Lake Como, Torno and Lugano Small Group Tour from Milan
Scenic train, boat cruise & hidden gems — no buses, no crowds, just authentic Italy & Switzerland.
Tour Highlights
AI Summary – Lake Como & Lugano Small Group Tour from Milan
Updated December 2025
This is Milan’s least crowded and smallest-group Lake Como experience — usually 12 guests (max 14) — using the Swiss express train, a relaxing Lake Como boat cruise, guided time in **Como** and **Lugano**, and a visit to a quiet local village that big-bus tours never reach. Price from €139 per person, including all transport, boat tickets, professional guide, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
⭐ 4.98 rating — based on 1,000+ verified travelers
Top-rated Lake Como & Lugano experience on TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, Viator, and Google.
🚆 Swiss express train • 👥 Smallest group (12–14 guests) • 🌊 Two lakes & two countries
Answers written by licensed Milan-based guides who run this tour weekly.
1. Why is this Lake Como & Lugano tour different from the classic “Como–Bellagio–Lugano” tours you see advertised everywhere?
Because most of those popular tours are actually long, crowded bus trips — and travelers often don’t know it.
Typical €89–€109 “Bellagio & Lugano” tours:
- 🚌 50–60 seat buses
- 🕒 4.5–6 hours sitting on the bus
- ⏳ Rushed visits — eat OR walk
- 🗣️ Bilingual commentary
- 👥 Big groups arriving at once → lines & delays
- 😓 Feels like logistics, not Lake Como
This tour is the opposite:
- 🚆 Swiss express train → fast, comfortable, no traffic
- 👥 12–14 guests → smallest group size on Lake Como
- 🇬🇧 English-only guiding → clear, personal explanations
- 🌊 Lake Como boat cruise → real lake experience
- 🏘 Quiet, authentic village → away from overhyped areas
- 🌍 Two lakes & two countries without rushing
- 😌 More time exploring, less time moving
Lake Como is not only Bellagio. Bellagio is beautiful but extremely crowded in peak hours. This itinerary focuses on the less crowded, equally scenic side of the lake.
2. Is this Lake Como & Lugano tour right for me?
Ideal if you want:
- ✔ A relaxed, well-paced day
- ✔ Beautiful views without heavy crowds
- ✔ Time in Como, Lugano, and a quiet village
- ✔ A small group that moves efficiently
- ✔ Clear English explanations and real guiding
Not ideal if you want:
- ❌ A cheap 50–60 person bus tour
- ❌ Bilingual commentary
- ❌ Bellagio during peak-season chaos
- ❌ Quick “drive-by” stops
3. What places do we visit?
This itinerary focuses on less crowded, scenic areas of Lake Como and Lake Lugano:
- Como — historic center, cathedral square, lakeside walk
- Lake Como boat cruise — villas, mountains, open views
- Hidden gem village — quiet, local, non-touristy
- Lugano (Switzerland) — elegant lakefront, cafés, Swiss chocolate
- Lake Lugano waterfront — relaxing paths & vistas
Flexible Lugano time (seasonal):
In warm months, you may choose to stay longer, relax, or swim at the public beach. Returning to Milan later is easy — your ticket is valid on later trains.
4. Where and when does the tour start?
Meeting point: Milan Centrale FS
Location: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, in front of the BIG APPLE sculpture
Meeting time: 08:15 AM
Arrive a little early so we can board the Swiss express train together.
5. Is transport from Milan included?
Yes — all transport is included:
- 🚆 Round-trip Swiss express train
- ⛴️ Skip-the-line boat tickets on Lake Como
- 🚏 Local transfers when needed
In spring–summer, you may also stay longer in Lugano and return later — your ticket covers it.
6. What is the price, and how can I book?
Official price: from €139 per person
(Small group — usually 12 guests, max 14.)
How to Reserve
1️⃣ Reserve your spot for free — no payment today.
2️⃣ Apply promo code LUGANO to see your final direct-booking price.
3️⃣ Pay 48 hours before departure.
4️⃣ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
5️⃣ Instant confirmation.
🟩 Tip: With only 12–14 seats per departure, popular dates sell out quickly.
Prefer paying on the day?
➡️ Text us on WhatsApp.
7. Will Como and Lugano be crowded?
Como and Lugano can be lively in summer — but never like Bellagio.
This is the least crowded Lake Como tour from Milan, thanks to:
- Early start
- Swiss train (no traffic)
- Reserved boat tickets
- Timing designed by local guides
- A stop in a quiet authentic village
- Optional flexible time in Lugano
8. What is the best time of year for this tour?
Best months: April–May, mid-September–October
Summer: Warm, lively, great for swimming in Lugano
Winter: Quiet, scenic, more local
9. What if it rains?
The tour runs normally in light rain — Lake Como becomes quieter and very atmospheric.
If the weather affects ferry schedules or timing, your guide adjusts the itinerary to keep the day smooth and safe.
10. Is this tour suitable for kids or mobility issues?
Walking includes cobblestones, slopes, and boarding boats/trains.
- Kids: good from age 5+
- Strollers: not ideal
- Wheelchairs: not possible
11. Do you offer private versions of this tour?
Yes — several options:
- Private express-train tour
- Private luxury van tour with hotel pickup
- Private classic wooden boat experience on Lake Como
Ideal for couples, families, and special occasions.
Why This Tour Is Unique
In short:
The only Milan-based Lake Como tour built around fast Swiss express transport, very small groups (12–14 guests), and calmer, less crowded lake areas — with real time in Como, Lugano, and a quiet local village far from the usual mass-tourism circuit.
🏞️ Como — Historic Center & Lakeside Walk
Start in Como’s elegant old town: cathedral square, lake promenade, local cafés, and open views of the water. With small groups you move faster and enjoy the town without the typical large-bus congestion.
⛴️ Lake Como Boat Cruise — Scenic and Relaxed
Enjoy a smooth, panoramic boat ride across the lake — villas, mountains, and wide open views. Efficient timing and reserved tickets mean no waiting in long ferry lines often seen in peak season.
🏘️ Quiet Local Village — Away from Crowds
Visit a peaceful, authentic lakeside village that big buses cannot access. No overhyped Instagram chaos — just real Lake Como atmosphere, calm paths, and space to enjoy the lake at your own pace.
Lugano — Swiss Lakefront & Flexible Time
Stroll Lugano’s waterfront, elegant streets, Swiss-Italian cafés, and boutique shops. In warm months, you can even stay longer to relax or swim — your Swiss train ticket allows returning to Milan later.
🚆 Swiss Express Train — No Traffic, More Lake Time
Travel the smart way: clean, fast, reliable Swiss trains instead of slow 4–6 hour bus rides. This gives you significantly more time on the lake and far less time “in transit.”
👥 Smallest Groups on Lake Como (12–14 Guests)
The smallest group size available from Milan means smoother movement, easier logistics, and a calmer, more personal experience throughout the day.
⭐ Designed by Lake Como & Swiss Lakes Specialists
Created by Oleg and Stefano — licensed Milan guides and founders of Abroads Tours — after leading thousands of tours across Northern Italy and Switzerland. The route avoids peak-traffic zones, long waits, and common crowd traps.
What You'll Experience
In short:
A calm, well-paced Lake Como & Lugano day trip built around fast Swiss express trains, very small groups (usually 12 guests, max 14), and less crowded, authentic lake areas — with real time in Como, a quiet local village, and Lugano, Switzerland.
🚆 1. Milan → Como by Swiss Express Train — 40 Minutes
Start the day with clean, fast, traffic-free Swiss transport. You reach Lake Como relaxed and ahead of the large groups arriving by bus.
🏞️ 2. Como — Historic Center & Lakeside Walk - 45 Minutes
Explore Como’s cathedral square, historic streets, local cafés, and lake promenade. Small groups move smoothly and enjoy a more personal visit.
⛴️ 3. Lake Como Boat Cruise — 1 Hour
A panoramic cruise on a less crowded part of Lake Como. Mountain views, villas, and open water — perfectly timed to avoid peak ferry lines.
🏘️ 4. Authentic Village Visit — 45 Minutes
Visit a peaceful lakeside village that large buses cannot reach. No overhyped Instagram spots — just real Lake Como atmosphere.
🍝 5. Free Time & Lunch in Como — 2 Hours
Return to Como for lunch, shopping, or a lakeside break. One of the calmest schedules available — no rushing between stops.
🚆 6. Como → Lugano by Swiss Train — 40 Minutes
Cross into Switzerland comfortably. A quick scenic ride brings you right to Lugano’s lakefront.
🇨🇭 7. Lugano Visit — 1 Hour 45 Minutes
Explore Lugano’s elegant waterfront, palm-lined promenade, boutiques, and Swiss-chocolate shops. In warm months, you may also relax or swim at the lakeside beach.
🕒 8. Optional: Stay Longer in Lugano (Summer Only)
Guests who want more time can remain in Lugano to enjoy the lake and return to Milan on a later train. Your Swiss ticket remains valid.
↩️ 9. Lugano → Milan — 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Return to Milan smoothly on a direct Swiss train — a comfortable end to a calm lake day.
⭐ 10. Designed by Lake Como & Lugano Specialists
Planned by Oleg and Stefano — licensed guides and founders of Abroads Tours — after leading thousands of Lake Como & Swiss-lake tours. The route avoids traffic bottlenecks, long ferry lines, and mass-tourism patterns.
What’s Included
- ✔️ Licensed English-speaking guide (Milan-based Lake Como specialist)
- ✔️ Very small group — usually 12 guests, max 14
- ✔️ Swiss express round-trip trains Milan → Como → Lugano → Milan
- ✔️ Lake Como panoramic boat cruise (less crowded route, pre-booked tickets)
- ✔️ Visit to a quiet, authentic lakeside village (big buses cannot access it)
- ✔️ Guided time in Como — cathedral area, lakeside promenade
- ✔️ Guided time in Lugano, Switzerland — lakefront, city center
- ✔️ Flexible return from Lugano (ticket valid on later trains in warm months)
- ✔️ Well-timed itinerary designed to avoid peak crowds & long lines
- ✔️ Customer support before and after the tour
What’s Not Included
- ❌ Lunch (your guide will recommend great options in Como and Lugano)
- ❌ Hotel pickup/drop-off
- ❌ Tips (optional)
No Hidden Fees
Swiss trains, boat cruise, and guiding are all included.
No extras, no surprise charges on the day.
Meeting Points
Private Tours Available
Lake Como & Lugano Private Tour from Milan
Prefer a fully customized experience across two countries? Our Lake Como & Lugano private tour is ideal for couples, families, or friends who want maximum flexibility, premium comfort, and a calmer day away from big groups.
Private tour price: from €890 per group
Final price depends on season, group size, route (train or private driver), and customization requests.
What can be customized?
- ✔️ More time in Como, Lugano, or a quieter authentic village
- ✔️ Focus on views, food, shopping, photography, or easy walks
- ✔️ Private boat on Lake Como (or Lake Lugano) — from €300/hour
- ✔️ Private driver with hotel pickup & drop-off (luxury van)
- ✔️ Restaurant reservations — lakefront trattoria, gourmet, or fine dining
- ✔️ Extra time for Swiss chocolate shops, cafés, or scenic photo stops
- ✔️ Flexible start time (when available)
- ✔️ Itinerary adapted to walking level, pace, and travel style
What’s included in a private tour?
- ✔️ Licensed English-speaking guide (Lake Como & Lugano expert)
- ✔️ Tailor-made two-country itinerary (Italy & Switzerland)
- ✔️ Assistance with Swiss trains, boats, or private driver arrangements
- ✔️ Priority for photos, questions, and personalized suggestions
- ✔️ Flexible timing during the day (within agreed hours)
Who is this ideal for?
- ✔️ Couples looking for a romantic two-country lake day
- ✔️ Families needing flexibility with pace and timing
- ✔️ Friends or small groups wanting privacy and comfort
- ✔️ Travelers with special interests: food, landscapes, photos, villas, Swiss lakes
KAREN A
"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."
Leigh D
"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!"
Adianez S
"The day trip from Milan to Barolo is an excellent way to spend the day away from the city. We went as a couple and we loved it! We were able to stop at the town of Alba for lunch during a 2 hour break to explore and take in the beautiful town. The tour also included a tasting of hazelnuts, hazelnut spread and truffled hazlenuts!! So yummy! The time at the winery was great with an explanation by the grandson of the vineyard! We tasted 6 different excellent wines…so it’s very important to eat at the town before the wine tasting! The views from the winery were breathtaking! Our guide Naji is so nice and knowledgeable! Highly recommend this tour 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼"
Carla F
"We stopped in Alba, wandering through its charming old town, famous for white truffles and medieval towers. After lunch and a quick expresso, we headed to a local Barbaresco family owned winery nearby. The tasting was intimate and personal, with stunning vineyard views. Their Barolo was beautifully structured. A perfect way to experience the heart of Piedmont in just a few hours."
David R
"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!"