Escape the bustle of Milan for a tranquil day exploring the idyllic Lake Como region. This tour whisks visitors to the charming village of Varenna, where they’ll wander cobblestone streets and take in stunning lakeside vistas. Next, a scenic boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the glistening waters and surrounding mountains. The historic town of Como awaits, inviting travelers to uncover its rich cultural heritage. And no visit is complete without a ride on the iconic funicular, revealing breathtaking panoramic views. With convenient transportation and flexible arrangements, this day trip promises an unforgettable experience. What awaits along the shores of Lake Como?
Key Points
- One-day tour from Milan that explores the towns of Varenna and Como along the scenic Lake Como, including a boat cruise.
- Train journey from Milan to Varenna, with free time to explore the charming lakefront town.
- 2.5-hour scenic boat cruise on Lake Como, offering breathtaking vistas of the lake’s shoreline, villages, and grand villas.
- Opportunity to visit the historic center of Como and ride the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic views over the lake.
- Convenient return to Milan by train, with a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures and scenic countryside views.
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Tour Overview
This one-day tour from Milan offers travelers an opportunity to explore the charming towns of Varenna and Como along the picturesque Lake Como, as well as take a scenic boat cruise and ride the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic vistas.
Priced at $97.37 per person, the tour includes round-trip train tickets, a boat ticket for the Varenna to Como route, and a roundtrip ticket for the Como-Brunate funicular.
Guests will have free time to wander the streets of Varenna and Como, taking in the stunning natural beauty and historic charm of the region.
The tour is flexible, with free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, making it an ideal day trip from Milan.
Departure From Milan
The tour begins with a departure from Milano Centrale Railway Station, where travelers will take the train to the charming town of Varenna along the shores of Lake Como.
The train journey takes approximately 1 hour, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside views as they make their way to the first stop on the itinerary.
Upon arrival in Varenna, guests will have 1 hour of free time to explore the quaint streets, admire the picturesque lakefront promenade, and perhaps grab a quick bite to eat before embarking on the next stage of the tour – a scenic boat cruise across the stunning Lake Como.
Exploring Varenna
Upon disembarking the train, visitors enjoy the charming ambiance of Varenna.
With its quaint streets, picturesque lakefront promenade, and ample opportunities to grab a quick bite, the town offers a delightful introduction to the wonders of Lake Como.
Visitors can stroll along the cobblestone lanes, stopping to admire the colorful buildings, local boutiques, and cafes serving up authentic Italian cuisine.
The tranquil waterfront provides stunning vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains, inviting travelers to pause and soak in the serene atmosphere.
With an hour of free time, there’s ample opportunity to explore Varenna’s charming character before embarking on the next leg of the journey.
Lake Como Cruise
After exploring the charms of Varenna, travelers embark on the scenic boat cruise that traverses the picturesque waters of Lake Como.
The 2.5-hour journey offers breathtaking vistas of the lake’s striking shoreline, dotted with charming villages, grand villas, and towering mountains.
Along the way, the boat makes stops at various towns, allowing passengers to disembark and wander the quaint streets and alleyways.
The cruise provides an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty and serene atmosphere that have long captivated visitors to this region.
With the gentle lapping of the waves and the cool breeze off the water, the Lake Como cruise is a highlight of the day trip from Milan.
Visiting Como
Following the scenic boat cruise, travelers disembark in the charming town of Como, where they’re afforded an hour of free time to explore at their own pace.
Como’s historic center beckons with its winding streets, bustling piazzas, and stunning architecture, providing ample opportunities for visitors to enjoy the local culture and ambiance.
Whether strolling along the lively promenade, admiring the magnificent Como Cathedral, or simply soaking in the relaxed atmosphere, this final stop on the day trip offers a delightful conclusion to the Lake Como experience.
Visitors can browse local shops, indulge in a quick bite, or simply soak in the picturesque setting before boarding the train back to Milan.
Funicular Ride
Before departing Como, the tour group boards the Como-Brunate funicular for a scenic 1-hour ride up the hillside, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
This iconic mode of transportation has been connecting the town of Como with the elevated hamlet of Brunate since the late 19th century, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the region.
The funicular journey offers three key highlights:
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Sweeping vistas of the picturesque Lake Como and the charming towns along its shores.
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A chance to ascend over 1,000 feet above sea level, revealing a bird’s-eye view of the entire region.
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An opportunity to experience a historic mode of transportation that has been delighting travelers for over a century.
Return to Milan
With the scenic funicular ride complete, the tour group now boards the train at Como station for the return journey to Milan’s central railway station. The 1-hour train trip provides ample time to reflect on the day’s adventures and take in the passing countryside. Upon arrival at Milano Centrale, the tour concludes, and participants are free to continue exploring the city or make their way to their next destination.
| Departure | Arrival | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Como | Milano | 1 hour |
| Varenna | Como | 1 hour |
| Milano | Varenna | 1 hour |
The tour’s seamless transportation links allow visitors to experience the highlights of Lake Como and its surrounding towns with ease, making this day trip a convenient and enjoyable way to discover the region.
Tour Highlights
The tour’s three main highlights include:
Exploring the charming towns of Varenna and Como, admiring the colorful buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, and stunning lake vistas.
Enjoying a scenic boat cruise on Lake Como, surrounded by the majestic Alps.
Taking in panoramic views from the Como-Brunate funicular, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the lake and the surrounding landscape.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gratuity for the Boat Cruise Staff Included?
The tour details indicate that tips are excluded, so gratuity for the boat cruise staff is not included in the tour price. Travelers will need to tip the boat cruise staff separately if they wish to do so.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
This tour offers free cancellation up to 7 days in advance. The traveler can cancel their booking and receive a full refund if they need to change their plans within that timeframe.
Is It Possible to Extend the Stay in Varenna or Como?
The tour provides a fixed itinerary with limited time in Varenna and Como. Extending the stay in these towns would require booking separate transportation and accommodation, as the day trip doesn’t offer that flexibility.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any senior or student discounts. However, they do provide free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, giving travelers flexibility to change their plans if needed.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Cruise?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat cruise. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand, as some may have restrictions or prefer that you purchase refreshments from them.
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Recap
This captivating day trip from Milan offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the natural beauty and cultural allure of Lake Como.
Visitors will explore the picturesque village of Varenna, embark on a scenic boat cruise, visit the historic town of Como, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the iconic Como-Brunate funicular.
With flexible arrangements and convenient transportation, this tour provides an immersive experience in the charming Lake Como region.