Lake Como, nestled amidst the picturesque Italian Alps, is a destination that captivates the senses. This self-guided tour offers visitors the chance to explore the stunning Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril, seeing the region’s rich history and natural beauty. With convenient ferry transportation and flexible scheduling, travelers can wander the meticulously manicured gardens, admire the grand villas, and indulge in the charming town of Bellagio. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely day or an opportunity to delve deeper into the captivating essence of Lake Como, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- Self-guided tour of Lake Como featuring Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril, with flexible schedule and independent exploration.
- Includes all ferry tickets, villa entrance vouchers, and 24-hour assistance, with a starting price of $110.08 per person.
- Detailed itinerary with departure and arrival times for ferries, allowing ample time to visit both villas and enjoy lunch in Bellagio.
- Comfortable clothing and shoes recommended for exploring the villas, with potential schedule changes due to public navigation adjustments.
- Overall positive feedback on the beauty of the villas, but some visitors express dissatisfaction with the lack of a guided tour.
Tour Overview
The self-guided tour allows visitors to experience the captivating Lake Como, exploring the renowned Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril.
Starting at just $110.08 per person, the tour offers a full day of discovery. Visitors can take public ferries from Como or Cernobbio to reach the villas, with a flexible schedule that allows for free time in Bellagio.
The tour includes all ferry tickets, villa entrance vouchers, and 24-hour assistance. While no guide is provided, a suggested itinerary is available.
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended, as visitors will explore the tour at their own pace.
With free cancellation up to 7 days in advance, this self-guided experience is an ideal way to take in the beauty of Lake Como.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Como.
Itinerary Details: Como
Departing from Como, visitors embark on a public ferry at 9:40 AM, arriving at the public navigation pier.
The ferry departs at 10:00 AM and arrives in Tremezzo at 11:51 AM. Visitors then have until 12:00 PM to explore the magnificent Villa Carlotta.
After the visit, they board a ferry at 13:45 PM to Bellagio, arriving at 14:15 PM. This allows for free time to enjoy lunch in the picturesque town.
The tour concludes with a visit to the Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril, before catching the ferry back to Como, arriving at 18:55 PM.
Itinerary Details: Cernobbio
Visitors embarking on the tour from Cernobbio start their journey at the public pier, arriving at 9:45 AM.
They then board the ferry, which departs at 10:13 AM and arrives in Tremezzo at 11:51 AM.
Upon reaching Tremezzo, they visit Villa Carlotta, spending an hour exploring the villa and its renowned gardens.
Afterward, they take the 13:45-14:15 ferry to Bellagio, where they enjoy free time for lunch.
The tour then continues with a visit to the Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril.
Included Features
This self-guided tour includes a full-day ferry ticket for transfers from either Como or Cernobbio.
You’ll receive vouchers for admission to Villa Carlotta and the Gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril, allowing you to explore these stunning lakeside villas at your own pace.
Additional features include 24-hour assistance via a dedicated telephone line and all necessary travel agency and reservation system fees.
The tour doesn’t include a guide, so you’ll be able to discover the sites independently.
Lunch is also not provided, so you’ll have the freedom to find a local restaurant during your free time in Bellagio.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for this self-guided tour, as visitors will be exploring the picturesque grounds and gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril.
The tour is self-guided, but a suggested itinerary is provided to help visitors make the most of their day.
It’s important to note that boat schedules may change based on public navigation, so visitors should be prepared for potential schedule adjustments.
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Visitor Feedback
The feedback from visitors provides a mixed perspective on this self-guided tour.
While some reviewers praise the beauty of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi, the overall rating is only 3 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.
Positive comments highlight the splendor of the two villas, but the lack of a guided tour seems to be a drawback for some.
The self-guided nature of the experience may not appeal to all travelers, who may prefer more structure and information.
Nevertheless, the convenience of the ferry transportation and the opportunity to explore these iconic Lake Como landmarks at one’s own pace appear to be the main draws of this tour option.
Ferry Schedules
According to the provided itinerary, from both Como and Cernobbio, travelers embark on public ferries to reach Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril. The ferry schedule is as follows:
Departure Location | Departure Time | Arrival Location | Arrival Time |
---|---|---|---|
Como | 10:00 | Tremezzo | 11:51 |
Tremezzo | 13:45 | Bellagio | 14:15 |
Bellagio | 16:45 | Como | 18:55 |
Cernobbio | 10:13 | Tremezzo | 11:51 |
Tremezzo | 13:45 | Bellagio | 14:15 |
Bellagio | 16:45 | Cernobbio | 18:40 |
The ferry timetable allows ample time to visit both Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril, with free time for lunch in charming Bellagio.
Pricing and Cancellation
This self-guided tour of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril on Lake Como starts at $110.08 per person.
Visitors have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 7 days in advance for a full refund. The tour is valid for one day, allowing ample time to explore the stunning villas and their picturesque gardens.
Key features include:
- Full-day ferry ticket for transfers from Como or Cernobbio
- Admission vouchers to Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi Gardens
- 24-hour assistance via dedicated telephone line
- Travel agency and reservation system fees
With this convenient package, travelers can immerse themselves in the beauty of Lake Como at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?
The tour overview doesn’t mention any discounts for seniors or students. However, travelers should check if either Villa Carlotta or Villa Melzi d’Eril offer reduced admission prices for these groups when booking their visit.
Can I Book This Tour in Multiple Languages?
This tour isn’t available in multiple languages – it’s a self-guided experience with a suggested itinerary. Visitors can refer to the tour overview and schedule materials provided in English. There’s no option for guided tours in other languages.
How Long Do I Need to Visit Each Villa?
The average visitor spends about 1-2 hours exploring each villa. Villa Carlotta offers 70 minutes to wander its lush gardens and grand interiors, while Villa Melzi d’Eril’s gardens can be enjoyed in around an hour.
Is Transportation From My Hotel to the Ferry Included?
The tour does not include transportation from the hotel to the ferry. Guests are responsible for making their own way to the Como or Cernobbio public piers to catch the included ferry service between the villas.
Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?
Unfortunately, this tour package doesn’t offer customization options. It’s a fixed, self-guided itinerary visiting Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril. However, you could explore the area independently and add other sights if you’d like.
Recap
This self-guided tour of Lake Como’s renowned villas offers a flexible and convenient way to experience the region’s stunning natural beauty. Visitors can explore the picturesque gardens of Villa Carlotta and Villa Melzi d’Eril, with ferry transportation enhancing the leisurely pace. The tour’s inclusive features and free cancellation policy make it an appealing option for those seeking to enjoy the enchanting landscapes of Lake Como.
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