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HomeToursComo ToursLake Como Small Group Tour from Milan — Varenna, Bellagio & Bellano Gorge
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Lake Como Small Group Tour from Milan — Varenna, Bellagio & Bellano Gorge

4.90 (689 reviews)
Como, Lombardy, Italy
Duration
10 hours
Group Size
Max 15 people
Tour type
Nature Tour
Languages
English

Quick Answers – Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio & Bellano Tour

5.0 rating — based on hundreds of verified travelers

Top-rated Lake Como experience on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Viator

Fast express train • Small group (max 15) • Only tour with Bellano Gorge

1. What makes this the best Lake Como tour from Milan?

Most Lake Como tours use big buses, sit in traffic, and rush all day. This tour is designed for travelers who want the opposite:

Small group (max 15) — calmer, higher-quality experience
Express train — zero traffic, zero delays, much more time on the lake
• The only tour that includes Bellano Gorge, a dramatic canyon missed by classic routes
English-only expert guide — no bilingual commentary, no big groups

2. What places do we visit?

You explore three of the most iconic and scenic locations on Lake Como:

• Bellagio — the “pearl of Lake Como,” elegant villas and panoramic views
• Bellano Gorge — a spectacular hidden canyon carved by waterfalls (exclusive to this tour)
• Varenna — a postcard-perfect village with cobblestones and lakeside promenades

Each stop is curated so you see the best of Lake Como without tourist traps or rushed bus-tour timing.

3. Where and when does the tour start?

Meeting Point: Milano Centrale Station — 7:45 AM 👉 Open in Google Maps

Your guide meets you at the main entrance and accompanies you on the express train — no navigating alone, a smooth and stress-free start.

4. Is transport from Milan included?

Yes — transport is fully included.

You travel by express train: fast, reliable, and the only way to completely avoid Lake Como traffic.

This means more time in Bellagio, Varenna, and Bellano Gorge — not hours on a bus.

5. What is the price, and how can I book?

Price: €129 per person
(Official rate for the full Lake Como experience)

💳 Direct Booking Benefit:
Use promo code COMO at checkout for the direct booking rate.
The final price is shown after you apply the promo code.

🟩 Reserve Now, Pay Later:
No payment today — secure your spot and pay only 48 hours before the tour.

📌 Booking conditions:
No upfront payment
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Instant confirmation
– Secure, encrypted checkout

🛡️ Peace-of-Mind Guarantee:
If plans change, you can modify your date or cancel without fees up to 24 hours before departure.

Since the group is limited to just 15 guests, this tour often sells out — early booking is recommended.

💬 Questions before booking? 

Message the head tour guide

6. Is Bellagio or Varenna crowded?

Bellagio and Varenna are the busiest villages on Lake Como, especially from late spring to early autumn.

To avoid the worst crowds, our tour:

• Starts early
• Uses express transport
• Includes reserved ferry access (skip the ticket line)
• Optimizes timing so you explore before peak-hour congestion

7. What is the best time to visit Lake Como?

Best months: April–May and mid-September–October (great weather + fewer crowds).

Summer: July–August are beautiful but very busy.

Rainy days: Lake Como becomes peaceful and atmospheric — bring a light raincoat and enjoy quieter villages.

Winter: Calm and authentic, but some services run reduced schedules.

8. Do we visit the James Bond villa?

No — we do not enter Villa del Balbianello (the James Bond / Star Wars villa).

We usually see the area from viewpoints or from the lake when possible. Your guide can explain how to visit it on another day if you’re interested.

Ultimate Lake Como Guide

Ultimate Lake Como Guide — Everything You Need Before Visiting

Written by licensed guides who work on Lake Como every week. Includes ferry tips, James Bond villa info, best times to visit, and how to avoid the worst crowds.

Read the Guide →
9. What if it rains?

The tour runs normally in light rain — weather changes quickly in the Alps, and rain often clears during the day.

Rain advantage: Lake Como becomes quieter and incredibly scenic.

If strong weather affects ferries or the Bellano Gorge, we adjust the itinerary to ensure a safe and enjoyable day.

10. Do we have skip-the-line ferry tickets?

Yes — we reserve ferry access for our group in advance.

Visitors without reservations often wait up to 1–2 hours to buy ferry tickets in peak season.

11. Do you offer other Lake Como tours?

Yes — besides Bellagio and Varenna, we offer a different Lake Como experience that avoids the busiest areas.

This itinerary includes:

• Como town
• A relaxing boat cruise
• A quiet authentic village
• Lugano (Switzerland)

Perfect for travelers who want the authentic beauty of Lake Como


Why This Tour Is Different?

In short: This is the only Milan-based Lake Como tour fully focused on scenic villages, hidden gems, and fast transport — using an express train (not a bus), small groups, and the spectacular Bellano Gorge that big tours cannot reach.

A complete, insider Lake Como experience — with no traffic, no big buses, and no rushed schedules.


🗻 Bellano Gorge — Always Included

Visit the dramatic Bellano Gorge, a spectacular hidden canyon carved by waterfalls — a location completely inaccessible to large bus tours.

Small group size means easy access, quieter walkways, and time to enjoy the scenery.

🌅 Bellagio & Varenna — Real Lakefront Experience

Explore Bellagio (“the pearl of Lake Como”) and Varenna, with panoramic views, narrow lanes, and iconic lakefront corners — without the rush of big bus schedules.


🚄 Fast Express Train — No Traffic, No Delays

Travel with us on the Milan–Como express train: clean, fast, reliable.

You skip highway traffic entirely, gaining more time in each village — the opposite of long 2-hour bus transfers used by most tours.


👥 English-Only, Small-Group Experience

A calm, high-quality experience with no big groups and no bilingual commentary.

More access to your guide, smoother timing, and a relaxed pace throughout the day.


🎤 Led by Professional Guides

Your guide is a licensed, experienced Lake Como specialist — sharing insights on culture, ferries, history, local food, and the smartest ways to navigate the lake.


⭐ Created by Lake Como Experts
Designed by Oleg and Stefano — licensed guides and founders of Abroads Tours. We run this itinerary personally throughout the season, ensuring accurate information, local access, and a smooth, well-organized day from start to finish.

What You'll Experience (Step-by-Step Itinerary)

Enjoy a smooth, well-organized day trip with fast transport, licensed local experts, and a relaxed itinerary through the most beautiful villages of Lake Como.

Milan → Varenna (Express Train)
Fast, traffic-free, the smartest way to reach the lake.

Your day begins at Milan Centrale, where your guide meets you and boards the fast express train with you. No bus, no traffic, no long transfers — just a quick and scenic ride straight into the heart of Lake Como.

The route follows the eastern shore of the lake, offering beautiful views even before you arrive. This is the most efficient and stress-free way to start your Lake Como experience.

Varenna — Walk & Free Time
Romantic lakeside village with quiet corners and panoramic views.

Varenna is one of the most charming villages on Lake Como — romantic, colorful, and perfect for exploring. Think cobblestone lanes, peaceful lakefront paths, and postcard-perfect viewpoints.

You’ll have time to stroll, enjoy a coffee, visit the waterfront, or simply take in the calm morning atmosphere before the crowds arrive.

Boat to Bellagio
Panoramic public boat with open-air lake views.

Cruise across the most scenic branch of Lake Como on a panoramic public boat. Enjoy open-air views of mountains, grand villas, and colorful lakeside villages as you approach Bellagio.

Bellagio — Lunch & Free Time
“The pearl of Lake Como” with elegant streets and incredible lake views.

Step into the picture-perfect world of Bellagio — elegant lanes, boutique shops, pastel buildings, and unforgettable viewpoints.

You’ll have free time to enjoy lunch (your choice of restaurant), explore the narrow alleys, shop for local products, or savor gelato by the water.

Boat to Bellano
Short scenic ride toward a quieter, more authentic part of the lake.

A peaceful boat ride takes you from Bellagio to Bellano — a refreshing change from the busier villages. This part of the lake is more local, relaxed, and atmospheric.

Bellano Gorge — The Hidden Gem
The only tour from Milan that includes this dramatic canyon.

The Bellano Gorge is a natural canyon with suspended walkways, waterfalls, and towering rock formations — one of Lake Como’s most surprising hidden gems.

Cool air, echoing water, dramatic colors, and cinematic viewpoints make it a favorite among travelers. Large bus tours cannot access this location, keeping it quieter and more authentic.

Most guests say this becomes the unexpected highlight of the day.

Train Back to Milan (From Bellano)
Direct, smooth return after a full day.

The day ends with a direct train from Bellano back to Milan. A comfortable, easy return that avoids traffic and gets you back to the city smoothly.

You arrive in Milan with enough time for a relaxed evening or a late dinner.

Price & How It Works

Official price: €129 per person
(Price varies by date and availability. Small group — max 15 guests.)


How to Reserve

1️⃣ Reserve your spot for free — no payment today
2️⃣ Apply promo code DIRECT at checkout to unlock your final price
3️⃣ Pay 48 hours before the tour (secure, encrypted payment link)
4️⃣ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
5️⃣ Instant confirmation after booking

🟩 Tip: Only 15 seats per departure — this tour often sells out early.


Prefer paying on the day of the tour?
➡️ Text us directly on WhatsApp to arrange in-person payment.

Message us on WhatsApp to arrange in-person payment

What's Included

Included

    • 🚄 Fast express round-trip train — Milan → Lake Como → Milan (no traffic, guaranteed seats)

    • ⛴️ Panoramic boat rides — pre-booked ferry tickets with guaranteed group access

    • 🌊 Entry to Bellano Gorge — the only small-group tour from Milan that includes this hidden canyon

    • 👥 Small group (max 15 guests) — calm, personal experience (never a 50-person bus)

    • English-only professional tour guide — no bilingual delays, clear explanations

    • 🏘️ Walking tour in Varenna

    • 🌅 Free time in Bellagio and Varenna — explore at your own pace

    • 📸 Insider tips, local recommendations & photo suggestions

    • 🚆 Smart return from Bellano — quieter station, smoother trip back to Milan


Not Included

  • 🍽️ Lunch & drinks (your guide will recommend great options)

  • 🚕 Hotel pickup/drop-off (meeting point is Milan Centrale)

  • 🛍️ Personal expenses (shopping, snacks, etc.)

  • 💬 Tips (optional)


No Hidden Fees

All transportation, ferries, and entry tickets are included.
No extras or surprises on the day.

What's Not Included


Meeting Points

📍 Milan Centrale FS
Piazza Duca d'Aosta, 20124 Milano MI

🕘 Meeting time: 7:45 AM

Meeting point: Main square of Milano Centrale, in front of the BIG APPLE statue. Do NOT wait inside the station. Do NOT wait somewhere else. Be on time.

Open in Google Maps

Private Tours Available

Private Lake Como Experience — fully customized, premium comfort.
Perfect for romantic couples, families, friends, or anyone who wants a personalized, crowd-free day.


Price: Private tours start from €850. Pricing depends on route, season, and customization. LIMITED AVAILABILITY
We always offer the best direct rate when you request your quote on this website.


The private vehicle seats up to 7 guests (premium van) — or choose the express train option.

Customize your day:
– Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, or hidden authentic villages
– Scenic viewpoints & photo stops
– Private boat upgrade on Lake Como (from €300/hour)
– Lunch reservations & curated local experiences
– Flexible pacing — stay longer where you love, skip the crowded spots


Request your private quote:

💬 WhatsApp us

About Us

  • We started Abroads Tours in 2023 after nearly a decade of guiding Lake Como tours and seeing how mass tourism was turning a beautiful destination into a rushed, crowded, impersonal experience. We wanted the opposite: small groups, smart logistics, real guiding, and a calmer, more enjoyable day on the lake.


In 2024, we redesigned the classic Lake Como day trip and created the only small-group experience from Milan that includes Bellano Gorge — a stunning location that large buses physically cannot reach.
Since then, it has become one of the best-rated Lake Como tours from Milan, with hundreds of 5-star reviews across TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, Viator, and Google.


Who We Are

We’re Oleg and Stefano, licensed Milan-based guides and co-founders of Abroads Tours.
Together, we have personally led over 1,000 Lake Como tours from Milan, working on the lake almost every week for many years.

This is not a tour designed in an office — it’s built on real on-field experience: walking every route, learning every shortcut, navigating crowds, and understanding exactly how to create a smooth, enjoyable day around the lake.


We focus on the real Lake Como — its villages, shores, viewpoints, and hidden corners that most mass-tourism routes miss.

Our Philosophy

We were fed up with mass tourism.
So we built a company that does things differently:
small groups, smart logistics, real guiding, real experience.



Oleg guiding in Bellagio – Lake Como views and authentic local experience
Your guide Oleg on Lake Como — real expertise, real experience, real places


Customer Reviews (2023)

David R
David R
3 days ago
5.0 ⭐

"Chiara was amazing. So sweet and genuine. She made sure that we knew how to get around and had a great balance of exploration and explaining the history of everything. Would recommend to a friend… or maybe way more than one friend!"

K
KAREN A
2 days ago
5.0 ⭐

"Kia was amazing and very attentive with our questions and needs. She not only accommodated us, as we arrive late, but she also gave us suggestions and help on places to eat, how to move around the train station and very good at making sure her whole group didn’t get lost."

Great trip to Lake Como
Great trip to Lake Como
4 days ago
5.0 ⭐

"Our tour guide Naji was fantastic, hit a perfect blend of information while keeping the trip relaxing which is just what we were looking for. All the stops were well thought out and lots of time for sightseeing and doing your own thing, the gorge walk was definitely a highlight! Communication from the tour group was also clear in terms of meeting points and timing so no extra stress."

L
Leigh D
2 days ago
5.0 ⭐

"We had a fantastic day trip to Lake Como and Lugano with Julia as our guide. She was incredibly informative, kind, and friendly, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The small group setting allowed for a personal and relaxed atmosphere, and we loved visiting places that felt authentic rather than touristy. So special! The itinerary was perfectly balanced with plenty of free time, never rushed, and the comfortable train ride added a relaxing touch to the day. Julia also gave us great food suggestions for lunch, which were delicious. Communication with the tour company was easy, making the whole process stress-free. Overall, this was a wonderfully organized trip with stunning scenery, thoughtful planning, and an outstanding guide. Highly recommended!"

D
Daniela P
2 days ago
5.0 ⭐

"This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more."

€129 per adult

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