If you’re visiting Milan then after sampling some of the best gelatos in Milan, be sure to book one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.
Not only is Lake Como next-level stunning, but it’s well-located near Milan. Therefore, any of these day tours from Milan to Lake Como will be easy to do and well worth your time.
Trust me, I have done these tours/this trip many times. And while you can easily take the train from Milan to Lake Como (tickets are also super cheap), a guided tour is a great option.
It will allow you to enjoy all the area’s highlights in a single day and to learn a bit about the area’s unique history.
So, if you want a stress-free trip or are just short on time then give this epic post a read.
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Best Day Tours From Milan to Lake Como
My #1 pick 🏆 for the best Lake Como day trip is this Lake Como and Bellagio Boat Cruise. It’s a well-reviewed 10-hour tour where you can see Como, Villa Olmo, Bellagio, and do a cruise on the lake. 🏖️
1. From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Private Boat Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (6971 Reviews) Price: $108.05 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍Meeting Point: Central Railway Station Operator: AUTOSTRADALE VIAGGI SRL Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
If you’re searching for one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como then you can’t beat this tour right here.
Not only is this Lake Como tour well-reviewed and well-priced for a TEN-hour tour, but you’ll get to see all of Lake Como’s major highlights in a single day.
So, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as you embark on an hour bus ride to Como.
Once there, you’ll go on a guided tour of Como where you’ll see incredible villas before heading to Villa Olmo.
“A memorable day! Breathtaking sites, the walk along Lake Como in Bellagio is a real dream! Simone fulfilled her role very well, friendly, pleasant, attentive to all the passengers, she recommended a restaurant to us in Bellagio where we had a great time…. Thanks again for everything!! I highly recommend this activity! Well done👏👏”
Roula (read more reviews now)
You’ll then go on another guided tour and admire the gardens and neoclassical architecture of Villa Olmo before enjoying a private, hour-long cruise on Lake Como.
Afterward, enjoy a bit of free time in Bellagio before driving for two hours back to Milan.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great way to see all of Lake Como in a single day | Some guides have a thick accent and can be difficult to understand |
| Tour is well-priced for a 10-hour experience | Tour conducted in multiple languages so this can get boring |
| Well-reviewed and guides make good recommendations for lunch | Do not reschedule in bad weather. So, check the forecast because bad weather can make it hard to admire views of the lake |
| Exciting boat tour where you learn about the area and see amazing points of interest |
2. From Milan: Como, Lugano and Bellagio Exclusive Boat Cruise
⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5.0 (531 Reviews) Price: $136.42 per person Duration: 11 hours 📍Meeting Point: Piazza Quattro Novembre Operator: VEDITALIA Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
Another easy pick for one of the best tours to Lake Como from Milan is this day trip to Como, Lugano, and Bellagio with an Exclusive Boat Cruise.
After all, this is one of the ONLY best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that actually brings you to Switzerland!
So, grab your passport and get ready for a 90-minute drive to Lugano, Switzerland. You’ll hear tons of cool info along the way and admire sweeping views before reaching the town of Lugano.
You’ll spend a little over 90 minutes here and enjoy a guided tour before having some free time to shop, sample Swiss chocolate, and check out the city center.
Afterward, continue to the village of Cadenabbia (beloved by Zsar Nicholas and Queen Victoria) and get off the bus at Tremezzo since this is where your exclusive boat tour begins.
“The guide was brilliant he kept the group together and made it clear where the meeting points was so no one felt lost and was very friendly and gave great recommendations on places to eat and go when we had free time to explore the trip overall was really good to lots of things to see and many opportunities to take photos was a long day with a lot of travelling but totally worth the price.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Your private vessel will then cruise past exquisite villas and stunning gardens as you glide along Lake Como for around an hour.
Eventually, you’ll arrive at Bellagio which is commonly referred to as the “Pearl of Lake Como”.
In total, you’ll spend around two hours here so that you can have lunch, shop, go on a guided tour, and take some free time to sightsee.
Afterward, head to Como where you’ll have 45 minutes to enjoy the city and to take a lovely walking tour to the Gothic cathedral.
Learn all about this amazing structure from your expert guide before an hour-long bus ride that will take you back to where you started after one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.
Pro Tip: Just be aware of the fact that if water levels change and get too high, the private boat tour will be replaced with public transportation. You also need your passport for this excursion.
| Pros | Cons |
| Guides are helpful and offer great info about Lake Como | Sometimes arrive in Como late and don’t get to see much since the sun has already set |
| Great value since you get to visit two countries in one day | Lunch is not included |
| Get bottled water and headsets to hear the guide | The journey is long and may want more rest on the bus than the guide talking the entire trip |
| Time in Como is short and won’t get to ride the funicular |
3. From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip
⭐️ Rating: 4.3/5.0 (1601 Reviews) Price: $108.05 per person Duration: 12 hours 📍Meeting Point: Varies by tour Operator: Z V SRL Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!
This is one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that will take you on a guided day trip to Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna.
So, begin your trip with a stop in Como. Go on a guided walking tour to Como Cathedral and explore other local gems before taking a private boat tour across the lake.
“It was an amazing day tour. We were able to visit the towns of Como, Varenna and Bellagio as scheduled. Obviously, if you book this tour you understand that it’s going to involve a lot of travelling (bus and boat) and you also accept that you will not be able to see everything that Lake Como has to offer. The private boat cruise on Lake Como was the highlight of the trip. The weather was lovely the entire day. Monica did an excellent job managing the tour and making sure everyone was at the meeting points on time.”
Anonymous (read more reviews now)
Enjoy live narration and see gorgeous villas and gardens before getting off at Varenna. Walk along the cobblestone streets of this quaint village before boarding another ferry Bellagio.
You’ll have two hours to explore this vibrant town on your own so that you can have lunch, relax, and take in the views before returning to Milan.
| Pros | Cons |
| The vehicle is outfitted with Wifi | This tour uses a public ferry where seats can be hard to find on weekends/in summer |
| Private boat cruise can be up to two hours long | Long day and definitely won’t be able to see everything in Lake Como |
| Friendly and professional guides that are well-organized | The ferry ride makes it challenging to hear the guide since the guide is on the top deck |
| The pick-up location is convenient |
4. Italy and Switzerland Day Trip: Lake Como, Bellagio & Lugano from Milan
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (981 Reviews) Price: $126.48 per person Duration: 10.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Stazione Porta Garibaldi Operator: City Wonders Ltd Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you don’t mind a long (but fun) day of sightseeing then this is one of the best day trips near Milan for you.
See, after meeting at the city center, you and your tour group will drive through the magnificent Italian Alps before stopping in Lake Como for a magical boat tour.
Stand in awe of celebrity homes (like one owned by George Clooney) as you cruise along the water for 90 minutes.
Learn all about the area’s fascinating history from your expert guide and see where films like Star Wars and James Bond were filmed before disembarking in Bellagio.
“Our tour guide Allesio was excellent. He was friendly, professional, full of information, funny and all around a great guide. We saw some beautiful things. I’ve got a great feel for Lake Como and Lake Lugano. And the weather held up so we were happy. It’s a long day, but I highly recommend it.”
Mary (read more reviews now)
You’ll then have an enchanting hour to visit this magical town on your own before continuing to Lugano.
This idyllic spot sits beneath the Swiss Alps and is often referred to as the “Monte Carlo of Switzerland”.
During your 2-hour visit, explore the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli and see the ‘Passion and Crucifixion’ Renaissance fresco.
Afterward, walk downtown and go shopping for luxury items as well as delish Swiss chocolate.
All in all, this is one of the best day tours from Milan that will give you a beautiful taste of both Switzerland and Italy.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Boat tour is absolutely stunning and quite long so you can really enjoy the lake | Not enough time in Bellagio and Lugano |
| Features lots of walking so get to exercise after a lot of driving | Avoid visiting Lugano on a Sunday since most things are closed |
| Quick way to see Switzerland and Lake Como in one day | The boat tour can be very crowded and seats can be difficult to find |
| Sometimes the tour can be disorganized and travelers can get left behind |
5. Lake Como Day Trip from Milan with a Local: Private & Personalized
⭐️ Rating: 5.0/5.0 (8 Reviews) Price: $431.06 Duration: 8 hours 📍Meeting Point: Starbucks Centrale Operator: City Unscripted Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you’re not into group tours and are searching for a top-notch private experience then check out this Lake Como day trip from Milan with a local.
During this incredible experience, you’ll meet your expert guide and hop on the train to Lake Como.
After about an hour, you’ll arrive in Como where you can explore the historic center.
You’ll admire medieval porticoes. walk past stunning neoclassical villas, and visit the Basilica of Sant’Abbondio from the 11th century.
“Illy our your guide was exceptional. It felt like we visitors Lake Como with a friend. She was so knowledgeable and helpful. We saw places that a normal tourist would not have even thought to explore. She even helped us navigate the transportation strike that was pending for our trip to Venice. Highly recommend this trip.”
Jospeh (read more reviews now)
You’ll then catch the train to Varenna, where you can board a local ferry to Varenna, Menaggio, and Bellagio in the summer. Enjoy walking the cobblestone streets and take in sweeping views of the lake.
In the winter, you’ll skip the ferry and take a funicular to Brunate. It’s an awesome town in the mountains that offers epic views of the lake.
Afterward, embark on a beautiful cruise around Lake Como and grab lunch with your host at a local trattoria or osteria. This way you can sample some of the area’s finest cuisine.
| Pros | Cons |
| The local guide will take you to places most tourists don’t get to see | Expensive |
| Guides listen to your needs and take you to great places to eat | No hotel pick-up offered |
| Don’t feel rushed and move at a relaxed pace through the tour | |
| Private so can create a custom itinerary to suit your needs |
6. Half-Day Lake Como Discovery Tour from Milan – Small Group Tour
⭐️ Rating: 5,0/5.0 (20 Reviews) Price: $164.20 per person Duration: 5 hours 📍Meeting Point: Milano Cadorna Operator: Your Travel Diary Details: Read more on Viator Now!
Short on time? Yeah, who isn’t when there are so many AMAZING places to go in Italy?
So, if you’re on a tight schedule but want to enjoy one of the best day tours from Milan then consider booking this Half-Day Lake Como Discovery Tour from Milan.
It’s only around 5 hours long but is still one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como that includes round trip train tickets from Milan to Como.
Plus, during your 4-hour guided tour you can visit:
- Duomo in Como
- Stroll along Via Vittorio Emanuele to the 600-year-old Basilica di Sant’Abbondio.
- Walk along a lakeside promenade to Villa Olmo before exploring this iconic landmark
But, the best part? After your tour, you can stay as long as you like and explore all that Lake Como has to offer.
“The best element was Renzo Durini, our tour guide. From the minuye we met him thru the end of our tour in Como, he endowed us with an unimaginable amount of history, background and facts related to Como, the multiple cultures and countries that influenced architecture and governance of the city and region. He was helpful advising places to visit beyond the tour and places to eat. He truly was the tour. I highly recommend the tour and securing Renzo if you can.”
James (read more reviews now)
Yeah, this just concludes the guide portion of your tour. And since you have round-trip train tickets, you can stay in Lake Como as long as you like.
Therefore, if you want to learn about the region and see all the major highlights but also love a lot of free time, then book this Lake Como tour now.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pro guide for four hours and can create your own personal itinerary | The boat tour is not included |
| Get a lot of free time and can stay in Lake Como as long as you like | Pick up is not included |
| Amazing local tour guide (Renzo) with exceptional tips to get you away from the tourist hot spots | A bit expensive for a half-day tour |
| Also includes round-trip train tickets from Milan |
7. Best of Lake Como Experience from Milan, Cruise and Landscapes
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (114 Reviews) Price: $99.85 per person Duration: 10 hours 📍Meeting Point: Piazza IV Novembre Operator: Veditalia Details: Read more on Viator Now!
Want to experience the best of Lake Como? Then give this Cruise and Landscapes Experience a try.
See, after getting a quick pick-up in Milan, you’ll stop at the Santuario Madonna del Ghisallo in Magreglio for half an hour.
You’ll explore the church and learn all about its history before heading to the Duomo in Como. You’ll have 30 minutes here before heading to Bellagio for two hours.
“The scenic boat trip from Como to Bellagio was undoubtedly the highlight of the day, culminating in a fantastic lunch in Bellagio. But we did enjoy our brief stop in Como, with its magnificent cathedral, as well as shopping in Bellagio, where there were some quite exclusive shops with leather and silk goods. Very tempting! On the drive back to Milan, we took the scenic route, including spectacular views of Lake Como from the heights above. All in all, a wonderful day out.”
Thelma (read more reviews now)
Plus, you’ll do a fab lake cruise so that you can admire the stunning mountains and enjoy the crystal clear waters that have made this place famous among solo travelers in Italy and families who need a break from the best walking tours in Milan.
It’s also worth noting that you get a tour LEADER and not a tour GUIDE. So, be aware of this before you book since info shared with participants can be limited.
Pro Tip: If you want to visit any churches then you’ll need to have your knees and shoulders covered. So, be sure to dress appropriately before doing one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.
FYI, that dress code applies to both men and women and you could be refused admission.
| Pros | Cons |
| You get to enjoy a great lunch in Bellagio (FYI, food and drinks not included in the tour | Short amount of time in Como |
| Enjoy free bottled water and skip-the-line tickets for the boat ride | No hotel pick-up offered |
| Get to travel in a vehicle with AC | The boat can be very crowded and that can limit visibility |
| Headsets are offered for groups of 10 or more |
8. Lake Como: Private Bus from Milan to Visit Como and Bellagio
⭐️ Rating: 4.5/5.0 (69 Reviews) Price: $99.85 per person Duration: 9-11 hours 📍Meeting Point: Piazza IV Novembre Operator: FRIGERIO VIAGGI SRL Details: Read more on Viator Now!
If you’re looking for a slightly more luxurious experience from one of the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como then sign up for this Private Bus Tour to Como and Bellagio.
Enjoy pick-up from central Milan before driving for an hour inside a luxury bus to Como. It’s a stunner of a medieval town with giant squares and exquisite Gothic Cathedrals.
“Great guide. Great bus driver. Organized. Beautiful destination. Highly recommended. On time departure.”
Paul (read more reviews now)
Visit for an hour and take in the view before hopping aboard a local boat and doing a 2.5-hour cruise around Lake Como to Bellagio.
Spend time in this refined town by the lake before going to the upper section of the lake and visiting the Santuario Della Madonna del Ghisallo.
You can check out the Museo Del Ciclismo and the Church of the Virgin Mary before it’s time to make the journey back to Milan.
| Pros | Cons |
| Meeting spot is easy to find | Drivers can sometimes be curt and answer the phone while driving |
| Have more than enough time to relax and have a bottle of wine | Headphones can sometimes have a lot of interference |
| The boat tour offers great views of the lake | |
| Get headphones so you can hear the guide |
My #1 pick 🏆 for the best Lake Como day trip is this Lake Como and Bellagio Boat Cruise. It’s a well-reviewed 10-hour tour where you can see Como, Villa Olmo, Bellagio, and do a cruise on the lake. 🏖️
Best Day Tours from Milan to Lake Como FAQs
1. Can You do a Day Trip to Lake Como from Milan?
Yes! You absolutely can do a day trip to Lake Como from Milan. The best way to do it on your own is to take the train from Milan to Lake Como.
After all, direct trains will take you from Milan to Veranna (an hour trip) and Como (40 minutes) if you only have time to see Lake Como in a day.
2. How Long from Milan to Lake Como?
If you want to drive from Milan to Lake Como then the trip will take around two hours since the journey covers 84 km.
However, if take a train from Milan to Lake Como (as outlined above) then the journey should take between 40 minutes and an hour.
3. Is It Easy to Drive from Milan to Lake Como?
Honestly, the road from Milan to Lake Como is very easy to drive. So, if you have a car and want to visit Lake Como from the south and from Milan then you could definitely drive there.
Just be aware that parking can be tricky. You also don’t need a rental car once in Lake Como if you stay at a centrally located hotel.
4. Lake Como to Milan Train Time
Generally, the train journey from Milan to Como takes around 40 minutes. Train departures start as early as 5:19 am on weekdays while the last train departs at around 10:49 pm.
Therefore, around 45 trains per day depart from Milan and take you to Lake Como. Tickets also cost around $5.73 per ticket.
There you have it! That just about wraps up this guide to the best day tours from Milan to Lake Como.
Did your pick for the best day trip from Milan to Lake Como Bellagio make the list? If not then hit me up.
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