Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour

Explore the enchanting beauty of Lake Como on this budget-friendly, full-day tour. Discover the charming mid-lake towns of Bellagio and Varenna, savor local specialties, and embark on a private boat cruise to the opulent gardens of Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi. With a guided walking tour of Varenna and a hassle-free itinerary, this comprehensive experience promises to immerse you in the spirit and flavors of the region. However, the true wonder lies in the surprises that await along the way…

Key Points

• A full-day tour that explores the charming mid-lake towns of Bellagio and Varenna, including a guided walking tour of Varenna.
• Opportunity to savor local specialties at a historic olive oil mill, providing a taste of the authentic cuisine of the region.
• Private boat cruise to visit the opulent gardens of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi, known for their scenic beauty.
• Hassle-free experience with an English-speaking guide, admission tickets, and transportation included in the budget-friendly package.
• Suitable for a group of 2 to 11 adults, with a fair amount of walking and some steep steps expected during the tour.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour captures the spirit of Lake Como, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting mid-lake towns of Bellagio and Varenna, savor local specialties at a historic olive oil mill, and embark on a private boat cruise to the opulent gardens of Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi.

With 76 rave reviews, this guided tour is a budget-friendly way to experience the highlights of the region.

The English-speaking guide will lead you through Varenna’s alleyways, share the town’s Celtic origins, and provide a delightful lunch with local wine.

The 1.5-hour boat ride and admission to the villas offer a practical and immersive way to discover the natural beauty and rich history of Lake Como.

Inclusions

The tour includes a professional, English-speaking guide who’ll lead the group throughout the day.

Travelers can look forward to a tasting of local specialties at an old olive oil mill, as well as a guided walking tour of the charming town of Varenna.

Lunch with starters, pasta, water, wine, and coffee is provided, along with a 1.5-hour boat tour aboard an open-top Venetian taxi.

Admission tickets to both Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi are also included in the price.

Gratuities are covered, making this a hassle-free and budget-friendly way to explore the highlights of Lake Como.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a small group, this tour provides a well-rounded and immersive experience.

Meeting and Pickup

Participants convene at the Ferry Terminal Ticket Office in Varenna at 10:30 am to begin the day’s excursion. The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, requiring travelers to make their own way to the designated meeting point. From there, the group will embark on a captivating journey to discover the enchanting sights and flavors of Lake Como.

Reason to Attend	Benefit
Explore Varenna’s alleyways and learn about its Celtic origins	Gain a deeper appreciation for the town’s history
Board a comfortable Venetian water taxi for a sightseeing cruise	Enjoy a scenic boat tour with stunning views
Disembark at Villa del Balbianello, a filming location	Discover the villa’s cinematic connections
Continue to the verdant gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio	Immerse in the beauty of the lakeside estate

Tour Details

Guests first wander through Varenna’s charming alleyways, learning about the town’s captivating Celtic origins.

They then board a comfortable Venetian water taxi for a delightful sightseeing cruise, disembarking at the iconic Villa del Balbianello – a filming location featured in acclaimed movies.

The tour continues to the verdant gardens of Villa Melzi in Bellagio, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of this lakeside estate.

Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring guests gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and history of the region.

With the perfect blend of walking, boating, and sightseeing, this tour captures the essence of Lake Como’s enchanting beauty.

Additional Information

This tour confirms at the time of booking, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible. Bookings require a minimum of 2 adults, up to a maximum of 11 people.

Guests should expect a fair amount of walking, including some steep steps. Dietary requirements can be advised at the time of booking.

Travelers should note that the tour runs rain or shine, and may have slight changes in bad weather conditions.

The tour is designed to be informative and practical, providing guests with a comprehensive Lake Como experience. Whether the weather cooperates or not, the tour will deliver a budget-friendly way to explore the region’s stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and local flavors.

Guests can look forward to a memorable full-day adventure on Lake Como.

Local Specialties Tasting

The tour includes a stop at an historic olive oil mill, where visitors can indulge in a tasting of local specialties paired with cured meats and wine.

This is a chance to experience the flavors of the region and learn about the traditional process of olive oil production.

The tasting features high-quality olive oils, as well as local cured meats and wines that complement the flavors perfectly.

This is a budget-friendly way to sample the region’s artisanal products and get a taste of the authentic cuisine.

Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a unique experience, the olive oil mill tasting is a highlight of the tour.

Varenna Guided Walking Tour

After indulging in the local flavors at the historic olive oil mill, the tour takes visitors on a guided walking exploration of the charming town of Varenna.

An English-speaking guide leads the way through Varenna’s enchanting alleyways, sharing insights into the town’s Celtic origins and rich history.

Guests can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the captivating architecture, quaint piazzas, and stunning lake vistas that make Varenna a must-see destination on the Lake Como itinerary.

The walking tour allows travelers to enjoy the authentic character of this mid-lake town, providing an enriching and memorable experience as part of the full-day excursion.

Boat Tour and Villa Visits

Next, visitors board a comfortable Venetian water taxi for a sightseeing cruise along the picturesque shores of Lake Como.

During the 1.5-hour boat tour, they disembark at the opulent gardens of Villa del Balbianello, a filming location for movies like Star Wars and Casino Royale.

The tour then continues to the verdant gardens of Villa Melzi, allowing guests to explore the enchanting grounds before heading to the charming town of Bellagio.

This boat tour offers a unique perspective of the lake and provides access to some of the region’s most stunning villas and gardens, complementing the earlier walking tour of the historic town of Varenna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a full lunch with starters, pasta, water, wine, and coffee. Bringing outside food or drinks is not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors should dress comfortably and appropriately for a full day of walking and boating. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended to ensure a budget-friendly and practical experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Villas?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the villas, but there may be some restrictions or additional fees. It’s best to check with the tour guide or villa staff before taking photos to ensure compliance with any rules.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, making it suitable for all ages. However, there’s a fair amount of walking and some steep steps, so it may not be the best option for young children or those with mobility issues.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour generally follows a fixed itinerary, but customers can’t customize it. However, they can inform the operator of any dietary requirements when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated during the included meals and tastings.

Recap

This full-day tour offers an immersive experience exploring the picturesque towns, historic villas, and local flavors of Lake Como.

Discover Bellagio and Varenna, savor olive oil tastings, and cruise the lake to visit opulent gardens.

The guided walking tour and private boat ride provide a hassle-free, budget-friendly way to fully experience the spirit and beauty of this enchanting region.