Lake Como: Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi With Ferries

Lake Como’s stunning vistas and historic villas entice travelers from around the world. This self-guided tour allows you to experience the best of it – from the botanical wonders of Villa Carlotta to the serene gardens of Villa Melzi. Accessible by scenic ferry rides, you’ll learn about the region’s natural beauty at your own pace. But to truly appreciate the charm of these iconic destinations, you’ll need to…

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Key Points

This full-day excursion explores the villas and gardens of Lake Como, including Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, with ferry transfers and admission fees included.
The self-guided itinerary allows flexibility to visit the botanical displays at Villa Carlotta and the tropical plants at Villa Melzi at one’s own pace.
The tour includes ferry transfers between Como/Cernobbio and the villas, as well as 24/7 assistance via a dedicated phone line.
While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, it offers an immersive experience of Lake Como’s natural beauty.
Boat schedules may change, so it is recommended to check for updates before travel, and comfortable clothing and footwear are advised for exploring the gardens and villas.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

What does this Lake Como tour entail? This full-day excursion allows visitors to explore the stunning villas and gardens of Lake Como.

Priced from $108.13 per person, the tour includes ferry transfers, admission to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi’s gardens, and 24/7 assistance.

The flexible, self-guided itinerary starts from either Como or Cernobbio, with ferries taking travelers to Tremezzo, Bellagio, and back.

Highlights include the lush botanical displays at Villa Carlotta and the tropical plants, sculptures, and Japanese pond at Villa Melzi.

While not suitable for wheelchair users, this tour offers an immersive experience to discover the natural beauty of Lake Como.

Looking for more options in Como? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Schedule

The tour’s suggested itinerary provides an optimal experience for visitors. Starting from either Como or Cernobbio, the schedule includes ferry transfers to Tremezzo, a visit to Villa Carlotta, a trip to Bellagio for lunch and the Villa Melzi Gardens, and a return ferry to the original departure point.

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Boat schedules may change, so it’s recommended to check for updates before travel.

Included Features

The tour package includes several key features to enhance the visitor experience.

Travelers receive a full-day ferry ticket for transfers between Como or Cernobbio and the villas. Vouchers for admission to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi Gardens are also included.

24/7 assistance is available via a dedicated phone line, and all travel agency fees are covered.

While lunch isn’t provided, the self-guided nature of the tour allows guests to explore at their own pace.

These inclusions ensure a comprehensive and convenient experience exploring the stunning villas and landscapes of Lake Como.

Tour Experience

This self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the villas and gardens at their own pace.

The highlights include the lush botanical gardens of Villa Carlotta, with its rich history, and the tropical plants, sculptures, and Japanese pond at Villa Melzi.

While Villa Melzi is a private property, the gardens are accessible to tour participants.

The suggested itinerary provides an optimal experience, but visitors can adjust the schedule to suit their preferences.

With 24/7 assistance available, travelers can feel confident in planning their day along the shores of picturesque Lake Como.

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Important Information

While this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, the suggested itinerary provides an optimal experience for visitors.

Boat schedules may change, so it’s wise to check for updates before travel. Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, as the tour involves exploring lush botanical gardens and historic villas.

With a customer rating of 3.7/5 based on 3 reviews, the tour highlights beautiful views and offers useful trip planning suggestions.

Guests should note that Villa Melzi is a private property, and only the gardens are accessible to the public.

There's plenty more to explore in Como

Customer Reviews

Although the tour has received a customer rating of 3.7 out of 5 based on 3 reviews, travelers have highlighted both the beautiful views and useful trip planning suggestions offered by this experience.

Reviewers praised:

The lush botanical gardens and serene atmosphere of the villas.
The ease of ferry transfers and clear scheduling provided.
The freedom to explore at one’s own pace without feeling rushed.

However, some noted the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Getting to Lake Como

Reaching Lake Como is straightforward, with several transportation options available. Visitors can take a train to the towns of Como or Cernobbio, which are the starting points for this tour. From Milan, trains run frequently and take around an hour.

Alternatively, travelers can drive themselves, with ample parking available in the towns. The ferries included in the tour provide a scenic way to navigate the lake and reach the villa destinations.

Regardless of the transportation method, getting to Lake Como is easy, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the beautiful gardens and historic sites.

Exploring Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi

The tour begins with a visit to Villa Carlotta, a 17th-century villa renowned for its lush botanical gardens and neoclassical architecture.

Guests explore the villa’s opulent interiors and expansive terraced gardens, marveling at the diverse array of plant life.

Next, the ferry whisks travelers to Bellagio, where they stroll through the enchanting Villa Melzi Gardens.

This serene oasis boasts:

Exotic tropical plants
Charming sculptures and fountains
A tranquil Japanese pond

The self-guided tour allows visitors to enjoy the timeless beauty of these historic lakeside estates at their own pace.

The Sum Up

This self-guided tour of Lake Como’s Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi offers a chance to take in the region’s natural beauty. Scenic ferry rides, lush gardens, and historic villas combine for an unforgettable day exploring the stunning landscape. With flexible scheduling and convenient access from Como or Cernobbio, this excursion provides the perfect way to experience the charms of Lake Como at one’s own pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: