Villa Del Balbianello and Varenna by Train From Milan

Exploring the enchanting lakeside towns of Varenna and Lenno is a must-do for visitors seeking a day of tranquility and natural beauty away from the hustle of Milan. This self-guided tour offers the flexibility to discover the iconic Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero at your own pace, taking in the stunning scenery through scenic boat transfers and a picturesque train ride. While the interior of Villa del Balbianello may be off-limits, the opportunity to wander its exquisite grounds is a true highlight. With practical details and budget-friendly options, this tour provides a chance to take in the serene charm of Lake Como’s picturesque shores.

Key Points

• This tour provides a full-day exploration of the lakeside towns of Varenna and Lenno, including visits to the Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero.
• The tour departs from Milan Central Station by regional train and includes round-trip transportation, public boat transfers, and entrance fees to the visited sites.
• While the interior of Villa del Balbianello is not included, visitors can explore the villa’s park and gardens during a 30-minute walk.
• The tight itinerary and lack of a professional guide may be challenging for those with mobility issues or those seeking more in-depth information about the sites.
• The tour does not include lunch or tips for service staff, so participants should plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Details

This tour, priced from 2,740 CZK per person, provides a full day of exploration spanning the charming lakeside towns of Varenna and Lenno, with visits to the renowned Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero.

Travelers will depart from Milan Central Station by regional train, arriving in Varenna for a 1-hour visit before taking a public boat to Lenno.

After a 30-minute walk, they’ll explore the beautiful Villa del Balbianello park.

The journey continues with a boat ride back to Varenna, where they’ll have 2 hours to visit Villa Monastero.

The tour includes all regional train and public boat tickets, as well as entrance fees to the villas’ parks. However, it doesn’t cover the interior of Villa del Balbianello or provide a guide.

Itinerary Overview

The tour begins with a regional train departure from Milan Central Station at 8:20 AM, arriving in the picturesque lakeside town of Varenna at 9:24 AM for a 1-hour visit.

Travelers then board a public boat to Lenno, where they’ll have a 30-minute walk to reach the renowned Villa del Balbianello and explore its beautiful park. After the visit, it’s a 30-minute walk back to the Lenno boat terminal to catch the public boat to Varenna, arriving at 3:05 PM.

The final stop is a 2-hour visit to Villa Monastero before returning to Milan Central Station by regional train, arriving at 6:40 PM.

The tour provides an efficient and budget-friendly way to experience the highlights of Lake Como from Milan.

Included Experiences

The tour includes regional train tickets in second class, public boat tickets, and entrance to the Villa del Balbianello park and Villa Monastero. This makes it a budget-friendly way to experience the beauty of Lake Como without needing to worry about additional transportation or entry fees.

The train ride from Milan to Varenna is a scenic journey, and the public boat transfers between Varenna, Lenno, and back provide a relaxing way to take in the stunning lakeside landscapes.

While the interior of Villa del Balbianello isn’t included, visitors can still explore the park’s picturesque gardens and grounds. The tour offers a well-rounded introduction to two of Lake Como’s top attractions.

Not Included Extras

While the tour covers many key experiences, there are a few extras not included that visitors should be aware of.

Entrance to the interior of Villa del Balbianello isn’t part of the package, so those wishing to explore the villa’s opulent rooms will need to purchase separate tickets.

Plus, a professional guide isn’t provided, though self-guided exploration is certainly possible.

Lunch is also not included, so travelers will need to plan and budget for their own meals during the day.

Finally, tips for any service staff encountered are at the discretion of the individual.

These additional costs should be factored into one’s overall budget for the day trip from Milan.

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Important Considerations

Though the tour provides a convenient and cost-effective way to experience the highlights of Lake Como, travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind.

Namely, the 30-minute walk between the Lenno boat terminal and Villa del Balbianello may present challenges for those with mobility issues. Plus, boat schedules can be subject to change, potentially impacting the tour’s tight itinerary.

Lastly, the tour doesn’t include a professional guide, so visitors must be prepared to navigate and explore the sights independently.

Despite these minor caveats, the tour offers an efficient and budget-friendly opportunity to discover the stunning scenery and historic villas of this picturesque region.

Departure and Arrival

The tour departs Milan Central Station at 8:20 AM by regional train, giving travelers a convenient and budget-friendly start to their day’s adventure.

The train journey takes just over an hour, arriving in Varenna at 9:24 AM.

After a brief 1-hour visit in Varenna, the group boards a public boat to Lenno, arriving at 10:55 AM.

From there, it’s a 30-minute walk to the stunning Villa del Balbianello.

In the afternoon, the group returns to Varenna by boat, allowing 2 hours to explore the beautiful Villa Monastero.

The day concludes with the return train journey back to Milan, arriving at the central station at 6:40 PM.

Train and Boat Connections

Traveling between the destinations by train and boat allows visitors to efficiently navigate the scenic Lake Como region on this day trip from Milan.

Regional trains whisk travelers from the city center to the picturesque lakeside town of Varenna, where a public boat service provides a convenient connection to the Villa del Balbianello.

The boat journey across the lake to Lenno takes just under an hour, and a short walk leads to the stunning villa and its beautiful gardens.

After exploring, the return trip retraces the route, with the boat taking visitors back to Varenna for a visit to Villa Monastero before the train ride back to Milan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Lakes?

The best time to visit the Italian lakes is typically spring and fall when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. Prices are also more affordable compared to the peak summer season.

Are There Any Lunch Options Near the Villa Del Balbianello?

There are a few small cafes and restaurants near Villa del Balbianello, though they may be quite pricey. Visitors could also pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the villa’s grounds, which would be a more budget-friendly option.

Can I Book This Tour in Multiple Languages?

Yes, you can book this tour in multiple languages. The tour operator offers the option to select your preferred language at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for travelers from diverse backgrounds.

How Much Time Should I Allocate for Exploring Varenna?

The tour allots 1 hour for exploring Varenna, which should be enough time to wander the charming town and take in the stunning views of Lake Como. Visitors should plan to spend an additional 2 hours at Villa Monastero during the tour’s Varenna stop.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Train Tickets?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to upgrade the train tickets. The regional train tickets in second class are included in the tour price, providing a cost-effective way to travel. There’s no mention of any train ticket upgrades for this day trip.

Recap

This self-guided tour from Milan offers a budget-friendly way to explore the picturesque shores of Lake Como.

Visitors can discover the charming town of Varenna, tour the grounds of the stunning Villa del Balbianello, and enjoy scenic train and boat transfers.

With a flexible itinerary, travelers can explore these Italian destinations at their own pace, making it an ideal option for independent travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: