Milan: Lakes Tour to Varenna, Bellagio, and Lugano by Boat

A full-day tour from Milan that takes you across Lake Como’s most beautiful spots and into Switzerland’s Lugano, this Lakes Tour to Varenna, Bellagio, and Lugano by Boat offers a well-balanced mix of scenic landscapes, historic towns, and luxurious Swiss flair. Priced with the convenience of skip-the-line tickets, the trip lasts around 10 hours and includes multiple boat rides, guided sightseeing, and free time in picturesque locations. While the itinerary promises a nature-immersive experience, romantic lakeside walks, and a private cruise, a notable drawback is that Bellano is replaced by Lugano in some cases, which can affect expectations.

This tour is ideal for visitors who want to see key highlights of Lake Como and experience Swiss charm in a single day, without the need to organize transportation or activities independently. It suits those comfortable with fast-paced sightseeing and moderate walking, but travelers should bring their passport or ID for border crossing into Switzerland. The tour’s English and Spanish guides help bring the history and stories of each location to life, making it a practical option for curious explorers.

Key Points

• Full-day experience blending Italy and Switzerland in 10 hours
• Visits to Varenna, Bellagio, and Lugano with boat rides and guided tours
• Highlights include the Orrido Gorge, private panoramic cruise, and Lugano’s historic center
• Includes free time for exploration and lunch in Bellagio
• Border crossing into Switzerland requires passport or ID
• Tour departs from Piazza della Repubblica, Milan with live guides in English and Spanish

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point and Transportation Setup in Milan

The tour begins at Piazza della Repubblica in Milan, specifically in front of the newsstand with a blue sign. From there, travelers board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the 75-minute drive through the Lombardy countryside. The initial journey offers scenic views of the region’s open fields and small towns, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.

The meet-up process is straightforward, and the coach ensures a relaxed start, with plenty of space to settle before the day’s activities. The guide aboard provides briefings and an overview of the itinerary, emphasizing safety and logistical details. This setup is perfect for those who prefer a stress-free start and want to avoid the hassle of self-driving or navigating public transport.

Visiting Bellano and the Orrido Gorge

The first stop on this tour is Bellano, where travelers get to explore the Orrido Gorge, a dramatic natural formation shaped over thousands of years. The Suspended walkways, waterfalls, and shimmering rock formations create a vivid landscape that showcases nature’s power. This spot is especially captivating for photography and nature lovers.

The visit lasts about 45 minutes, giving enough time to walk through the gorge, take pictures, and appreciate the raw beauty of this natural wonder. Importantly, Bellano is sometimes replaced by Lugano in some itineraries, which may alter the expected stops for travelers. The gorge itself offers a hands-on experience of the landscape, making it a memorable start before heading to the lakeside towns.

From Bellano to Varenna by Ferry

After exploring Bellano, the tour proceeds with a ferry ride that lasts approximately 20 minutes to the charming town of Varenna. This journey across Lake Como offers spectacular views of luxurious villas, green hills, and lakefront mansions.

In Varenna, the guide leads visitors through narrow alleys and historic streets, with free time to explore at your own pace. Highlights include walking along Lovers Lane, a romantic waterfront promenade, and visiting the historic center filled with colorful houses and quaint cafes. This stop allows for relaxing lakeside strolls or lunch before continuing the tour.

Exploring Bellagio – The “Pearl of Lake Como”

The next boat ride takes about 20 minutes to Bellagio, widely regarded as the most beautiful town on Lake Como. Bellagio is famous for its flower-filled gardens, elegant shops, and picturesque stairways. Here, free time of approximately 110 minutes allows visitors to wander, shop, or simply sit along the serene promenade.

The town’s Mediterranean charm shines through the colorful buildings, luxury boutiques, and casual cafes. Many appreciate the chance to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely lunch before the afternoon cruise.

More Great Tours Nearby

Private Panoramic Boat Cruise: The Highlight of the Day

A key feature of this tour is the private panoramic cruise across Lake Como, lasting about one hour. This cruise provides a home to iconic villas, lush botanical gardens, and film locations such as Villa del Balbianello. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the lake’s natural beauty and architectural elegance.

Travelers are likely struck by the peaceful environment aboard the boat, with spectacular views in every direction. This part of the tour underscores the luxurious feel of Lake Como’s most famous scenery, perfect for photo opportunities and relaxation.

Crossing into Switzerland and Exploring Lugano

After the boat cruise, the tour crosses the border into Switzerland for a guided walking tour of Lugano’s historic center. The guide explains the city’s unique Swiss-Mediterranean blend, highlighting sights like the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, home to Renaissance frescoes by Bernardino Luini.

The 1.5-hour exploration includes a chocolate tasting, a delightful chance to sample Swiss confections, and free time to browse Via Nassa, Lugano’s premium shopping street filled with luxury boutiques and elegant cafes. This segment showcases Lugano’s refined atmosphere and offers a taste of Swiss sophistication.

Return Journey and Practical Details

The coach ride back from Lugano is about one hour, arriving at Piazza della Repubblica in Milan around 7:00 PM. The tour concludes with the satisfaction of a full day’s exploration across Italy and Switzerland, with comfort and convenience.

Passengers should remember to bring their passport or ID, especially for the border crossing. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with moderate walking and timed sightseeing, but wheelchair users are advised to consider suitability, as accessibility details are not specified.

Weighing the Experience: Strengths and Limitations

This tour shines with stunning views of Lake Como and Lugano, well-organized transportation, and a knowledgeable guide leading through various highlights. The private cruise and guided walk in Lugano are particularly appreciated for their personalized feel.

However, some reviews indicate that Bellano may be replaced by Lugano, which could disappoint those expecting Bellano’s natural gorge. Plus, the time in Como and Bellagio can feel rushed—a common challenge in full-day tours covering multiple stops. Travelers should manage expectations about limited free time in each location.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors eager to see key lakeside towns, enjoy boat rides, and experience Swiss elegance in a single day. It suits those comfortable with quick transitions between stops and moderate walking, seeking an easy-to-book, guided experience that covers major sights without the need for personal planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include lunch?
The tour provides free time in Bellagio where travelers can choose to have lunch on their own.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
The live guides speak English and Spanish, with an audio guide also available in these languages.

What should I bring?
Travelers need to bring passport or ID card for border crossing into Switzerland, along with comfortable shoes, a waterproof hat, and appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How long is the coach ride from Milan to Bellano?
The initial coach ride lasts approximately 75 minutes.

How much time do I get in each town?
Expect about 45 minutes in Bellano, around 1 hour in Varenna, and about 110 minutes in Bellagio, plus 1.5 hours in Lugano.

What are the main attractions in Lugano?
Lugano’s historic center, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli, and the luxury shopping street Via Nassa.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, free time in Bellagio and Lugano allows for shopping in local boutiques.

Is there a Dress Code?
Comfortable casual clothing and shoes are recommended, especially for walking. A waterproof hat may be useful in case of rain.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This 10-hour lakeside adventure from Milan offers a blend of natural beauty, luxury towns, and Swiss elegance, making it a compelling option for those looking to see the highlights of Lake Como and Lugano without the hassle of independent travel. Just keep in mind the possible change of stops and the timed nature of the itinerary to match your preferences.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby