Exploring the enchanting lakeside villas of Lake Como has never been easier. This self-guided tour provides access to three iconic estates – Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril – along with convenient ferry transportation between picturesque towns. For just over $100 per person, visitors can enjoy the region’s stunning gardens and architectural marvels at their own pace. The flexibility and charm of this experience make it a must-do for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating Italian destination.
Key Points
- This self-guided tour offers entry to three iconic villas on Lake Como, including Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril.
- The tour includes a 1-day ferry ticket for convenient transportation between the towns of Bellagio, Tremezzo, and Varenna.
- Prices start from $108.13 per person, with free cancellation available up to 7 days in advance.
- The villas feature tranquil gardens, exquisite landscaping, and impressive sculptures, creating a rich aesthetic experience.
- Suggested itineraries are provided for visitors starting from Varenna or Bellagio, offering a structured or flexible sightseeing experience.
Overview of the Tour Experience
Travelers can experience a self-guided tour of Lake Como’s three iconic villas: Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril.
Explore Lake Como’s three iconic villas at your own pace with a self-guided tour.
They can start the tour from Bellagio, Tremezzo, or Varenna. The cost is from $108.13 per person, and the ticket is valid for 1 day with free cancellation up to 7 days in advance.
Visitors can explore the lush botanical gardens and historical museums at their own pace, with suggested itineraries for each starting point.
The tour also includes a convenient public ferry system connecting the three towns, allowing travelers to enjoy the flexibility and beauty of Lake Como.
Looking for more options in Tremezzina? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Villa Visits
When exploring the three iconic villas, visitors can admire the lush botanical gardens, intricate sculptures, and historical architecture that grace the lakeside properties.
At Villa Monastero, guests can stroll through the tranquil Mediterranean gardens and tour the villa’s museum.
Villa Carlotta boasts exquisite landscaping, including rare and exotic plants.
Visitors to Villa Melzi d’Eril can marvel at the elegant neoclassical villa and its beautiful grounds, featuring:
-
Stunning terraced gardens
-
Serene walking paths
-
Impressive sculptures and water features
Suggested Itinerary From Varenna
Starting from the charming town of Varenna, visitors can embark on a captivating tour of the three iconic villas on Lake Como.
Visitors can embark on a captivating tour of the three iconic villas on Lake Como, starting from the charming town of Varenna.
The suggested itinerary begins at 10:00 with a visit to Villa Monastero, known for its lush botanical gardens.
At 11:15, visitors take the ferry to Villa Carlotta, exploring its historical museum and sculptures.
After, they ferry to Bellagio for lunch at 13:45, then return to Varenna at 16:20, concluding the day’s adventure.
This flexible self-guided tour allows travelers to enjoy the lakeside villas at their own pace, making the most of the convenient public ferry system.
Suggested Itinerary From Bellagio
From the picturesque town of Bellagio, visitors can begin their journey at 10:00 with a visit to the stunning Villa Melzi d’Eril, exploring its lush gardens and historical architecture.
After this, they’ll take a ferry at 11:35 to Villa Carlotta, where they can admire the exquisite botanical displays and artwork.
To complete the day, the tour proceeds with a ferry ride at 13:45 to the town of Varenna for lunch, before catching the final 17:45 ferry back to Bellagio.
The suggested itinerary from Bellagio includes:
-
10:00 – Visit Villa Melzi d’Eril
-
11:35 – Ferry to Villa Carlotta
-
13:45 – Ferry to Varenna for lunch, then 17:45 ferry back to Bellagio
Suggested Itinerary From Tremezzo
Visitors starting their tour from the charming town of Tremezzo can begin at 10:00 with a visit to the magnificent Villa Carlotta.
After exploring the villa’s museum and lush gardens, they’ll board the ferry at 11:37 to Bellagio, where they can enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In the afternoon, they’ll take the 14:50 ferry to Varenna to visit the picturesque Villa Monastero.
The tour concludes with the final 16:40 ferry back to Tremezzo, allowing travelers to bask in the stunning lakeside views and reflect on the day’s discoveries.
Inclusions and Exclusions of the Tour
The tour includes entry to the three iconic villas – Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril – as well as a 1-day ferry ticket for transportation between the towns.
The tour includes entry to three iconic Lake Como villas and a 1-day ferry ticket for transportation between the towns.
Plus, the package provides 24/7 assistance via a dedicated telephone line.
However, the tour doesn’t include:
-
Guided tours.
-
Lunch or tips.
-
Accessibility for wheelchair users.
While the overall value is good, some travelers have commented that the pricing could be more competitive compared to individual ticket purchases.
The tour offers a convenient way to explore Lake Como’s renowned villas and gardens.
Customer Ratings and Feedback
Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars for the Lake Como villa tour based on 66 reviews.
The transportation system received a 4.1 rating, while value for money was rated 3.8.
Reviewers praised the beauty of the villas and gardens, as well as the convenience of the ferry service.
Some recommended visiting during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds.
A few commented that purchasing individual villa tickets might be more cost-effective than the packaged tour.
Planning Your Lake Como Villa Tour
When planning a Lake Como villa tour, one can choose from three convenient starting points – Bellagio, Tremezzo, or Varenna.
Each location offers a unique experience and suggested itinerary:
-
From Bellagio, begin at Villa Melzi d’Eril, then ferry to Villa Carlotta, and finally, head to Varenna for lunch and a visit to Villa Monastero.
-
Starting in Tremezzo, explore Villa Carlotta first, then ferry to Bellagio for lunch, and finish at Villa Monastero in Varenna.
-
Visitors from Varenna can start at Villa Monastero, followed by Villa Carlotta, and end the day in Bellagio.
The Sum Up
This self-guided tour of Lake Como’s iconic villas offers a flexible and enchanting way to experience the region’s natural beauty and architectural splendor. With convenient ferry transportation and access to the stunning gardens and interiors of Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril, visitors can create their own itinerary and explore at their own pace. At just $108.13 per person, this tour provides excellent value for a memorable lakeside adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here: