Lake Como & Lugano tour from Milan: Bellagio by ferry

Two lakes, two countries, one day without driving

This guided day tour from Milan crosses Lake Como by ferry to Bellagio, then continues to Lugano in Switzerland, with all transport by air-conditioned bus and boat included. You get roughly two hours to walk Bellagio's steep streets and villas, then time to stroll Lugano's lakefront and Swiss shops before returning to Milan in the evening. An English-speaking guide travels with the group throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Lake Lugano1h 30m
2. Gallerie d’Italia Milan1h

Lake Como and Lugano tour

• Depart from Milan by bus
• Board ferry to Bellagio
• Free time in Bellagio
• Board ferry to Menaggio/Cadenabbia
• Travel by bus to Lugano
• Stroll Lugano city streets
• Walk along lakefront promenade
• Enjoy scenic lake walk
• Return to Milan in evening

The experience

The day starts with pickup from Milan in an air-conditioned minibus heading toward Lake Como. Once you arrive at the shore, you board a ferry for the crossing to Bellagio, the "pearl of Lake Como", where the guide points out the historic villas and fortress that line the water. You have roughly two hours of free time to walk the narrow streets of the old village, explore the waterfront, or sit at a café without any schedule pressing you forward.

After Bellagio, a second ferry takes you to Menaggio or Cadenabbia, where the bus picks you up again for the drive into Switzerland. Lugano, the main city of the Canton Ticino, is where you spend the afternoon. The guide leads a stroll through the elegant streets, and you're free to taste the local Swiss chocolate or browse the shops along the way. The lakefront promenade runs along the water with views of the Alps and the surrounding towns. It's a natural place to walk and take in the landscape without a guide narrating every detail.

An optional one-hour boat ride on Lake Como (available if you select that option at checkout) can replace one of the ferry transfers, giving you time on the water instead of just crossing it. The return journey to Milan happens in the evening, arriving back after roughly 10 and a half hours away from the city. A valid passport or EU ID is required for entry into Switzerland.

What’s included

• Return ferry transfers from Menaggio or Cadenabbia to Bellagio.
• round-trip air-conditioned bus transport from Milan.
• free time in Bellagio to explore the village and waterfront.
• guided stroll through Lugano's streets and lakefront promenade.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• optional one-hour boat ride on Lake Como (if selected at checkout).

Options for this experience

3 options

Standard tourGuide in English · 07:45 and 09:00Free time in Bellagio and free time in Lugano; round-trip ferry transfer across Lake Como; English-speaking tour leader; round-trip air-conditioned bus or minibus transportation; duration: 10 hours

Boat ride optionGuide in English · 08:20Free time in Bellagio and free time in Lugano; lasts 10 hours; 1-hour boat ride from Argegno to Bellagio; 15-minute ferry transfer from Bellagio to Menaggio/Cadenabbia; round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus or minibus; English-speaking tour leader

Private tour optionGuide in English · 07:46Visit of Bellagio and Lugano with hotel pick-up and drop-off; lasts 10 hours; private tour with private transportation and a private travel guide

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:45, 07:46, 08:20 and 09:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (4 to 13 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by TAOTRAVEL

Is this one for you?Your guide handles the route and buses while you explore Bellagio's villas and Lugano at your own pace: no car rental or ferry navigation needed.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 13 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens during the two hours in Bellagio?

Bellagio is free time. You walk the historic village, explore the steep streets and waterfront, or visit the villas and fortress at your own pace. The guide does not lead a structured tour of the town itself. Instead, they share the history and point out highlights before you explore independently.

Do I need a passport to visit Lugano?

Yes, a current valid passport or EU ID card is required on the day of travel, since Lugano is in Switzerland and not part of the Schengen area for this tour's purposes. Check your documents before booking.

Is the boat ride included, or do I have to pay extra?

The ferry transfers between the lake towns are included in all options. A separate one-hour boat ride on Lake Como is available as an optional add-on at checkout. If you don't select it, you travel by ferry instead.

What's the difference between the Standard Tour and the Private Tour option?

The Standard Tour is a guided group experience with other travelers. The Private Tour option is a dedicated tour for your group only. Both follow the same route and include the same stops, but the private option offers a separate vehicle and guide.

Are meals included?

Food and drink are not included. You have free time in both Bellagio and Lugano to eat at local restaurants or cafés, and Lugano is known for its Swiss chocolate shops if you want to pick up something to taste.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In adverse weather, ferry and boat transfers may be cancelled for safety. If that occurs, the tour operator will arrange an alternative route or reschedule. Check the terms when you book for the specific policy.