5 Best Lake Como Tours from Milan (Selected by an Italian)

Lake Como is one of the easiest and most beautiful day trips from Milan. With its mountain views, elegant villas, and postcard-perfect towns, it’s a must if you’re planning a Northern Italy itinerary.

I might be a little biased because I’m from Northern Italy, but Lake Como really is worth the hype. It’s also one of the best tours from Milan if you want to escape the city for a day.

You can visit independently, but a tour makes the day much easier. Many of the best places around the lake require a mix of trains, boats, ferries, or buses, and timing everything on your own can get annoying fast.

To help you choose, I’ve rounded up the best Lake Como tours from Milan, including small-group trips, a Lake Como and Lugano option, a tour with Bellano Gorge, and a private day trip.

➥ Why trust me? I’m Italian, from Bologna, and I’ve spent the last 10+ years helping travelers plan trips around Italy. I always look for tours that make sense logistically, not just tours that sound pretty on paper!

I usually book tours through Viator and GetYourGuide because they offer reliable operators and flexible cancellation policies. Most tours can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Best Lake Como Tours from Milan: Quick Picks

Short on time? These are the Lake Como tours from Milan I recommend most:

OUR PICK: Best Lake Como Tour from Milan

Duration: 10 to 10.5 hours
Type: Small-group guided tour
Best for: Travelers who want Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and a lake cruise without a huge group

This Small Group Como, Bellagio, Varenna, Boat Cruise from Milan is my top pick because it covers the classic Lake Como route in a much smoother way than many other day trips.

You’ll start in Milan and travel to Lake Como by express train. Once there, you’ll visit Como, where you’ll have guided time, free time, and a first look at the lake before continuing deeper into the region.

The highlight is the long boat cruise across Lake Como, where you’ll see the mountains, waterfront towns, and villas from the water. You’ll then visit Bellagio, with time for lunch, narrow streets, lake views, and a proper wander around one of the prettiest towns in the area.

The tour also includes Varenna, which gives the day a nice balance. Bellagio is the most famous one, but Varenna is smaller, quieter, and very romantic (I personally prefer it to Bellagio).

This is the tour I’d choose if you want the main Lake Como highlights without adding Switzerland or spending the whole day on a large bus.

Why this is the best tour

It gives you the best mix of boat time, guided touring, free time, and beautiful towns. You’ll see Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, and the group is capped at 14 people, which makes a big difference on a busy Lake Como day trip.

It also includes first-class train tickets, ferry tickets, and pre-booked boat seats. That means you don’t have to deal with the most annoying part of visiting Lake Como in peak season: figuring out connections while everyone else is trying to do the same thing.

Read what the reviews say:

“The trip was fantastic and our guide was excellent Everything from meeting in the morning to finish of tour was organised so well and priority boarding on the ferry was so good. Would highly recommend this small group tour.”

Roger – Read more reviews

This tour includes first-class train tickets, a Lake Como boat cruise, guided visits to Como, Bellagio, and Varenna, ferry tickets, and free time in Bellagio and Varenna. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Lake Como and Lugano Tours from Milan

Most Popular Lake Como and Lugano Tour from Milan

Duration: 10 to 11.5 hours
Type: Guided group tour
Best for: Travelers who want a very popular Lake Como tour that also includes Lugano

This Lake Como, Bellagio, Lugano IG Photo Tour with Cruise used to be my top pick, and it’s still worth considering. It has a huge number of reviews and covers a lot in one day: Como, Bellagio, Lake Como, and Lugano in Switzerland.

The day starts with a bus ride from Milan. Before reaching Como’s center, you’ll stop at Villa Olmo, a neoclassical villa with Italian gardens and lake views. Then you’ll continue into Como, where the guide leads a walking tour through the historic center, including landmarks such as the Duomo.

After Como, you’ll board a local boat for a 1-hour Lake Como cruise to Bellagio. This is the best part of the day if you want lake views, villas, mountains, and those classic Como photos from the water.

In Bellagio, your guide will show you viewpoints, narrow streets, artisan shops, and hidden corners before you get free time to walk around. After a short ferry ride, you’ll continue by bus to Lugano, where you’ll join a guided walk in the city center and have free time before returning to Milan.

The only reason I don’t make this the top pick anymore is the “IG Photo Tour” angle. It may not feel like the best fit for everyone, especially if you prefer a classic sightseeing tour. But if you want a very popular tour with strong social proof and a packed Italy-and-Switzerland itinerary, it’s a solid option.

Pros

• Very high review count
• Includes a 1-hour Lake Como cruise
• Guided walking tours in Como, Bellagio, and Lugano

Cons

• The photo-tour angle may not appeal to every traveler
• It’s a long day with a lot packed in
• Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included

This tour includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned bus, a professional guide, audio headsets, guided tours of Como, Bellagio, and Lugano, and a 1-hour Lake Como cruise. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Classic Lake Como and Lugano Day Trip from Milan

Duration: 11 hours
Type: Guided group tour
Best for: Travelers who want a classic Lake Como and Switzerland day trip

If you want to see both Italy and Switzerland in one day, this Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise is the more classic version of the Lake Como and Lugano day trip. It is less photo-focused than the previous option and has a strong rating, which makes it a good pick if you prefer a more straightforward sightseeing tour.

You’ll leave Milan by bus and start in Como, where you’ll have about 75 minutes for photos, a walk, shopping, and a look around the lakeside. Then you’ll continue toward the lake cruise, which takes you across Lake Como toward Bellagio.

In Bellagio, you’ll have about 1 hour and 45 minutes for lunch, photos, shopping, and a walk through town. This is the stop most people are excited about, so it’s nice that the itinerary gives you enough time to enjoy it instead of just taking two photos and running back to the bus.

After Bellagio, the tour continues toward Lugano, in Switzerland. You’ll have about 1 hour for a walk, lake views, shopping, and maybe some Swiss chocolate.

The main thing to know is that you’ll need your passport if you’re not an EU citizen. Also, the 8 AM Lite option does not include Como, so pay close attention when booking if Como town is important to you.

Pros

• Visits Lake Como and Lugano in Switzerland in one day
• Includes Como, Bellagio, and a Lake Como cruise
• Good balance of guided sightseeing and free time

Cons

• It’s a long 11-hour day
• Stores in Lugano may be closed on Sundays and holidays
• The 8 AM Lite option skips Como

This tour includes roundtrip bus transportation, a bilingual tour leader, audio headsets, Wi-Fi on the bus and boat, assistance, and a Lake Como cruise private for your group. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

If the Switzerland part is what excites you most, you might also want to compare these with my guide to the best day trips from Milan to Switzerland. Some travelers will be happier with a full Swiss Alps or Lugano-focused day instead of a Lake Como-first tour.

Lake Como Tour with Bellano Gorge from Milan

Duration: 10.5 hours
Type: Small-group guided tour
Best for: Travelers who want Bellagio and Varenna, plus a more unusual nature stop

This Lake Como tour with Bellano Gorge from Milan is the one to book if you like the idea of seeing Lake Como’s famous villages, but also want something a little different from the usual Como, Bellagio, and Varenna route.

You’ll leave from Milan by train and start with a Lake Como boat cruise. The itinerary includes plenty of time in Bellagio, where you can walk through the old streets, stop for lunch, browse the shops, and enjoy the famous lake views.

You’ll also visit Varenna, one of the prettiest villages on Lake Como. It has colorful houses, a scenic waterfront, and a more relaxed feel than Bellagio, so it’s a nice contrast to the more famous stop.

The stop that really makes this tour different is Bellano Gorge, also known as Orrido di Bellano. Instead of only walking through lakeside streets and viewpoints, you’ll also see waterfalls, narrow rock walls, and suspended walkways above the gorge.

This tour is best if you’ve already seen Como town, or if you care more about dramatic scenery than ticking off the most famous names. It’s not the best choice for pregnant travelers, children under 6, or travelers who don’t feel comfortable with uneven paths and lots of walking.

Pros

• Includes Bellano Gorge, which most (all?) other Lake Como tours skip
• Small group limited to 15 people
• Good option if you want a more nature-focused Lake Como day

Cons

• Does not include Como town
• Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant travelers, or people over 80
• Food and drinks are not included

This tour includes first-class roundtrip train tickets from Milan, a licensed English-speaking guide, a Lake Como boat cruise, free time in Bellagio and Varenna, and the entrance ticket to Orrido di Bellano. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Lake Como Day Tour from Milan

Duration: 8 hours
Type: Private driver tour
Best for: Travelers who want a private, flexible Lake Como day trip from Milan

This Private Tour: Lake Como From Milan with Private Driver and Boat is the best option if you want a more comfortable day and don’t want to share the experience with a group.

Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel or apartment in Milan in a Mercedes car or minivan, then drive you to Lake Como. The first part of the day is a scenic drive along the lake before stopping at Villa del Balbianello.

At Villa del Balbianello, you’ll have free time to visit the gardens on your own. The villa is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so on those days the visit is replaced with Villa Carlotta or Villa Melzi Gardens.

After the villa visit, you’ll take the public ferry-boat to Bellagio with your driver. The crossing takes about 20 minutes, and the ferry tickets are included. You can also upgrade to a 1-hour or a 2-hour private boat tour with a private skipper, but this costs extra and needs to be selected when booking.

Once in Bellagio, you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time to explore and have lunch. Lunch is not included, but your driver can suggest places to eat. After Bellagio, you’ll meet your driver again for the return trip to your hotel or apartment in Milan.

This is mainly a private driver tour, not a fully guided private tour. It’s best if you want comfort, flexibility, and easy logistics, but don’t need a guide walking with you at each stop. Also note that this tour is non-refundable, so I’d only book it once your plans are firm.

Pros

• Private experience with hotel pickup and drop-off in Milan
• Good for couples, families, or small groups who want a more comfortable day
• It includes famous villas, Bellagio, and a boat tour if selected

Cons

• The private boat tour costs extra
• A private guide is not included unless arranged at extra cost
• Lunch is not included
• The tour is non-refundable

This tour includes a private English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, Villa del Balbianello garden tickets or an alternate villa ticket when Villa del Balbianello is closed, and ferry-boat tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Is It Worth Taking a Lake Como Tour from Milan?

Yes, in most cases. You can visit Lake Como from Milan on your own, especially if you’re only going to Como town. But if you want to visit Bellagio, Varenna, Bellano Gorge, or Lugano in the same day, a tour makes the logistics much easier.

The biggest benefit is not having to think about train times, boat schedules, ferry lines, or how long each transfer will take. Lake Como looks peaceful, and it is, but moving around the lake can take longer than people expect.

If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como and you only have one day, I’d book a tour. You’ll spend more time enjoying the lake and less time staring at timetables like they’re ancient runes.

FAQ: Lake Como Tours from Milan

Can you visit Lake Como from Milan in one day?

Yes, Lake Como is one of the easiest day trips from Milan. The town of Como is about 1 hour from Milan by train, but if you also want to visit Bellagio or Varenna, the day becomes much easier with an organized tour.

What is the best Lake Como tour from Milan?

For most first-time visitors, I recommend a tour that includes Como, Bellagio, Varenna, and a boat cruise. That gives you a great mix of lake views, pretty towns, and time on the water.

Is Bellagio worth visiting on a day trip?

Yes, Bellagio is one of the most famous towns on Lake Como for a reason. It has beautiful streets, lake views, shops, cafés, and a very classic Lake Como feel. It can be busy, but it’s still worth seeing.

Should I choose a Lake Como tour with Lugano?

Choose a Lake Como and Lugano tour if you like the idea of visiting Italy and Switzerland in one day. If your main priority is Lake Como itself, choose a tour that focuses on Como, Bellagio, and Varenna instead.

Do I need a passport for Lake Como tours from Milan?

You don’t need a passport for Lake Como-only tours. You do need one if your tour crosses into Switzerland, such as tours that include Lugano. Non-EU citizens should bring their original passport, not a photo or copy.

What should I wear for a Lake Como day trip?

Wear comfortable shoes, because towns like Bellagio and Varenna have cobblestones, stairs, and uneven streets. In summer, bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. In spring and fall, bring a light jacket for the boat ride.