Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano Gorge Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Lake Como’s quiet corners with Bellagio, Varenna and a secret gorge

You’ll ride first-class from Milan to Lake Como with a small group and local guide, cruise past lakeside villages by boat, wander Bellagio’s quiet alleys at your own pace, and walk high above the roaring Bellano Gorge waterfall—a spot most tours miss entirely. Expect real moments: strong coffee in hidden corners, laughter over mispronounced names, and space to breathe in views that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it: I almost bailed when I saw how early the train left Milan. But honestly? That first hour on the express—watching city haze give way to green hills—felt like a reset button. Our guide, Giulia, handed out headsets (I kept fumbling with mine) and told us stories about old villas and movie stars who’d tried to hide out here. She had that way of making you feel like you were in on a secret. The air changed as we got closer to Lake Como—cooler, sharper, with that faint mineral smell you get near deep water.

The boat cruise was nothing like the packed ferries I’d dreaded. There were maybe a dozen of us leaning over the rail, snapping blurry photos of pastel houses stacked up the hillsides. I tried to pronounce “Varenna” properly; Giulia grinned and said I sounded more French than Italian (she wasn’t wrong). When we docked in Bellagio for our free time, I wandered off alone for a bit—down an alley where someone was roasting coffee so strong it made my eyes sting. The gardens at Villa Melzi were empty except for an old man trimming roses. He waved but didn’t say much; just nodded at the lake like he’d seen it all before.

I didn’t expect to love Bellano Gorge as much as I did. You hear the waterfall before you see it—a low roar echoing off stone walls—and then suddenly you’re walking above this wild canyon on metal walkways bolted into rock. The spray felt cold on my arms even though it was warm out. Most tours skip this spot; honestly, it felt like stumbling into another world after all those perfect villages. We ended up back in Varenna for one last gelato (mine melted down my wrist), then caught the evening train home with tired feet and too many photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Lake Como's Bellagio and Bellano Gorge

• Travel from Milan by first-class train
• Boat cruise to Bellagio village
• Wander Bellagio's lakeside promenade
• Visit Villa Melzi gardens
• Explore Bellagio artisan shops and piazzas
• Boat cruise to Bellano village
• Walk through Bellano Gorge and waterfall
• Return to Milan

Top questions

How long is this Lake Como day trip from Milan?

This tour lasts approximately 10 hours including travel time by train and boat.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the designated departure point in Milan.

What villages are visited during this Lake Como tour?

The tour includes stops in Bellagio, Varenna, and Bellano (for the gorge).

Is lunch included on this Lake Como small group tour?

No lunch is included; there is free time to eat in Bellagio or other villages.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 15 people for a more personal experience.

Are tickets for trains and boats included?

Yes, first-class round-trip train tickets and skip-the-line boat cruise tickets are included.

Is there a local guide during the tour?

Yes, an English-speaking licensed guide leads the entire day trip from Milan.

Can children join this Lake Como day trip?

The minimum age is 6 years old; strollers are not allowed due to terrain.

What’s included

Your day includes first-class round-trip express train transportation from Milan, skip-the-line tickets for a 1.5-hour Lake Como boat cruise between villages, all led by an English-speaking local guide using headsets so you can always hear their stories—even if you wander off for your own adventure.