From Milan: Lakeside Villas on Lake Como With Ferries

Nestled in the heart of Northern Italy, the enchanting Lake Como region beckons travelers with its picturesque lakeside villas and charming towns. Embarking on a self-guided journey from Milan, visitors can explore these architectural gems, each with its own unique history and breathtaking beauty. From the serene Villa Monastero to the grandeur of Villa Carlotta, this tour offers a chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of the area. With a scenic train ride, relaxing ferry crossings, and ample time for discovery, the journey promises an unforgettable experience that leaves visitors longing to uncover more.

Key Points

• Self-guided tour exploring the picturesque lakeside villas of Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril on Lake Como, accessible via scenic ferry rides from Milan.
• Pricing starts at $138.57 per person, including regional train tickets, villa entrance fees, and public boat transfers, with flexibility for free cancellation up to seven days in advance.
• Itinerary covers a full day, with 75 minutes at Villa Monastero, 1.5 hours at Villa Carlotta, a 1-hour break in Bellagio, and 1 hour at Villa Melzi Gardens.
• No guide provided, allowing participants to explore the historical landmarks and scenery at their own pace, with recommended comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Departure from Milano Centrale Railway Station, followed by a 1-hour train ride to Varenna, the starting point of the self-guided villa tour with a return journey to Milan.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Tour

The tour departs from Milan and takes visitors to the picturesque Lake Como region, specifically the town of Varenna.

The self-guided tour includes visits to Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril. Priced from $138.57 per person, the tour is valid for one day with free cancellation up to seven days in advance.

The journey by train from Milan to Varenna takes roughly an hour. Visitors will enjoy ferry rides to the villas and Bellagio, with scheduled breaks to explore the beautiful gardens and lakeside towns at their own pace.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at the Milano Centrale Railway Station. From there, it’s a 1-hour train ride to Varenna.

Once in Varenna, the self-guided tour includes:

• Visiting Villa Monastero for 75 minutes.
• Taking a 15-minute ferry to Villa Carlotta, where visitors can spend 1.5 hours.
• Catching a 20-minute ferry to Bellagio, with a 1-hour break in the town.
• Exploring Villa Melzi Gardens for 1 hour.
• Returning to Varenna by a 30-minute ferry.

The final leg of the journey is a 1-hour train ride back to Milano Centrale.

The tour package includes regional train tickets, entrance fees, and public boat transfers, with taxes and service charges covered.

Included Features

The tour package includes a regional train ticket, either in second or first class, providing convenient transportation to and from the destination.

Entrance tickets for the renowned Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi Gardens are included, allowing visitors to explore these magnificent lakeside estates at their own pace.

The full-day public boat transfer ticket ensures seamless navigation between the various sites, including the charming town of Bellagio.

All taxes and service rates are covered, making for a hassle-free experience.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Como without worrying about additional expenses.

Important Information

At the Milano Centrale Railway Station, travelers will find the meeting point for this self-guided tour.

No guide is provided, so guests must follow the suggested itinerary to make the most of their experience.

It’s important to note that boat timetables may change based on the public navigation schedule, so guests should be flexible.

Plus, Villa Melzi d’Eril is a private estate, and only the gardens are accessible to visitors.

To ensure a comfortable tour, guests are advised to wear:

• Comfortable shoes
• Weather-appropriate clothing

No wheelchair access is available.

Personal expenses and tips aren’t included in the tour price.

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Participant Guidelines

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for participants on this self-guided tour.

The itinerary involves walking through gardens and taking ferries, so sturdy footwear is essential. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the terrain and ferry accessibility.

Participants should also bring any personal items or extras they may need, as these aren’t included in the tour package.

While a guide isn’t provided, the suggested itinerary ensures an optimal experience exploring the lakeside villas.

Participants can enjoy the tour at their own pace, taking in the stunning scenery and historical landmarks along the way.

Departing From Milan

Travelers departing from Milan’s central railway station, the Milano Centrale, embark on their Lakeside Villas journey.

The trip begins with a 1-hour train ride to Varenna, the picturesque town on the shores of Lake Como.

Participants will:

• Board the regional train, choosing either 2nd or 1st class seating
• Enjoy scenic views of the Italian countryside during the journey
• Arrive in Varenna, the starting point for the self-guided tour
• Explore the lakeside villas and gardens at their own pace
• Return to Milano Centrale by train after a full day of discovery.

Exploring Varenna’s Villas

Arriving in Varenna, visitors are met with the picturesque lakeside town that serves as the starting point for their self-guided tour of the renowned villas along Lake Como.

The first stop is Villa Monastero, a former convent with beautiful gardens and architecture that offers a 75-minute explore.

Next, travelers take a 15-minute ferry to Villa Carlotta, spending 1.5 hours admiring its elaborate terraced gardens and impressive art collection.

After, it’s a 20-minute boat ride to Bellagio for a 1-hour break before visiting the private Villa Melzi d’Eril gardens for an hour.

The day concludes with a 30-minute ferry back to Varenna and the 1-hour train ride to Milan.

Traveling by Ferries

Traversing the serene waters of Lake Como, visitors embark on a picturesque ferry journey connecting the diverse villas and charming towns along the shoreline.

These ferries offer a scenic mode of transportation, allowing visitors to soak in the breathtaking landscapes and coastal views.

The ferries connect key destinations, including:

• Villa Monastero in Varenna
• Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
• Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como"
• Villa Melzi d’Eril in Bellagio

Timetables may vary based on the public navigation schedule, adding a touch of spontaneity to the experience.

The ferry rides provide a relaxing and convenient way to explore the lakeside villas and experience the true essence of Lake Como.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour in Languages Other Than English?

The tour can be booked in languages besides English, but the availability may vary. Travelers should check the tour operator’s website or contact them directly to inquire about language options for this self-guided Lake Como excursion from Milan.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point at Milano Centrale?

To get to the meeting point at Milano Centrale, travelers can take public transportation or a taxi. Milano Centrale is a major train station, so it’s easily accessible from various points in the city.

Are Snacks and Drinks Available During the Tour?

Snacks and drinks are not provided during the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. There are no stops included for purchasing food or beverages along the route.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Villas?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the villas, except where prohibited. Policies may vary, so it’s best to check with staff upon arrival. Most allow photography for personal use, without flash.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

The tour provides a full-day experience, but there’s no option to extend the duration. Participants must follow the set itinerary and schedule to visit the villas and use the included transportation services.

Recap

This self-guided tour from Milan provides a captivating exploration of Lake Como‘s renowned lakeside villas. Travelers can enjoy the region’s natural beauty and rich history, with a seamless experience including transportation, entrance fees, and ample time to discover Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril. The picturesque train ride, relaxing ferry journeys, and charming town of Bellagio create an unforgettable Italian adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: