Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beloved destinations, famous for its stunning villas, charming towns, and spectacular lake views. But with so much to see and do, planning a full day can be overwhelming. That’s where guided tours come in—they save you hours of navigating and help you experience the highlights comfortably. Whether you’re after a glamorous villa, picturesque towns, or a mix of both, Lake Como offers tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. We particularly love Villa Balbianello & Bellagio full-day trips for their balance of ease, expert guidance, and top sights—especially for first-timers or those wanting a stress-free day.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best full-day tours in Lake Como, each with its own charm. From small-group boat adventures to private walking experiences, these tours are designed to help you make the most of a single day on Italy’s most photogenic lake. Read on to find the perfect excursion for your trip.
1. Lake Como Highlights – Villa Balbianello & Bellagio exclusive full-day tour
At number one, this tour offers a rundown of Lake Como’s most iconic sights in just one day. Limited to a small group of 8, it balances intimacy with expert guidance. The day begins in Como’s main square, Piazza Cavour, where your guide explains the key sights and offers insider tips. The highlight is a hydrofoil ride across the lake, giving you the chance to admire the pre-alpine and Mediterranean landscape from the water.
A visit to Villa Balbianello is the star of this tour. The guide takes you through its gardens and terraces, sharing stories about its 700-year history and its role in films like Star Wars and James Bond. Afterwards, your walk through Bellagio’s charming center allows you to soak in its shops, cafes, and scenic views. Reviewers praise the guide’s detailed knowledge and the ability to see many highlights in just one day, with comments like “really knew the ins and outs of the sites.” This tour is perfect if you want an efficient, well-organized day with plenty of insider info.
Bottom line: This tour combines boat rides, walking, and expert guides to give you a complete and relaxing experience of Lake Como’s top sights. Ideal for those with limited time who want a curated day.
2. Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour on Lake Como
At number two, this tour emphasizes hassle-free access to Lake Como’s stars. For around $290, you get a small-group experience capped at 14 people, making navigation easier and more personal. It features prebooked ferry tickets—so no waiting in long lines—and a focus on Villa Balbianello, a film-famous estate that has appeared in Star Wars and Casino Royale. The boat journey is quick, thanks to the fast ferry, allowing more time on land.
After visiting the villa, you’ll enjoy a lunch break in Bellagio, with restaurant recommendations provided. The walking tour of Bellagio’s cobblestone streets offers a glimpse of its elegant architecture and lakeside charm. Reviewers appreciate the seamless experience and the opportunity to explore without the stress of planning ferries or tickets. One reviewer sums it up: “the best tour in Como,” highlighting the “helpful and knowledgeable” guide.
Bottom line: This tour is ideal if you prefer a relaxed, organized day with prearranged transportation and a small group setting for a more personalized experience.
3. Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour
Positioned at number three, this tour offers a more immersive experience combining walking, dining, and private boat rides. It includes visits to Bellagio and Varenna, two of the most picturesque towns, plus a stop at a castle where you can sample local olive oil—an authentic taste of the region. The highlight is a private cruise in a Venetian water taxi, taking you around Lake Como to see the gardens of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi from the water.
The guide’s personalized approach shines, with reviews noting “incredible” experiences and “a private tour” that felt special. The combination of historical sites, local food, and exclusive boat trips makes this ideal for travelers who want a luxury experience with local flavor. Pricing is higher, at about $590 per person, but the tailored approach and exclusive access justify the cost for many.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a luxury, all-encompassing day filled with tastings, private cruising, and intimate visits to the lake’s most famous villas.
4. Lake Como – Varenna & Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour
Closing out our list at number four, this tour offers a personalized day exploring Lake Como’s charming towns with a maximum of 8 people. Starting from Como, the tour uses hydrofoil boats for quick transfers to Bellagio, where guided walking tours include the Basilica of San Giacomo and Punta Spartivento. From Bellagio, you’ll ferry to Varenna, a quieter, romantic town famed for its Lovers Walk.
The tour combines land and water to give a well-rounded experience while keeping the itinerary relaxed and manageable. The reviews highlight how the small group size allows for more personal attention and easier navigation, especially with the hydrofoil transfers that save time. The ferry to Varenna is included, but note that the scenic ferry ride back costs about €35.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, relaxed experience exploring Lake Como’s picturesque towns with efficient transportation and expert guides.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Lake Como Tour
When deciding, consider your budget, interests, and pace preference. If you want all the highlights with minimal planning, the Lake Como Highlights – Villa Balbianello & Bellagio is a good choice. For a more relaxed, small-group experience with prearranged ferries, the Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour works well. Those seeking a luxury, immersive day with tastings and private cruises should consider the Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como. Meanwhile, if you prefer a personalized**, manageable day with fewer people and a focus on towns, the Varenna & Bellagio Small-Group Tour fits your style.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak months, as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Think about whether you prefer a guided walk, scenic boat rides, or a combination of both. And remember, a little extra planning—like pre-booking ferry tickets or restaurant reservations—can make your day even smoother.
Final thoughts
Lake Como’s full-day tours offer a fantastic way to see its most famous sights without the hassle of planning every detail. For a comprehensive, guided experience, the top-rated Lake Como Highlights provides a perfect balance of boat rides, walking, and storytelling. If you want more personalized attention and pre-arranged transportation, the Villa Balbianello & Bellagio tour is excellent. For those craving a bit of luxury and local flavor, the Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como delivers a memorable day of sightseeing, tasting, and cruising.
No matter which you choose, booking early will help you secure your spot in these popular tours. Lake Como is best enjoyed with a bit of local knowledge and expert guidance—so pick the one that matches your style, and prepare for a day of unforgettable scenery and charming towns.