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Milan to Lake Como Day Trips
- Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan and explore three exotic destinations in this alpine adventure.
- Travel across the border and back within one day as you explore Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano in a scenic drive.
- From the nature-made snowy peaks of the Alps to the man-made Romanesque architecture, this tour covers it all!
- Travel to the scenic town of Bellagio by cruising on Lake Combo as you soak in the panoramic sights.
- A professional guide will take you through the borders and provide commentary on fascinating details of Nothern Italy.
- Escape the hustle and bustle of Milan and explore three exotic destinations in this alpine adventure.
- Travel across the border and back within one day as you explore Lake Como, Bellagio, and Lugano in a scenic drive.
- From the nature-made snowy peaks of the Alps to the man-made Romanesque architecture, this tour covers it all!
- Travel to the scenic town of Bellagio by cruising on Lake Combo as you soak in the panoramic sights.
- A professional guide will take you through the borders and provide commentary on fascinating details of Nothern Italy.
Inclusions
- Transfers through the tour in an A/C Coach
- Tour of Como, Bellagio, and Lugano
- 50-min to 2-hour panoramic cruise on Lake Como
- English & Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
- Free time to visit nearby attractions of your choice
- Audio headsets
- Tip: Watch out for one of history’s most important artworks, ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ by Bernardino Luini, in the picturesque city of Lugano.
- Transfers through the tour will be in an air-conditioned private coach.
- The group sizes will be of 30 people or less. You will be given audio headsets so you can always hear your guide clearly.
- Please note that the cruise on Lake Como may be anywhere between 50 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the season.
- On Sundays, the day trip takes you to Varenna instead, as Lugano's shops and restaurants are typically closed on Sundays.
- In Lugano, most stores are closed on Sundays.
- For safety reasons, public navigation will be used instead of exclusive boats in cases of bad weather or high water level.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MilanMilan to Lake Como Tours
Top things to do in Milan
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Why go on a Milan to Lake Como day trip
- Power of two: How many day trips can boast of covering two countries and two lakes? This day trip includes enchanting destinations in both Italy and Switzerland, across Lake Como and Lake Monte Carlo.
- Easy access: Efficient train, ferry, and coach connections between Milan and Lake Como’s towns make planning a leisurely day trip easily possible.
- Historic villas: Lake Como is famous for its grand historic villas that often have terraced gardens, sculptures, exotic plants, and centuries-old trees.
- Relaxation and adventure: Enjoy a lakeside lunch, explore nearby villas, or scan quaint shops for fun keepsakes at any of Lake Como’s towns.
- Celebrity connect: A popular celebrity holiday spot, many villas like the Villa del Balbianello have also featured in the James Bond and Star Wars franchises.
- Mixed architectural styles: Lake Como reflects Italy’s design evolution, blending elements of Neoclassical, Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic styles in its architecture.
- Visit all-year round: Lake Como’s mild climate makes it an attractive destination throughout the year.
Noteworthy stops on your day trip
Bellagio
Also known as ‘The Pearl of Lake Como’, the breathtaking villas, landscaped gardens, and colorful buildings, make Bellagio one of the most photogenic spots in Italy. Make sure to sample Lombardian dishes, such as fresh lake fish and risotto, paired with local wines. Browse through artisanal shops for quirky magnets, silk scarves or handmade leather goods.
Lugano
Often referred to as ‘The Monte Carlo of Switzerland', the city is located on a beautiful lake of the same name. Nestled in the Italian-speaking Ticino region, it is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Pick up high-quality Swiss chocolate bars and packaged pralines from any of the boutique shops.
Varenna
Unlike the busier tourist hubs of Bellagio or Como, Varenna provides a more relaxed experience. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, explore the villa-turned-museums and medieval churches. If time permits, check out a falconry show at Castello di Vezio.
Best ways to reach Lake Como from Milan
By train
By car
By bus
Best for: Fast & convenient travel
Duration: 35 to 40 minutes from Milan Centrale to Como S. Giovanni, 1 hour from Milan Cadorna to Como Nord Lago
Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Operators: Trenitalia (Milan Centrale), Trenord (Milan Cadorna)
- Como S. Giovanni is faster and has more frequent regional services, while Como Nord Lago is slower but more scenic.
- Como S. Giovanni is just a 10-minute walk from the lakefront, while Como Nord Lago gives you immediate access to the lakefront, ferry terminal, and Como’s old town.
- Tickets start at approximately €5 for a standard one-way fare from either station.
Best for: Flexible and comfortable travel
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours (82 kms / 50 miles)
- Take the A9 motorway and follow signs for Como, which is the fastest route, including tolls.
- For a more scenic drive, you can take the SS340 (Strada Statale).
- Use offline navigation apps as the narrow, winding roads around the lake can be tricky.
Parking: Look for secure parking garages near Como’s city center. Rates range from about €1.50-2.50 per hour. In smaller towns, spot the blue-marked parking spaces, which typically indicate paid parking.
Best for: Budget travelers and sightseeing
Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
Frequency: Every 2 to 4 hours
- Buses typically depart from Milan’s Lampugnano bus station or Milan Centrale and arrive in Como.
- FlixBus and Busitalia Sita Nord are popular operators and a one-way ticket generally starts from €5 to €10.
While buses are budget-friendly, trains are preferred due to their higher frequency and shorter travel time.
Lake Como’s must-see attractions
Villa del Balbianello
Located near Lenno, this scenic villa has been featured in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II. Originally a Franciscan monastery, keep a lookout for its unique umbrella-shaped trees, and ancient statues.
Duomo di Como
An exquisite blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles, its insides showcase beautiful stained-glass windows and frescoes. Situated in Piazza Duomo, entry is absolutely free.
Villa Melzi d’Eril
A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture with symmetrical facades, this villa in Bellagio also features an oriental pavilion with lotus flowers.
La Punta Spartivento
Located at the tip of Bellagio, it offers a breathtaking view of the three branches of Lake Como converging. This scenic spot is perfect for photographs.
Museum of Navigation Instruments
This fascinating museum houses over 200 rare navigation instruments from the 16th to the 19th centuries, including compasses, astrolabes, telescopes, and maps.
Frequently asked questions about Milan to Lake Como day trips
Is a boat ride included in the day trip?
Yes, a 50-min to 2-hour panoramic cruise along the southwestern branch of Lake Como is included in your day trip.
Is Lake Como suitable for families?
Yes, the area is quite family-friendly, with boat rides, open spaces, restaurants, and historic sites suitable for all ages.
What should I wear for a day trip to Lake Como?
Comfortable shoes are essential for walking on cobblestone streets, and dressing in layers is recommended since temperatures can vary between Milan and the lakeside towns. Carry a shawl or scarf to ensure your knees and shoulders are covered before entering religious institutions.
Are the towns around Lake Como accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the town of Como has more accessible paths, Bellagio and Varenna have steep, cobbled streets that can be challenging.
Are there souvenirs unique to Lake Como?
Popular souvenirs include silk products (Como is famous for its silk), olive oil, and locally produced wine.
Can I be denied entry into Lugano?
Yes, it is possible you will be denied entry into Lugano, Switzerland, without the correct visa/passport/travel documents.
How far in advance should I book my Milan to Lake Como day trip?
It is highly recommended to buy your tickets online 2-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.