Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries, Boat Cruise & Mountain Views

Two Lakes, Two Countries, and You Don't Drive Once

You walk through Como's historic center with a local guide, cruise past lakeside villas including Versace's former home, then slip into the quiet village of Torno before heading into Switzerland. After lunch, you take a train and funicular into Lugano for free time on the Swiss lakefront. Train tickets, boat cruise, and the funicular ride are all included. You just show up at 8:15am at the Milan train station square.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lake Como and Lugano highlights

• Walk historic center of Como
• Enjoy Como lakefront and squares
• Boat cruise past famous villas
• Pass Villa Le Fontanelle
• Pass Villa Erba in Cernobbio
• View Villa d’Este from lake
• Stroll peaceful village of Torno
• Cross border to Lugano, Switzerland
• Explore Lugano lakefront and city
• Shop and taste Swiss chocolate
• Optional swim in Lake Lugano (summer)

The Experience

So you're standing in Como at eight in the morning, and your guide is already pointing out the villas sliding past on the water: Gianni Versace's place, the one from Ocean's Twelve, the hotel where Sinatra stayed. The boat's already moving, and you haven't had to book a single ticket or figure out which train to catch. That's the whole thing right there. Lake Como and Lake Lugano in one afternoon, plus Switzerland, and all the logistics just... handled.

The boat cruise on Lake Como lasts about an hour, and it's the kind of slow that actually lets you see things. You pass Torno, this tiny village where the cobblestone streets are narrow enough that cars probably gave up trying, and the crowd thins out fast once you step off the water. There's Villa d'Este across the bay (the real one, not a photo), and your guide tells you the actual history instead of just the celebrity names. After Como, you catch a train into Switzerland, cross the border (bring your passport), and suddenly you're in Lugano, which feels like Como's more organized, slightly richer cousin. The funicular from the train station takes you up into the city proper, and then you've got free time to walk the lakefront, find the chocolate shops, or if it's summer, swim in water so clear you can see the bottom.

The walking is real (cobblestones, stairs, some uneven surfaces), so you need to be comfortable on your feet for a few hours. The group stays small enough that you're not herding through the famous spots with two hundred other people. And because everything's booked ahead (the boat, the trains, the funicular) you're not standing in a ticket line while the afternoon disappears. You're actually moving through two countries instead of just thinking about it.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or train station pickup at 8:15am, a 1-hour Lake Como boat cruise with pre-booked tickets, an English-speaking local guide, entry to the historic center of Como and the village of Torno, a train ticket to Switzerland, a funicular ride from Lugano station to the city center, and free time to explore Lugano's lakefront and shops. All transportation between Milan and the lakes, plus the boat and funicular, is handled for you.

Days and timesDaily · 08:00

AgesAges 13+ · 5 to 12 years · Under 5 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupNo pickup · ends where it starts

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Abroads Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see two countries and two lakes in a single afternoon without renting a car, planning train connections, or standing in ticket lines: the small-group format and pre-booked transport are what make it possible to move through Como, Torno, and Lugano without losing hours to logistics.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

1,594 verified traveler reviews

5 ★1,543

4 ★39

3 ★9

2 ★3

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

5 to 12 years. Under 5: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

Do I need a passport for this tour?

Yes. You'll cross the border into Switzerland, so bring your original passport or EU national ID card.

What time does the tour start and end?

Meeting time is 8:15am at the square in front of Milan's train station. The full day runs roughly 8 to 9 hours.

Are train and boat tickets included?

Yes. Lake Como boat cruise tickets, Swiss train tickets, and the Lugano funicular ride are all included in the price.

Is this tour good for people with mobility issues?

The tour involves walking on stairs, uneven surfaces, and cobblestone streets. It's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health, and children should be comfortable walking independently.

Can I swim in the lakes?

In summer, weather permitting, you can swim in Lake Lugano. The beach is small and rocky, and the water gets deep close to the shore. Bring a towel.

How many people are in the group?

It's a small-group tour, sized to reach places that larger groups can't access comfortably.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not mentioned as included. You'll have free time in Como and Lugano to eat on your own.

What language is the guide?

The guide speaks English and is a local, familiar with both Lake Como and the region.