Lake Como: Varenna & Bellagio Small Group Day Tour by Boat

Summary

Lake Como villages by boat with villa stories and lakeside walks

You’ll feel Lake Como’s pace shift as you ride fast boats between villages, wander Varenna’s winding steps with a local guide, and pause for lunch in lively Bellagio. Expect stories behind famous villas and churches — plus those quieter moments when lake breeze or laughter catches you off guard.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway across Lake Como before I realized how much I’d zoned out just watching the water flicker past. The guide — I think his name was Marco? — kept pointing out these old villas along the shore, telling us who lived where (George Clooney’s place looked surprisingly normal from the lake, if you ask me). There was this mix of wind and sun on my face, and every time the hydrofoil slowed near a village, you’d catch a whiff of garden flowers or sometimes just bread baking somewhere. It’s weird what sticks with you.

Varenna felt like it was made for slow wandering. We walked up these stone steps that twisted between houses painted in colors that honestly looked faded on purpose — someone said it’s so they blend into the hills. Our group stopped at San Giorgio Church and Marco explained something about medieval frescoes, but I was mostly distracted by an old woman hanging laundry right outside. She waved at us like she knew we were coming. After that, we tried to say “Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista” together and totally failed. Marco laughed, which made everyone else relax a bit.

The short boat ride to Bellagio was loud with chatter — maybe everyone was hungry by then (I know I was). Lunch wasn’t included but we all ended up at the same trattoria anyway, swapping tips about what to order. Walking off lunch through Bellagio’s narrow lanes, I kept thinking about how different everything sounds here: church bells echoing off stone walls, shoes on cobblestones, even the way people greet each other feels softer somehow. By the time we got back on the hydrofoil for Como city, I didn’t really want to leave yet. That view from Promenade Europa in Bellagio is still stuck in my head — not sure photos do it justice.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Como, Varenna, and Bellagio

• Meet at Piazza Cavour in Como
• Learn Como city history and tips
• Take fast boat to Varenna
• Admire Lake Como villas and scenery
• Walk in Varenna, visit San Giorgio Church
• Visit Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
• Take boat to Bellagio
• Lunch break in Bellagio
• Walk Bellagio streets and Promenade Europa
• Visit Basilica di San Giacomo
• Return by hydrofoil to Como

Top questions

How long does the Lake Como day trip last?

The tour starts in Como city and returns around 6 or 7 pm, making it a full-day trip.

Are ferry tickets included in this Lake Como tour?

Yes, fast boat and ferry tickets are included (EUR 35 from January 11th 2025).

Is lunch included during the tour?

No, lunch is not included but there is a one-hour break in Bellagio for lunch.

What villages do you visit on this Lake Como day trip?

The tour visits Varenna and Bellagio after departing from Como city.

Is there a guide during the tour?

Yes, a live local guide leads the entire day trip from Como.

What are some highlights seen from the boat?

You’ll see famous villas like Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, George Clooney’s villa, and more along Lake Como.

Are there any church visits included?

Yes, you visit San Giorgio Church and Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista in Varenna and Basilica di San Giacomo in Bellagio.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour requires moderate fitness due to walking and stairs; not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day covers fast boat and ferry tickets between Como city, Varenna and Bellagio; all led by a local guide who shares stories about historic villas and churches along Lake Como. You’ll have time for lunch in Bellagio before returning by hydrofoil in the evening.