From Milan: Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip

Discovering Lake Como from Milan: A Practical Guide to the Varenna and Como Day Trip

Taking a day trip from Milan to experience the stunning scenery of Lake Como offers a welcome change from busy city life. This tour, organized by RIGAMONTI VIAGGI SRL, promises a well-rounded day filled with scenic boat rides, charming villages, and panoramic views from the Como-Brunate funicular. It’s a popular choice for those wanting to glimpse some of Italy’s most picturesque lakeside scenery without overnight stays.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of transportation and sightseeing—train, boat, and funicular—all included, which simplifies planning and maximizes your time on the ground. The chance to explore Varenna, with its quiet streets and lakeside charm, is a highlight. The cruise across the lake offers fantastic photo opportunities, and the visit to Como with its impressive cathedral and panoramic funicular ride adds a memorable finish.

A possible consideration is the timing and pace—since the tour is packed into one day, some travelers might find the schedule tight, especially with waiting times for transport and sightseeing. It’s best suited for those who enjoy organized tours with a mix of scenery, quick exploration, and a taste of local towns. If you’re after a relaxed, in-depth exploration, this might feel a little rushed. But for many, the value of seeing two iconic towns on one day outweighs the hurried pace.

This tour is well suited for first-timers to Lake Como, casual travelers who want a taste of the area without the fuss of planning, and those eager for scenic views and authentic towns. Now, let’s explore what makes this trip worthwhile, what to expect at each stop, and how to decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Key Points

• Convenient transportation: Trains, boats, and funiculars are included, streamlining the day.
• Charming towns: You’ll get a quick but meaningful taste of Varenna and Como.
• Scenic lake cruise: The boat ride offers some of the best views of lakeside villages and natural scenery.
• Panoramic views from the funicular: The Como-Brunate cable car delivers sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape.
• Flexible free time: You have about an hour in each town to explore on your own.
• Mixed reviews on pace: Some find the schedule tight, but most appreciate the efficient way to see multiple sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Lake Como Day Trip

Starting at Milan’s Central Station

The adventure begins early, with a regional train departing from Milano Centrale around 8:20 am. The train ride to Lecco takes about an hour, but this isn’t your final stop. Instead of a direct journey, a replacement bus from Lecco to Varenna occurs around 9:05 am. This change might seem unusual but is part of the logistical setup to connect you efficiently with Lake Como.

Once in Varenna, you’ll have an hour—roughly until 10:45 am—to stroll its quiet streets, admire lakeside cottages, and get a quick feel for this peaceful town. Many reviews mention the charm of Varenna’s less touristy, authentic ambiance, perfect for a quick wander and some photos.

The Scenic Boat Cruise

At around 11:07 am, you’ll board a public boat for a cruise that lasts about 2.5 hours, taking you from Varenna to Como. This part of the trip is often the highlight. Gliding across Lake Como’s tranquil waters, you’ll pass by picturesque towns, lush hillsides, and elegant lakeside villas—think of it as a moving postcard. Several reviews praise the stunning views and comment on how the boat ride is the perfect way to see the lake’s natural beauty without fuss.

Exploring Como

Arriving in Como around 1:40 pm, you’ll have a bit over an hour to explore this bustling lakeside town. The highlight here is the magnificent cathedral, a true architectural jewel. Reviewers note that the town offers excellent photo opportunities, especially along the lakeside promenade. Some mention that the town feels lively but still retains a charming, authentic vibe.

Panorama from the Como-Brunate Funicular

Next, you can use your included roundtrip ticket for the Como-Brunate funicular, which takes you up to a viewpoint roughly 1,000 meters above the lake. The ride itself is scenic, and the panoramic views from the top are often described as breathtaking. Many travelers say this part of the tour provides the best overall scenery, giving a broad perspective on the lake and surrounding mountains.

Return Journey to Milan

After your funicular visit, you’ll descend back into Como and catch a regional train around 5:36 pm from Como San Giovanni station. The journey back to Milan arrives at approximately 6:17 pm, wrapping up a full day of sightseeing.

How the Tour Works in Practice

Transport logistics are central to this experience. The combination of train, bus, and boat is designed to be efficient but can feel a little rushed. The tour’s timetable is rigid, and delays are always a possibility, especially with weather or public navigation schedules. Some reviews mention that boat schedules may change, so it’s wise to check closer to your date.

The free time in each town offers a nice balance—just enough to stretch your legs, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere—but not enough for deep exploration. If you’re a slow traveler or prefer to wander at your own pace, this might feel hurried.

Inclusions are straightforward: the train, boat, and funicular tickets are covered, plus a radioguide to help you understand what you’re seeing. No guide is included, so it’s a self-guided experience, but the radioguide helps fill in some historical and cultural details.

Cost and value: The tour’s price reflects the convenience of organized transportation and the scenic highlights. For travelers who prefer to avoid logistics planning, this offers good value—especially since it packs multiple experiences into a single day.

Authentic Experiences and the Real Traveler Perspective

Based on reviews and the experience description, many travelers appreciate the stunning views and the ease of transportation. One reviewer notes that the guide was knowledgeable, which enriched the experience, though the guide isn’t included as part of this tour. Some mention the trip being a bit rushed or the schedule feeling tight—an unavoidable consequence of fitting so much into one day.

The boat cruise is often cited as the most enjoyable part, with many travelers happy to get a different perspective of Lake Como from the water. The funicular ride is also praised for its panoramic vistas, making it a memorable end to the day.

A couple of reviews mention that the quiet streets of Varenna provide a lovely contrast to the busier Como, which is true. If you’re seeking a peaceful moment amidst your sightseeing, those little pockets of free time can be quite rewarding.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

• Bring comfortable shoes for walking in both towns and on the funicular.
• Dress in layers; the weather can change quickly, especially when traveling between different elevations.
• Carry a camera or smartphone—the views along the boat and from the funicular are worth capturing.
• Be aware of the timetable and try to stay close to the group during transitions to avoid missing the boat or train.
• If you want more time to explore, consider extending your stay overnight in one of the towns after the tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip suits those who want a well-organized, scenic overview of Lake Como without the hassle of planning multiple connections. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or those with limited time who still want a taste of Italy’s most iconic lake. If you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and brief stops, you’ll find it well worth your while.

However, if you prefer longer explorations or avoiding tight schedules, you might find this tour somewhat rushed. It’s also not ideal if mobility is a concern—not suitable for wheelchair users—and some may prefer a more leisurely pace. Still, for stunning scenery and a taste of lakeside charm, it’s a solid option.

The Sum Up

This trip from Milan to Lake Como offers a convenient, scenic, and memorable way to experience some of Italy’s most beautiful lakeside towns in a single day. The combination of train, boat, and funicular ensures you see the lake from different perspectives, while the free time allows a quick peek into Varenna and Como.

Most travelers will appreciate the stunning views and smooth logistics, especially given the included tickets and radioguide. It’s a good choice for those new to Lake Como or travelers who want a snapshot of the area without the stress of organizing transportation and tickets themselves.

Keep in mind the schedule can be tight, and if you seek a more relaxed pace or deep exploration, you might prefer staying overnight or taking a private tour. But for a balanced, efficient taste of Lake Como’s highlights, this day trip offers excellent value and authentic scenery.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a regional train ticket from Milano Centrale to Varenna, a public boat ticket for the Varenna to Como route, a roundtrip ticket for the Como-Brunate funicular, and a radioguide to help understand the sights.

How long is the train journey?
The train from Milan to Lecco is about an hour, with a replacement bus from Lecco to Varenna. The entire transit process is designed to be smooth but may involve some waiting.

What can I do during the free time in Varenna and Como?
In Varenna, you’ll have about an hour to walk its quiet, charming streets and enjoy lakeside views. In Como, you can visit the cathedral, stroll the lakeside promenade, and take the funicular for panoramic views.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, but keep in mind the schedule is quite full, and the trip involves some walking and standing. It’s best suited for children comfortable with a full day of sightseeing.

Are guides provided?
No, guides are not included, but a radioguide is provided to explain the sights along the way.

Can I customize the itinerary?
No, the schedule is fixed, but the free times allow some personal exploration.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the transportation and terrain.

How about weather considerations?
Since the trip relies on boats and outdoor activities, check the weather forecast—heavy rain or storms could affect the boat schedule.

What is the best time of year to do this tour?
From June to October, when the weather is typically warm and pleasant, is ideal. The schedule is based on the public navigation schedule, which may vary.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
Considering transportation, entry to scenic spots, and panoramic views, it offers a good value for travelers wanting a comprehensive snapshot of Lake Como in a day.

This detailed guide should help you decide if this Lake Como day trip fits your travel style. It’s a carefully curated mix of scenery, charming towns, and efficient logistics—perfect for making the most of a single day in Italy’s most scenic lake region.

You can check availability for your dates here: