Exploring the gem-like towns along Lake Como is a must-do for many visitors to northern Italy. This small group tour from Milan offers an immersive experience, taking travelers by train, boat, and on foot to discover Bellagio, Varenna, and the Bellano Gorge. With an expert guide leading the way, guests can expect an unhurried pace and ample time to soak in the area’s renowned natural beauty and historic charm. What makes this tour stand out, though, is the chance to truly get off the beaten path and see a side of the Italian lakes many miss.
Key Points
- This small group tour from Milan takes you to the picturesque towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and the Orrido di Bellano gorge.
- The tour includes a train ride, boat cruise, ferry, and guided sightseeing, lasting 10.5 hours with a maximum group size of 12.
- Highlights include a 1-hour boat cruise on Lake Como, 2.5 hours of free time in Bellagio, and a 1.5-hour guided tour in Varenna.
- The tour is led by a licensed English-speaking guide and provides audio equipment for clear communication during the guided experience.
- The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals over 80 years old, and comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.
Tour Overview
The "From Milan: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano Gorge Small Group" tour offers a comprehensive day trip from Milan, providing participants with the opportunity to explore the picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes of Lake Como.
Priced at $151.24 per person, the 10.5-hour tour is limited to 12 participants and led by an English-speaking guide.
Travelers can enjoy a train ride, boat cruise, and ferry while visiting Bellagio, Varenna, and the Orrido di Bellano gorge.
The tour includes round-trip transportation, entry fees, and free time for sightseeing.
With a 4.8/5 rating based on 67 reviews, the experience offers excellent value and flexibility.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 55-minute train ride from Milan to the picturesque shores of Lake Como.
Guests then board a boat for a 1-hour cruise on the lake before arriving in the charming town of Bellagio, where they’ll have 2.5 hours to explore.
After a 1-hour boat cruise, guests arrive in the charming town of Bellagio, where they’ll have 2.5 hours to explore.
Next, the group takes a 15-minute ferry to Varenna for a 1.5-hour guided tour.
The final stop is the Orrido di Bellano gorge, where visitors can spend 1.5 hours walking along rock-anchored footbridges.
The return journey to Milan takes 70 minutes by train, completing a scenic day filled with the highlights of Lake Como.
Transportation Options
After exploring the charming towns of Bellagio and Varenna, the tour utilizes a variety of transportation modes to provide a seamless and scenic journey.
Guests begin with a 55-minute train ride from Milan to the shores of Lake Como. They then embark on a 1-hour boat cruise across the lake, followed by a 15-minute ferry ride between Bellagio and Varenna.
To conclude the day, a 70-minute train ride returns travelers to Milan. Throughout the tour, the transportation options seamlessly connect the picturesque destinations, allowing participants to sit back and soak in the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian lake region.
Guided Experience
Led by a licensed English-speaking guide, the tour provides an immersive experience that leverages audio equipment to ensure clear communication throughout the day.
Participants will explore the charming towns of Bellagio and Varenna, each with its own unique character.
In Varenna, the guide leads a 1.5-hour walking tour, providing insights into the town’s history and architecture.
Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic gorge featuring rock-anchored footbridges that allow for a close-up encounter with the natural wonder.
The guided experience ensures a seamless and informative journey through Lake Como’s picturesque landscapes.
More Great Tours NearbyAmenities and Inclusions
Along With the guided experience, this small group tour from Milan includes a variety of amenities and inclusions that enhance the overall experience.
Participants will receive round-trip express train tickets, covering the journey to and from Lake Como. The tour also includes entry fees to the stunning Bellano Gorge, where guests can explore the rock-anchored footbridges.
A 1.5-hour skip-the-line boat cruise on Lake Como is another highlight, offering breathtaking views.
Lastly, travelers will receive a map of Lake Como and ample free time in the charming town of Bellagio to explore at their own pace.
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Participant Reviews
Travelers consistently praise the small group tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 67 reviews.
Participants highlight the outstanding performance of the guide, with one reviewer from India praising the seamless communication and inclusion of the Bellano Gorge.
A traveler from Malaysia commended the well-planned itinerary and the exceptional guide, Oleg.
A guest from Saudi Arabia appreciated the small group size and the beauty of the less touristy Bellano.
Meeting Details
When does the tour depart, and where exactly does it start?
The tour departs at 8:55 AM from October to April, and at 7:55 AM from April to September.
The meeting point is in front of the train station, where a guide holding a stick with an Italian flag will be easily identifiable.
Participants should arrive at the meeting point a few minutes before departure to ensure a smooth start to the day.
The tour covers scenic train and ferry rides, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
This small group tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or individuals over 80 years old.
Important Considerations
Although the tour is generally suitable for most participants, there are a few important considerations.
First, the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals over 80 years old, as the terrain may be challenging.
The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals over 80 years old, as the terrain may be challenging.
Second, swimming is only available during the summer months, depending on weather conditions.
Third, participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, and weather-appropriate clothing to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The Sum Up
The "From Milan: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano Gorge Small Group" tour offers a breathtaking exploration of Lake Como’s natural beauty. With a scenic train ride, boat cruise, and guided walks, it provides an intimate and immersive experience. Travelers can revel in the charming towns, picturesque landscapes, and the stunning Orrido di Bellano gorge, making this tour a must-consider for those seeking a memorable Lake Como adventure.
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