Lake Como Day Trip from Milan 2024

Things you’ll see on a day trip to Lake Como

Lake Como

Nestled in the breathtaking landscape of northern Italy, the lake has a rich history and a fascinating past. In ancient times, the lake was called Lario, which means “deep place” due to its impressive depth of 410 meters. Lake Como is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. With a unique Y shape and over 100 km of coastline, it offers countless places to admire the stunning scenery.

As the third-largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore, Lake Como is a must-see destination for travelers seeking a true Italian experience. Whether you’re strolling along charming towns, cruising across the crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking up the scenery from one of the many viewpoints, Lake Como is a destination that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

City of Como

Como is situated on the southwestern edge of the lake. It’s a city with a rich history that dates back to the Roman Empire. The city was initially known as Comum and thought to have Gallic roots. It was captured by the Romans in 196 BC and eventually established as a Roman colony under the rule of Julius Caesar.

Como is home to many silk factories and shops, and its production dates back to the 14th century. One of the most significant Gothic churches in Northern Italy is the Como Cathedral. The construction of a Gothic-style Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta started in 1396 and took around 400 years to build.

Villa Olmo

A must-see during your visit to Como. This famous villa was constructed at the end of the 18th century and was finished in 1812 by the Marquesses Odescalchi. Giuseppe Garibaldi and Napoleon Bonaparte, two of the villa’s most prominent guests, were impressed by the villa’s elegance and charm. Still today, it is a prestigious location for many conferences, events, and art exhibitions.

The villa’s interior boasts exquisite paintings, statues, and stucco decorations. It also includes a theater dating back to 1883 that provides a perfect acoustic environment.

Bellagio

Bellagio is a small jewel located at the tip of the peninsula that divides Lake Como into two branches. Because of its picturesque location and stunning scenery, it is often called “The Pearl of Lake Como”. Bellagio has hosted many notable figures and gained great popularity since Roman times. Even though the town has a population of only 4,000, it attracts more than 1 million tourists yearly.

Bellagio is known for its elegant villas, such as Villa Serbelloni and Villa Melzi. These villas are surrounded by beautiful gardens and offer breathtaking views of the lake. One of the interesting landmarks of this town is the Basilica of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church built between the 11th and 12th centuries.

Varenna

Varenna, an enchanting village on Lake Como’s eastern shore, is renowned for its stunning scenery and charming houses. Its rich history dates back to the Roman era. During the Middle Ages, it was a vital hub for ironworking.

Varenna boasts many historic villas, exquisite Romanesque churches that date back to the 12th century, and a magnificent ancient bell tower. Aside from its cultural significance, Varenna became a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. It offers various hiking trails and breathtaking scenic lakefront walks to explore, such as the renowned Sentiero del Viandante.

About the day trip to Lake Como from Milan

Visit Lake Como from Milan

Escape the bustling city of Milan and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Lake Como on a luxurious day tour. Enjoy breathtaking views of the three branches of the lake, each with its unique landscape that will leave you mesmerized. Discover the charming city of Como with a guided walking tour of the city center. Visit the neoclassical Villa Olmo and its enchanting Italian garden.

Experience the ultimate luxury as you cruise across the crystal clear waters of the lake on your very own private boat. Soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque sights.

Stroll through the colorful villages of Bellagio and Varenna, with their original cobblestoned streets and quaint ambiance. The villages are ancient and were established during Roman times. Their architecture and cultural traditions still showcase their rich history.

During the 19th century, Bellagio was a popular destination for wealthy aristocrats and artists, earning it the nickname “Pearl of Lake Como”. Varenna, on the other hand, is a quieter and more traditional village, with narrow alleys, steep staircases, and colorful houses perched on the lake’s edge.

Because of the rich history and cultural heritage, the Lake Como region attracts many tourists worldwide.

Adjusting your itinerary to ensure you have the most memorable trip possible might be necessary. Take advantage of this chance to discover the magic of Lake Como.

Get the most out of your vacation in Milano by going on an exceptional day trip to Lake Como!

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of this renowned destination!

Included

• Transportation by luxury bus
• Professional bilingual guide
• Headphones for the tour
• Walking tour in Como
• 1-hour lake cruise by private boat
• Meeting point at Duomo/La Scala or Milan Central Station

Not included

• Meals and drinks at extra cost
• Gratuities (optional)

Not suitable for

• Wheelchair user

Not allowed

• Pets (assistance dogs allowed)

Tour Highlights

Walking tour in Como

Experience an instructive walking tour in Como. This is the opportunity to explore the historic city center, charming architecture, and lively atmosphere. Learn about the city’s rich history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

Lake cruise by private boat

Indulge yourself on a private boat cruise on Como Lake. Admire the breathtaking scenery of the mountains, picturesque villages, and crystal clear waters that surround you.

Explore the villages of Bellagio and Varenna

Explore the villages of Bellagio and Varenna, wander through their narrow cobblestoned streets, and admire their colorful architecture. Soak up their enchanting atmosphere while surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Why wait? Book your Lake Como day trip from Milan Now!

Leave Milan behind for a day and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como.

FAQ

Can you do a day trip from Milan to Lake Como?

Of course! A day trip to Lake Como is a popular and fantastic way to explore the beauty of this stunning area. It's a convenient journey, with regular trains and buses departing from Milan to different towns around the lake.  But, the best way to travel to Lake Como is by taking a day tour from Milan. By doing so, you will save much more time and money. Also, you will be able to visit all the sites in the best possible way!

Is Lake Como worth a day trip?

Lake Como is definitely worth a day trip. We advise you to book Milan tours to Lake Como with us. It is a great way to experience the culture and beauty of Lake Como in a stress-free way. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and carefully curated routes, you can make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories.

How do you spend a day at Lake Como?

Lake Como offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. You can begin by taking a boat tour to see the stunning lake and quaint towns. Make sure you visit the famous villages of Bellagio and Varenna. You can enjoy numerous activities.  We advise you to take a scenic boat ride, visit historical villas, stroll through gardens, and indulge in delicious Italian cuisine. For those who prefer an active experience, there are hiking trails and water sports to enjoy.

Is there a direct train from Milan to Lake Como?

Yes, there is! Trains depart daily from Milan Central Station to the town of Como. It is the fastest and the best way to get to your destination. A train ride can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over one hour, depending on where you’re getting off.

Meeting point

The meeting point is subject to change based on the selected booking option.

Book Your Full-Day Small-Group Tour From Milan to Lake Como Right Away!

Know Before You Go

• The tour may be conducted in 2 languages, English and Spanish
• Infants have a free ticket, but they must sit on their parent’s lap as they do not have their places booked
• The schedule is subject to change
• During the tour, you can use a audio system to listen to the guide easily
• In case of no return or lost device, you will be charged a EUR 50 penalty fee

Amazing experience!

I’ve been to Como before, but this guided tour gave me a whole new experience! The travel arrangements were very comfortable, and the boat ride was extremely scenic! The guide was fun and informative throughout the journey and recommended great restaurants. I enjoyed the spectacular views and my favorite village of Lake Como, Bellagio. This Lake Como Tour will guarantee a day well spent.

Fiona

Experience of a lifetime!

This tour was the best experience of my entire life! Seeing pictures of Lake Como, the landscape and surrounding mountains in photos is nothing compared to seeing it in person. You will get a full guided day tour to three beautiful villages, an amazing boat ride, and enough time to explore all the interesting sights! This day trip to Lake Como is incredible, and you shouldn’t miss out!

Elena