Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio & Villa Carlotta Day Trip by Train

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.73 (75 reviews) 85% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/23

Duration9h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Lake Como day trip by train from Milan with boat to Bellagio and Villa Carlotta gardens

You’ll hop a train from Milan for a day trip around Lake Como: stroll Varenna’s old lanes with your guide, cruise across blue water to Bellagio for lunch and wandering time, then explore Villa Carlotta’s lush gardens before heading back—all those small details you remember most.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Lake Como: Varenna, Bellagio, Villa Carlotta

Depart Milan by train to Varenna
Explore Varenna village and lanes
Boat cruise from Varenna to Bellagio
Free time for lunch and shopping in Bellagio
Transfer to Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo
Visit Villa Carlotta gardens and museum
Return to Varenna by transfer
Train from Varenna back to Milan

The Experience

We’d barely finished our coffee at Milano Centrale when our guide, Marco, waved us over—he was already chatting with a couple from Florence. The train ride to Varenna felt like it slipped by in minutes, maybe because I kept staring out at all that green rolling past. In Varenna, the air smelled a bit like wet stone and jasmine. Marco led us down these little lanes between old fishermen’s houses—he pointed out a bakery where his grandmother used to buy bread (I wish we’d had time to stop). There was this quietness in the morning, just shutters opening and a few cats stretching in the sun.

The boat across Lake Como was louder than I expected—lots of laughter, people snapping photos. I tried to take it all in but got distracted by the way the light hit Bellagio as we got closer. Lunch was on our own; I grabbed a panino and sat on some steps near the water. A local kid tried to teach me how to say “ciabatta” properly—failed miserably, but he grinned anyway. The main keyword here is honestly just “day trip Lake Como Milan”—it’s exactly that, but with all these small moments layered in.

After lunch we met up again for the ferry to Tremezzo. By then the lake had this silvery look, almost unreal against those mountains. Villa Carlotta felt both grand and peaceful—Marco knew every story about the statues and gardens (he even showed us a lemon tree he said always blooms late). I kept touching the stone balustrade because it was still warm from the sun. We wandered through rooms full of art I probably should have recognized but mostly just liked for their quietness. Heading back toward Milan later, everyone was quieter too—maybe tired or just letting it settle in. I still think about that view from Bellagio’s steps sometimes.

What’s included

Your day covers round-trip train travel between Milan and Varenna with your guide leading walking tours through both Varenna and Bellagio; you’ll also take a boat-cruise across Lake Como before exploring Villa Carlotta’s gardens—all entry fees are sorted so you can just enjoy each stop before heading back together in the evening.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by YOUR TRAVEL DIARY