From Lecco: Lakeside Villas Entry Tickets with Ferries

Traveling to Lake Como often feels like stepping into a postcard — shimmering waters, lush gardens, and villas that whisper stories of aristocratic grandeur. This particular experience offers a self-guided exploration of three of Lake Como’s most famed villas, starting from Lecco. It’s a smart option for those who love a mix of independence and convenience, with pre-booked tickets and ferry transport smoothing the way.

What we really like about this tour is the flexibility it offers. You can pace yourself through the day, linger longer at a villa that captures your interest, and enjoy the stunning scenery without the pressure of a guide or tight schedule. A second highlight? The public ferry system, which makes traversing Lake Como both scenic and hassle-free. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include a guide or meals, so it’s best for travelers comfortable with a bit of autonomy and planning.

This tour is especially suited for those who value authentic, unhurried experiences — even if they don’t want to organize every detail themselves. If you enjoy natural beauty, historical sites, and leisurely boat rides, you’ll probably find this a perfect fit. However, keep in mind that wheelchair users may find this experience less accessible due to the nature of the ferry and villa access.

Key Points

• Flexible, self-guided format allows you to set your own pace and explore at leisure
• Includes ferry transportation across Lake Como, providing scenic views and easy connections between villas
• Three iconic villas — Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi D’Eril — each with unique gardens and art collections
• Pre-booked tickets help save time and avoid long lines at the villas
• No guide included; best suited for confident travelers comfortable with independent touring
• Cost of around $135.94 per person offers value considering the tickets, ferry rides, and train transfer included

The experience starts in the charming town of Lecco, a less crowded but equally scenic gateway to Lake Como. From here, you’ll hop on a public boat to Bellagio, famously called the “Pearl of Lake Como.” The early morning departure sets a relaxed tone, and the boat ride alone gives you sweeping views of the lake’s mirrored surfaces and surrounding peaks — a visual feast.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bellagio: Gardens of Villa Melzi D’Eril

Arriving in Bellagio, you’ll have time to explore the gardens of Villa Melzi D’Eril. These gardens are often praised for their sculptures, tropical plants, and Japanese pond, forming a peaceful oasis overlooking the lake. The villa itself is private, but the gardens are open to visitors with your included ticket. Many visitors, like one who said, “Loved the views and the lovely gardens,” find this spot a highlight for its serene, picture-perfect setting.

Bellagio itself is charming, with narrow cobbled streets, boutique shops, and lakeside cafes. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or a quick browse before catching the next ferry.

Varenna: Villa Monastero and Botanical Gardens

Next, your route takes you to Varenna, a quieter alternative to Bellagio but just as picturesque. Here, you’ll visit Villa Monastero, which boasts over eight centuries of history and a well-preserved House Museum. The villa’s botanical gardens are a major draw, featuring plants from around the world and a lakeside promenade that’s perfect for a peaceful stroll.

A traveler commented, “Discover the history and stroll through the gardens — it’s a perfect mix of culture and nature,” highlighting how this stop balances historical intrigue with natural beauty.

Tremezzo: Villa Carlotta

Your final villa is Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo. This seventeenth-century estate is renowned for its art collections, beautiful furniture, and a vast botanical garden bursting with colorful blooms. The villa’s masterpieces from renowned artists are displayed inside, and the gardens offer panoramic views of the lake.

Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to walk through lush, landscaped grounds and soak in the artistic and natural spectacle. One reviewer mentioned, “The color explosion in the gardens and the art inside make this a must-see,” emphasizing its dual appeal.

Returning to Lecco

After a full day of exploring, you’ll take the ferry back to Varenna and then catch a train to Lecco — a convenient finish that avoids the hassle of return driving. The entire experience is designed to be straightforward, with timed ferry crossings and a pre-arranged train ticket included, making it easier to focus on enjoying the sights.

The price of $135.94 per person covers a lot of ground. You get ferry tickets, entry to all three villas’ gardens, and a train transfer from Varenna to Lecco. This means you’re paying for the convenience of skipping long lines and logistical worries, freeing you to savor the views and gardens.

While the tour doesn’t include a guide, the flexibility it offers is ideal for travelers who prefer to explore independently. The self-guided format means you can linger as long as you like or skip ahead if something doesn’t catch your eye.

The timing described in the suggested itinerary is helpful, but keep in mind that ferry schedules may change, so it’s best to check the latest timetable closer to your visit. The public ferry system is generally reliable and provides a scenic way to travel between the towns.

More Great Tours Nearby

Accessibility Considerations

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users as the ferries and villa access may pose challenges. If accessibility is a concern, consider alternative ways to explore the area or check with local providers for accommodations.

This experience suits independent travelers who appreciate a blend of natural beauty, art, and history but prefer to set their own pace. It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their time on Lake Como without the constraints of guided tours. The inclusion of ferry rides adds a scenic dimension that many visitors find memorable.

However, if you’re traveling with someone who prefers guided commentary or needs more accessible facilities, it might be worth looking into options with guides or tailored tours.

In essence, this self-guided villa tour from Lecco offers a combination of scenic travel, cultural highlights, and flexible exploration. At a reasonable price, the experience emphasizes independent discovery with the convenience of pre-booked tickets and ferry transportation. It’s ideal for travelers who love beautiful gardens, artistic treasures, and lakeside towns, all at a relaxed pace.

While it’s not a guided experience, the stunning views and well-curated stops make it a memorable way to spend a day on Lake Como. You’ll love the chance to create your own adventure while soaking in some of Italy’s most beautiful scenery.

If you’re looking for a balanced, authentic, and picturesque day out, this tour checks many boxes — especially if you enjoy wandering at your own pace and savoring lakeside vistas.

• What’s included in this tour? You get a full-day ferry ticket, entry to the gardens of Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi D’Eril, and a train transfer from Varenna to Lecco.

• Are there guided tours included? No, this is a self-guided experience. You explore the villas and towns independently using your pre-booked tickets.

• Can I visit the interiors of the villas? The tickets are for the gardens and, in the case of Villa Monastero, the house museum. Villa Carlotta has art collections inside, but Villa Melzi’s gardens are the main focus, as it’s a private property.

• Is this tour suitable for children? Yes, provided they are comfortable with boat rides and walking. The gardens and boats make it engaging for families.

• Are meals included? No, meals are not included, but there will be time in Bellagio or Varenna for lunch or snacks.

• What about accessibility? This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users due to ferry and villa access limitations.

• What should I bring? Comfortable shoes and clothes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

• How long does this experience last? The itinerary is designed for a full day, typically starting around 10:10 am and returning in the evening, around 6:58 pm.

• Can I customize this tour? Since it’s self-guided, you can choose how long to stay at each location and what to prioritize, making it highly customizable.

This self-guided lake voyage offers a delightful mix of scenic views, cultural sights, and relaxed exploration — perfect for those who want to see the best of Lake Como on their own terms.

You can check availability for your dates here: