From Milan: Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip

Nestled in the stunning Italian countryside, Lake Como beckons visitors with its picturesque villages, historic charm, and breathtaking natural beauty. Embarking on a day trip from Milan, travelers can enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Varenna, a charming lakeside town known for its cobblestone streets and timeless architecture. From there, a relaxing boat cruise across the shimmering waters of Lake Como promises to be a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the region’s remarkable landscapes. As the day unfolds, the adventure continues in the charming town of Como, where a ride on the famous funicular provides panoramic vistas. Truly, this captivating excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.

Key Points

• This 1-day tour from Milan allows you to explore the charming town of Varenna and enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the stunning Lake Como.
• The tour includes regional train tickets, public boat tickets, and a roundtrip ride on the Como-Brunate funicular, providing a comprehensive Lake Como experience.
• The itinerary features 1 hour of free time in Varenna, a 2.5-hour scenic boat cruise to Como, and sightseeing in Como, including a ride on the funicular.
• Pricing for the tour starts at $99.33 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 7 days in advance.
• Customer reviews highlight potential concerns, such as departure delays, limited exploration time in Varenna, and a rushed experience in Como, which should be considered when planning the trip.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

For this day trip from Milan to Lake Como, the pricing starts at $99.33 per person.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 7 days in advance.

The tour is valid for 1 day, so customers should check availability for starting times.

With this package, visitors can explore the charming towns of Varenna and Como, as well as enjoy a scenic boat cruise across the stunning Lake Como.

The trip includes regional train tickets, public boat tickets, and a roundtrip ticket for the Como-Brunate funicular, providing a comprehensive experience.

Itinerary and Travel Details

The day trip begins with a departure from the Milano Centrale Railway Station, where travelers embark on a 1-hour train journey to the charming town of Varenna. After arriving, guests enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore the town’s picturesque streets and lakefront. Next, they board a scenic boat cruise across Lake Como, enjoying the stunning 2.5-hour journey to the town of Como. In Como, visitors have the afternoon to sightsee, including highlights like the grand cathedral. The experience concludes with a ride on the Como-Brunate funicular, offering panoramic views, before a 1-hour train ride back to Milano Centrale.

Departure	Duration
Milano Centrale Railway Station	1 hour
Varenna	1 hour
Boat Cruise Varenna to Como	2.5 hours
Como Sightseeing	Afternoon

Departure and Train Journey

Travelers embark on their Lake Como adventure by setting out from the Milano Centrale Railway Station, the bustling transportation hub at the heart of Italy’s fashion capital.

They’ll board a regional train for the 1-hour journey to the charming town of Varenna, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como. During the scenic ride, passengers can gaze out the windows, catching glimpses of the picturesque lakeside villages and rolling hills that define this stunning region.

Upon arrival in Varenna, guests will have the opportunity to explore the town’s quaint streets and historic landmarks before embarking on the next leg of their day trip – a scenic boat cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Exploring Varenna

Upon arriving in Varenna, guests can explore the town’s charming streets and historic landmarks at their leisure. This quaint lakeside village offers a glimpse into the region’s past, with its cobblestone lanes, colorful houses, and tranquil promenade along the water’s edge.

Visitors may choose to:

• Stroll through the picturesque Palazzo Borromeo and its lush gardens
• Visit the Church of San Giorgio, dating back to the 12th century
• Hike up to the ruins of the Castello di Vezio for panoramic views of Lake Como
• Sample local cuisine and wines at one of the charming cafes or restaurants

Although the time in Varenna is limited, guests can enjoy the town’s captivating atmosphere and make the most of this stop on the Lake Como day trip.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Scenic Boat Cruise

Following the tranquil exploration of Varenna, travelers embark on the scenic boat cruise, a highlight of the day trip.

The 2.5-hour journey across the serene waters of Lake Como offers breathtaking vistas. Gliding past the picturesque shoreline, visitors marvel at the stunning villas, charming villages, and majestic mountains that dot the landscape.

The boat cruise provides ample opportunities to capture fantastic photos of the lake’s natural beauty. As the vessel navigates the calm waters, travelers can relax and soak in the peaceful ambiance, creating lasting memories of this enchanting experience.

The scenic boat ride serves as a transition from the quaint town of Varenna to the next destination, the town of Como.

Exploring Como

The scenic boat cruise across Lake Como culminates in the arrival at the historic town of Como, where travelers disembark to explore its captivating sights.

With ample free time, visitors can wander the charming streets, admire the towering Como Cathedral, and relish the vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights of the town include:

• Visiting the serene Tempio Voltiano, a neoclassical temple dedicated to the inventor Alessandro Volta
• Strolling along the picturesque lakefront promenade, taking in the stunning views
• Discovering the quaint boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that line the narrow alleyways
• Riding the Como-Brunate funicular for panoramic vistas over the lake and surrounding hills.

Como-Brunate Funicular

The Como-Brunate funicular offers visitors a thrilling journey to the summit of Brunate, a charming hilltop town overlooking the picturesque Lake Como. The funicular ride takes approximately 1 hour and provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Tickets for the funicular can be purchased at the station in Como, with the following pricing details:

Ticket Type	Cost (€)
Adult Single	8.50
Adult Return	11.00
Child Single	4.50
Child Return	6.00

At the top, visitors can explore Brunate’s quaint streets, visit the Volta Lighthouse, and enjoy the breathtaking vistas. This scenic journey offers a unique perspective on the stunning natural beauty of Lake Como.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on the provided customer feedback, the overall rating for the Varenna and Lake Como Cruise Day Trip is 4 out of 5 stars.

The main highlights from the reviews include:

• Departure delays and unclear directions that made it challenging to stay on schedule.

• Crowds and limited time for exploration in the charming town of Varenna.

• Slightly rushed experience in Como, with not enough time to fully appreciate the sights.

• Suggestion to plan the day carefully to avoid missing the return train to Milan.

To ensure a smooth and fulfilling experience, the tour organizers recommend bringing comfortable shoes and clothing, and allowing ample time for each activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Drink Available on the Boat Cruise?

The day trip details do not mention any food or drink being available on the boat cruise. Passengers will need to bring their own provisions or purchase them separately during the free time in Varenna and Como.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?

Passengers can bring their own food and beverages on the Lake Como cruise. However, there are no food or drink services provided on the boat itself. Guests are advised to plan accordingly for their personal refreshment needs.

Are There Restrooms Available During the Day Trip?

Yes, there are restrooms available during the day trip. Restrooms can be accessed at the Milano Centrale Railway Station, in Varenna, on the boat, and at the Como-Brunate funicular station, providing convenient facilities throughout the excursion.

Can I Purchase Discounted Tickets for Children or Seniors?

The tour offers discounted tickets for children and seniors. Children under 12 years old receive a 10% discount, while seniors aged 65 and above can enjoy a 5% reduction on the standard price.

Are There Any Locker Facilities at the Starting/Ending Points?

There are no explicit mentions of locker facilities at the starting or ending points. The details provided focus on the transportation and activity itinerary, rather than on-site amenities. Travelers may wish to check with the tour operator for any updates on locker availability.

Recap

This day trip from Milan to Varenna and Lake Como offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the breathtaking natural beauty of northern Italy. From the scenic train journey to the enchanting boat cruise and exploration of charming villages, this experience promises a memorable and picturesque adventure. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the lake’s stunning views and the charming character of the quaint towns along the shore.

You can check if your dates are available here: