From Milan: Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip

Exploring the enchanting beauty of Lake Como is a must-do for visitors to Milan. This day trip takes travelers on a scenic journey from the city to the picturesque town of Varenna, where they can wander charming streets and admire historic sites. The highlight is a 2.5-hour boat cruise across the shimmering lake to the city of Como, offering breathtaking vistas along the way. With roundtrip transportation and the option to ride the Brunate funicular, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience.

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Key Points

Take a day trip from Milan to explore the picturesque town of Varenna and enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour boat cruise across the stunning Lake Como.
Discover Varenna’s charming cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and elegant villas lining the promenade during 1 hour of free time.
Set out on a relaxing boat cruise that showcases the natural beauty of Lake Como, including views of villas, gardens, and picturesque villages.
After the cruise, spend 1 hour exploring the charming city of Como, including the opportunity to ride the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views.
The day trip package includes roundtrip train transportation from Milan and is priced at $96.84 per person, with free cancellation available up to 7 days in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Trip Overview

This day trip from Milan to Lake Como provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the charming town of Varenna and embark on a scenic boat cruise across the picturesque lake.

Priced from $96.84 per person, the 1-day excursion includes roundtrip train transportation and various other inclusions. With free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, this trip offers flexibility.

The duration is 1 day, allowing ample time to discover the highlights of the region, including the beautiful town of Como and its renowned cathedral. Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended for this excursion.

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Itinerary Details

The day trip begins at the Milano Centrale Railway Station, where participants travel by train for approximately 1 hour to reach the picturesque town of Varenna.

There, they’ll have 1 hour of free time to explore the charming lakeside village.

Next, they’ll board a scenic boat cruise that takes them across Lake Como to the town of Como, a 2.5-hour journey.

After 1 hour of exploring Como, they’ll ride the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views.

Finally, they’ll return by train to Milano Centrale, a 1-hour journey.

Exploring Varenna

Varenna, a picturesque lakeside village, beckons visitors with its charming cobblestone streets and stunning views of Lake Como.

Explore the town’s historic center, admiring the 14th-century church of San Giorgio and the elegant villas that line the promenade.

Stroll through the lush gardens of Villa Monastero, or venture up to the medieval Castello di Vezio for panoramic vistas.

With an hour of free time, you can leisurely discover Varenna’s hidden gems, savor a lakeside lunch, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere before embarking on the scenic boat cruise to Como.

Scenic Boat Cruise

After exploring the charming town of Varenna, travelers embark on a scenic boat cruise across the tranquil waters of Lake Como. The 2.5-hour boat ride offers breathtaking views of the lake’s natural beauty, including the surrounding mountains and picturesque villages. Along the way, passengers can admire the grand villas and gardens that dot the shoreline.

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The boat cruise is a highlight of the day trip, providing a serene and scenic way to experience the enchanting landscapes of Lake Como.

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Discovering Como

Disembarking from the serene boat cruise, visitors now have the opportunity to explore the charming city of Como.

After an hour of free time, they’ll ride the famous Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views overlooking the picturesque lake. From the top, the iconic Como Cathedral and lively piazzas come into view.

Visitors can wander the quaint streets, browse local shops, and soak in the laid-back atmosphere of this scenic northern Italian town.

The day trip culminates with a relaxing train ride back to Milan, leaving travelers with lasting memories of Como’s natural beauty and charming ambiance.

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Brunate Funicular Ride

The Como-Brunate funicular whisks visitors up the steep slope, delivering them to the top of Brunate for panoramic views overlooking the sparkling Lake Como.

From the summit, guests can admire the serene lake, surrounding mountains, and charming villages dotting the shoreline.

The funicular ride itself is a highlight, offering a smooth and scenic ascent.

The funicular ride itself is a highlight, offering a smooth and scenic ascent to the top of Brunate.

Travelers can spend an hour exploring Brunate’s scenic viewpoints and snapping photos before descending back to Como.

This funicular excursion is the perfect addition to a day trip from Milan, providing a bird’s-eye perspective of the stunning Lake Como region.

Practical Information

Travelers should arrive at the Milano Centrale Railway Station at their selected departure time, as the tour begins promptly.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility issues should consider other options. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Check availability for starting times and participant numbers, as this can affect the experience.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
Check tour availability before booking.

Getting There and Back

To begin the day trip, visitors will take a regional train from Milano Centrale Railway Station to Varenna. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour.

Upon arrival in Varenna, guests will have 1 hour of free time to explore the charming lakeside town.

Next, they’ll board a public boat for a 2.5-hour scenic cruise across Lake Como to the town of Como.

After visiting Como, they’ll ride the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views before taking a 1-hour train back to Milano Centrale Railway Station.

The Sum Up

This day trip from Milan offers a perfect opportunity to experience the enchanting beauty of Lake Como. Visitors can explore the charming town of Varenna, enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the lake, and discover the sights of Como, including the iconic Cathedral. With roundtrip transportation and breathtaking views throughout, this trip is a must-do for anyone visiting the Milan area.