, but delays can occur, especially with the boat schedules.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes for walking, and layers suitable for changing weather—lake breezes can be cooler than expected. Since the trip isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those with mobility challenges might want to consider alternative options.

Authenticity & Feedback from Travelers

From reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable guides and stunning views are among the most praised aspects. One traveler noted, “The guide Radioguide gave helpful commentary during the train ride, and the boat cruise was just as beautiful as I’d hoped.” Others appreciated the flexibility of free exploration, which allows for personalized experiences.

Some points of critique include the short duration at each stop, which can leave travelers wanting more time to really soak in the towns. Others mentioned that timing can be tight, especially during busy seasons, so planning for some buffer is advisable.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a taste of Lake Como without the expense of private guides or longer excursions. It’s perfect for day-trippers from Milan seeking scenic views, charming towns, and a mix of boat and hilltop panoramas.

It also suits independent travelers comfortable navigating public transport and who appreciate a flexible schedule. For those with limited time but a desire for authentic Italian lakeside scenery, this tour offers a compact, enjoyable experience.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers a solid introduction to Lake Como’s highlights—beautiful scenery, quaint towns, and panoramic views—at a reasonable price point. The combination of train travel, boat cruise, and funicular provides a well-rounded experience that captures the essence of the region.

While the short stops might leave some wanting more time in each location, the tour’s flexibility and affordability make it a worthwhile option for first-time visitors or those on a tight schedule. It’s especially recommended for travelers keen on authentic small-town charm and spectacular vistas without the hassle of organizing every detail themselves.

Overall, if your priority is picturesque landscapes, local towns, and a taste of Lake Como with minimal fuss, this day trip offers good value and memorable sights—just keep your camera ready.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour covers regional train tickets, ferry tickets for the Varenna–Como route, and roundtrip funicular tickets, ensuring smooth travel between spots.

How much free time do I get in Varenna and Como?
You’ll have about 1 hour in Varenna for exploring and about 1 hour in Como, giving you time to stroll, take photos, and grab a quick bite.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak Italian?
The provided radioguide helps communicate key information throughout the day, and since the trip uses public transport, language barriers are minimal.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed as a family tour, children who enjoy boat rides and outdoor exploration should find it enjoyable. Keep in mind, mobility limitations are not accommodated.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, and your camera are recommended for capturing the stunning scenery.

Are there options to extend the visit or customize the tour?
This particular experience is fixed in its schedule, focusing on the highlights in a single day. For longer stays or private customization, consider alternative, more tailored options.

In essence, this Lake Como day trip from Milan offers a balanced taste of Italy’s most beautiful lake, combining scenic travel, authentic towns, and panoramic views—all at a budget-friendly price. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate flexibility and natural beauty over in-depth guided tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: