Lake Como Day Trip from Milan: Varenna, Bellagio & Local Tastings

Summary

Lake Como villages by ferry Varenna Bellagio Menaggio scenic drive

You’ll hear church bells echo through Varenna’s alleys, cross Lake Como by public ferry for new views of Bellagio and Menaggio, taste fresh goat cheese with locals nearby, and wind along scenic roads with an easygoing guide before heading back to Milan — memories that linger longer than any postcard.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — those old train brakes squealing as we pulled into Varenna. I’d barely finished my coffee from Milan Central when our guide, Paolo, waved us off the platform with a grin. The air smelled like stone and lake water, and there was this quiet hum of people chatting in Italian, which made me realize just how far from home I actually was. We wandered through Varenna’s narrow lanes, past faded yellow walls and laundry flapping above tiny balconies. Paolo pointed out a bakery where he gets his bread (“best focaccia if you’re hungry later,” he whispered). I tried to remember the name but honestly forgot it right away.

We took the public ferry next — just fifteen minutes but enough time for the wind to mess up my hair and for me to get distracted by the way the light hit Bellagio across the water. You always see photos of Lake Como looking all perfect, but it’s different when you’re actually there, hearing the boat engine rumble under your feet and watching little fishing boats bob near shore. Bellagio itself was busy (I mean, it’s called “the pearl” for a reason), but we managed to find a quieter spot where an old man sold postcards and told us about his cousin who once met George Clooney. Lunch was on our own in Menaggio — I ended up with a slice of pizza eaten sitting on a stone wall because every table seemed full, but honestly that felt right.

The van ride along the lake after lunch was slower than I expected (lots of curves), but nobody minded because every turn gave us another view — green hills dropping straight into blue water. At one point Paolo took us up this little road off the main drag; he said sometimes there’s a farmer or cheesemaker around if you’re lucky. That day we met Signora Lucia who let us taste her goat cheese — sharp and creamy at the same time. She laughed at my Italian (“it’s okay, everyone tries!”) and handed me another piece anyway. The smell of hay stuck to my jacket for hours after.

I still think about that drive back toward Milan — tired in that good way you get after walking all day, sunburnt nose and all. There’s something about seeing Lake Como by ferry and van that makes you feel like you’ve actually been somewhere real, not just ticking off spots on a list. And yeah, I’ll probably never pronounce “Varenna” quite right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Como tour from Milan

• Train ride from Milan to Lake Como
• Walk in Varenna village
• Ferry boat ride to Bellagio
• Explore Bellagio town
• Ferry boat ride to Menaggio
• Free time for lunch in Menaggio
• Drive along panoramic lake shore
• Detour to off-the-beaten-path region
• Visit local farmer or cheese shop
• Drive along another lake shore section
• Train ride back to Milan

Top questions

How do you get from Milan to Lake Como on this tour?

The tour includes transfer from Milan Central station by train or minibus directly to Lake Como.

Is lunch included on this Lake Como day trip?

No, lunch is not included; you'll have free time in Menaggio to buy your own meal.

Do you visit Bellagio on this tour?

Yes, there's a stop in Bellagio after taking the public ferry from Varenna across Lake Como.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; you'll meet at Milan Central station for departure.

Are there any food tastings included?

If available that day, you'll visit a local farmer or cheese shop for tastings near Lake Como.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is small, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No; walking and stairs are involved so participants should be in good physical condition.

What villages do you visit during the tour?

The main stops are Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio along Lake Como.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfers between Milan Central station and Lake Como by train or minibus, all ferry rides across the lake between Varenna and Bellagio plus onward to Menaggio, travel by comfortable van along panoramic lakeside roads with an English-speaking guide throughout, plus opportunities to meet local producers or farmers if available before returning to Milan in the evening.