From Milan: Villa del Balbianello and Varenna by Train

Traveling from Milan to explore the enchanting landscapes and historic villas of Lake Como is a classic adventure, but how does this organized day trip measure up? Based on multiple reviews and detailed itineraries, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that combines scenic transportation, cultural sights, and a chance to soak up the region’s charm. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor looking for an easy way to tick off Lake Como highlights, this tour might just be worth considering.

What we love about this experience is its seamless blend of train, boat, and walking tours—making it accessible without needing a car or complicated planning. The stunning views from the boat rides and the opportunity to visit multiple villas add so much to the day. Plus, the value for money shines through—covering transport, entrance fees, and some guided elements—though you should be aware it doesn’t include interior villa tours or lunch.

A key consideration is the walking involved—about 30 minutes between ferry terminals and villas—which can be tiring, especially in warmer weather or for those with mobility issues. Still, for most travelers, the experience balances effort with plenty of rewarding sights. This tour is perfect for those who love scenic travel, charming towns, and historic villas but prefer a structured day that takes care of logistics.

This trip suits travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Lake Como without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transport. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to see the highlights, and it appeals to those who enjoy a mix of guided and independent exploration.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience with train, boat, and walking tours.
• Visit Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero, both offering stunning gardens and historic significance.
• Scenic boat rides across Lake Como provide memorable, postcard-worthy views.
• Efficient scheduling with a good balance of sightseeing and free time.
• Accessible for most but requires walking, which may be a consideration in hot weather.
• Great value for the price considering the included transport and entrance fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

The Journey Begins in Milan

Starting at Milano Centrale, travelers hop on a regional train at 8:20 am, heading toward Lecco. The train journey takes about an hour, giving you your first glimpse of northern Italy’s landscape. A noteworthy detail is the second-class ticket, which keeps costs reasonable while still providing comfort. From Lecco, there’s a substitute bus service (from June to September 2025 due to railway works), replacing the train to reach Varenna. This change might slightly extend your travel time but shouldn’t detract from the overall experience.

Exploring Varenna

Once in Varenna—an adorable lakeside town—you’re given about an hour to wander. It’s a quaint spot with cobblestone streets, lakeside cafes, and charming views of the water. Reviewers mention that directions to the ferry and villas could be clearer, so it’s worth paying attention or asking locals if needed. Varenna’s relaxed pace makes it an ideal starting point for the day.

The Ferry Ride to Villa del Balbianello

Next, a 40-minute ferry ride whisks you across the lake to Lenno, where the highlight—the Villa del Balbianello—awaits. The boat ride itself, included in the package, offers sweeping views of the lakeside villas and lush hills. Several reviewers, like Amelia, pointed out that the boat journeys were a fantastic way to see Lake Como, making this part of the trip particularly enjoyable. Keep your camera ready; the scenery here is the kind you’ll want to capture.

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Visiting Villa del Balbianello

Once at the villa, visitors have about two hours to explore the park and gardens. Entrance to the villa is included, but note that the interior of the villa isn’t accessible—it’s just the gardens and exterior grounds that are open, which still offer a lot of visual pleasure. The gardens are filled with sculptures, tropical plants, and a Japanese pond—a perfect spot for photos and leisurely exploration. Some travelers, like Nan Gallagher, noted the walk to the gardens can be hot, and more detail on the walk’s length could be helpful, but most found the scenery well worth the effort.

Return by Boat and Walk to Villa Monastero

After soaking in the views, you’ll hop back on the ferry for another hour to Varenna. Here, you’ll have about two hours of free time to visit Villa Monastero. The villa’s house museum and lush gardens are highly praised—reviewers like Narjeel called the experience “very enjoyable” and “charming.” The gardens with tropical plants, sculptures, and a Japanese pond offer a tranquil environment for wandering or taking photographs.

Several comments pointed out that the walk from the ferry to Villa Monastero is fairly easy but involves some walking in warm weather, so comfortable shoes are essential. The review from Nan Gallagher mentioned that directions could be clearer, and she wished she had more time to explore the town further, which speaks to the limited leisure time for those wishing to explore beyond the included sights.

The Return Journey

The day concludes with a train back from Varenna to Lecco at around 5:21 pm, followed by the train from Lecco to Milan. The entire round trip offers a convenient, well-structured schedule that maximizes sightseeing without long waits, though there’s a bit of rushed feeling if you want to explore Varenna more extensively.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers round-trip train tickets, boat tickets, and entry to Villa del Balbianello’s park and Villa Monastero’s house and gardens. This makes it a cost-effective way to visit these highlights, especially since the entrance fees and transport are bundled.

However, crucial details include that interior villa tours are not included, and there’s no guide for the interiors or gardens—just self-guided exploration. Also, lunch isn’t included, so bringing snacks or planning to dine in Varenna is best. The tour provides H24 assistance if any issues arise, adding some peace of mind.

Timing and Flexibility

The schedule is fairly tight, with about an hour in Varenna before heading to the ferry, and two hours each at Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero. While this allows you to see the highlights, it leaves little room for extensive wandering or spontaneous discoveries. Reviewers appreciated the timings that allowed for exploring and relaxing, but some wished for more free time.

The Reviews: Authentic Insights

Amelia’s review highlights the seamless travel and the value for money, especially praising the boat and train journeys as “a fantastic way to see Lake Como.” She also appreciated the timings that allowed enough time to wander around villas and grab some food, making the experience well-balanced.

Narjeel called it a “very wonderful trip”, emphasizing that the charming spots made the day enjoyable. On the other hand, Nan Gallagher pointed out that directions could be clearer and mentioned the heat during the walk to gardens—a reminder to bring water and be prepared for some uphill or longer walks.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a comprehensive day of sightseeing that combines transport with cultural and natural highlights. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want a structured, efficient way to see Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero without the hassle of planning individual tickets and transport. The scenic boat rides and picturesque villas make for memorable moments, especially if you love lakeside views and historic architecture.

However, the limited time at each site and the walking involved may not suit everyone, particularly those with mobility issues or who prefer leisurely exploration. Still, most reviewers found the experience great value, especially considering the included transport, entrance fees, and the convenience of a guided schedule.

In essence, this trip is best for busy travelers seeking a taste of Lake Como—a day that’s packed with highlights, beautiful scenery, and comfort. For those wanting a more in-depth stay or to explore Varenna at their own pace, you might prefer to DIY or extend your visit.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the package includes round-trip regional train tickets from Milan to Varenna and public boat tickets across Lake Como for the route between Varenna and Lenno.

Can I visit the interiors of Villa del Balbianello?
No, the ticket grants access only to the park and gardens—the interior of the villa is not included.

How much time do I have at each villa?
You’ll have about 2 hours at Villa del Balbianello and 2 hours at Villa Monastero, giving enough time for sightseeing and photos but not extended exploration.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It might pose challenges due to walking distances and uneven paths, especially in hot weather. It’s not explicitly wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, especially for walking. You might also want to bring water and snacks to stay refreshed.

What if I want more free time in Varenna or the villas?
The schedule is quite fixed, so if you prefer more leisure or in-depth exploration, consider extending your stay or planning a private tour.

Are guide services included?
No, the tour is self-guided at the villas, though assistance is available if needed.

This organized day trip offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, history, and convenience, making it a worthwhile option for travelers eager to experience Lake Como’s most loved spots without the hassle of separate arrangements.

You can check availability for your dates here: