Our most recommended things to do in Varenna

From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

1. From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

Marvel at the stunning mountain scenery around Lake Como on a guided day tour from Milan. Marvel at the Mediterranean and Alpine scenery on a summer cruise to Varenna and Bellagio. Begin your journey by bus and travel directly from Milan to Como. Join your guide on a walking tour to discover Como Cathedral and other historical gems. In summer, hop on a private boat along the lake and listen to a live commentary highlighting top villas, gardens, and other sites. Disembark at Varenna, Stroll through the cobblestone corridors of this picturesque village and feel the charm of its tranquil streets. Board another ferry to the colorful Bellagio , regarded as one of the most beautiful and idyllic towns in the region, and enjoy 2 hours of free time. Relax and savor a regional meal at one of the local restaurants. Finally, board your bus back to Milan where you can sit back and take advantage of the onboard Wi-Fi to share your photos of the day’s unforgettable memories.

Como: Lake Como Boat Tour with Wine and Snacks

2. Como: Lake Como Boat Tour with Wine and Snacks

Departure from Como, in "Via Lungo Lario Trieste n28 " you will find a small pier. We will see the new Electric Life, the Voltiano Lighthouse with the Voltiano Temple. The war memorial of the First World War. Villa la Rotonda and Villa Olmo. We will then arrive in Cernobbio where we will be able to admire its centre, Villa Erba, Villa D'Este and Villa Pizzo. We will then meet the Borgo di Moltrasio with Villa Fontanelle (ex Versace) and then we will arrive at the Borgo di Laglio, made famous thanks to George Clooney with Villa Oleandra, a curious Pyramid and the Ernesto Riva shipyard. Then we will continue towards Brienno, Argegno to get to admire the historically important Isola Comacina. Finally we were able to admire the wonderful Villa Balbianello (film set of Star Wars and 007 James Bond). It goes further to Tremezzo where you can observe the Villa Sola Cabiati and the Grande Hotel Tremezzo beyond the Marvelous Villa Carlotta, at this point you will reach the Pearl of Lake Como "Bellaggio" where you will observe Villa Melzi and Villa Trivulzio.Before leaving Bellaggio will head towards Varenna to observe the beautiful Vezio Castle and Villa Cipressi from below, from here we go back stopping at the Orrido di Nesso to admire the waterfall and have a nice swim. We continue arriving in Torno where we could see Villa Pliniana, Hotel Il Sereno and Villa Taverna. We reach Blevio with Villa Rocca Bruna (Hotel Mandarin Oriental), Villa Schouvaloff, Villa Usuelli, Cademartori and Villa Troubetzkoi. Thus returning to Como observing Villa Mirabella and finally Villa Geno and its Fountain thus arriving at the departure pier.

Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets

3. Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets

Wander through the enchanting gardens of Villa del Balbianello on this trip with roundtrip ferry tickets from Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Como, or Cernobbio. See what makes the villa a popular feature film spot and its historic towers, serving as remnants of what was once a Franciscan monastery.  Hop on the public ferry from your selected starting point location and enjoy a ride in Lake Como. Enjoy views of handsome villas, classy hotels, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Reach the Lenno ferry terminal and begin your walk to Villa del Balbianello. Spend time exploring the villa on your own, relaxing by the terraced gardens, and embracing the scenic architecture. Once having your fill at this picturesque setting return to the ferry terminal to catch your boat back. Embark on a 30-minute stroll from the Lenno ferry terminal at Villa del Balbianello Arrival and entrance to Villa del Balbianello Park only About 30 minutes walk from Villa del Balbianello to the Lenno ferry terminal Ferry Timetable Bellagio to Lenno:10:40 – 11:09 14:45 – 15:14 Lenno to Bellagio:14:10 – 14:5018:25 – 18:55 Varenna to Lenno: 10:23 – 11:0914:28 – 15:14 Lenno to Varenna: 14:10 – 15:0518:25 – 19:08 Tremezzo to Lenno: 11:00 – 11:0915:05 – 15:14 Lenno to Temezzo: 14:10 – 14:2018:25 – 18:35 Como to Lenno: 09:15 – 11:18 Lenno to Como: 14:33 – 16:30 Cernobbio to Lenno: 09:29 – 11:18 Lenno to Cernobbio: 14:33 – 16:16

Lake Como: Lakeside Villas Entry Tickets with Ferries

4. Lake Como: Lakeside Villas Entry Tickets with Ferries

Explore the iconic villas of Lake Como and the picture-perfect towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo in one day with ease, thanks to pre-booked entry tickets and ferry transportation. Take in the Villa Melzi D'Eril, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta and their gardens, traveling via public ferry. Start your self-guided trip in Bellagio, Varenna, or Tremezzo. Spend the day exploring the towns and their villas at your own pace, focusing on what interests you. Travel across Lake Como using the public ferry, a convenient service that connects the three towns where the villas are located. In Bellagio, discover the spectacular gardens of the neo-classical Villa Melzi D'Eril. Admire sculptures, a Moorish temple, and more. In Varenna, visit Villa Monastero. Discover eight centuries of history in the well-kept House Museum before taking a stroll through the lakefront botanical gardens. Last but not least, in Tremezzo, take in the beautiful seventeenth-century Villa Carlotta. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists and the lush private apartments and furniture of Princess Charlotte of Sachsen-Meiningen. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color in the botanical gardens. Suggested itinerary starting in Varenna - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Varenna by own means and visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 11:23 AM – 11:56 AM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Villa Carlotta route 12:00 PM: Visit Villa Carlotta 13:40 PM – 14:00 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route 14:00 PM: Free time for lunch in Bellagio 15:00 PM: Visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 16:15 PM – 16:50 PM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Varenna route Suggested itinerary starting in Varenna - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival in Varenna by own means 10:23 – 10:56 Transfer by public boat for Varenna – Villa Carlotta route 11:00 Entrance at Villa Carlotta and free time for visit 12:16 – 12:35 Transfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta - Bellagio route 12:35 Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 Entrance at the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril and free time for visit 15:55 – 16:25 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 16:30 Entrance at Villa Monastero house museum + garden and free time for visit 17:30 End of the tour Suggested itinerary starting in Bellagio - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Bellagio by own means and visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 11:40 AM – 11:56 AM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Villa Carlotta route 12:00 PM: Visit Villa Carlotta 13:40 PM – 14:34 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta – Varenna route 14.35 PM: Free time for lunch in Varenna 15.30 PM: Visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 16:20 PM – 16:40 PM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Bellagio route Suggested itinerary starting in Bellagio - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival in Bellagio with own means and free visit to the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril 11:40 – 11:53 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 12:00 Free time for lunch in Varenna 13:00 Entrance at Villa Monastero and free time for visit 14:28 – 15:01 Transfer by public boat for Varenna - Villa Carlotta route 15:01 Entrance at Villa Carlotta and free time for visit 16:45 - 17:00 Tansfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route Suggested itinerary starting in Tremezzo - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Tremezzo by own means and visit Villa Carlotta 11:58 AM - 12:12 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta - Bellagio route 12:15 PM: Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 PM: Visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 14:50 PM – 15:19 PM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Varenna route 15:30 PM: Visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 17:33 PM – 18:06 PM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Villa Carlotta route Suggested itinerary starting in Tremezzo - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival by own means at Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo and free time for visit 11:30 - 11:55 Transfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route 12:00 Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 Entrance at the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril and free time for visit 14:50 -15:05 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 15:10 Entrance at Villa Monastero and free time for visit 16:30 – 17:06 Transfer by public boat for Varenna – Villa Carlotta route

From Milan: Winter Edition Small-Group Lake Como Day Tour

5. From Milan: Winter Edition Small-Group Lake Como Day Tour

Explore the most famous lake of Italy on an entertaining 10-hour guided tour (winter version) in a very small group (max. 10 people). Avoid any tourist traps, crowds and queues on a well-planned trip with a professional local guide. Admire the Alps, film locations & celebrity villas during the lake boat cruise. You will start your adventure near Piazza Duomo in Milan where you will meet your guide and then take an express train ride to Lake Como. Firstly, you will visit Como city and will go up on Brunate hill on a funicular ride with a stunning panoramic view on the whole lake. After that, you will enjoy a stunning ferry cruise ride all along the lake with amazing picturesque views. You will immerse yourself in the lake's famous "golden triangle" section, known for its remarkable villas, and breathtaking villages, such as Bellagio & Varenna. Discover quaint boutiques with local art and stop by a lakeside restaurant to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. At the end of your trip, take the express train back to Milan together with your guide. The tour will finish at approximately 18:00 in Milan's Central Station. This tour version is designed specifically for the winter months (from November till end of February).

From Milan: Best of Lake Como Guided Tour with Bellagio

6. From Milan: Best of Lake Como Guided Tour with Bellagio

Enjoy a small group to explore the best of Lake Como - The tour begins with a visit to the city of Como Here you'll take the boat to Bellagio, your travel guide will tell you the history of the various beautiful villas - Spend some free time to visit the "pearl of Lake Como", famous tourist - On the afternoon a brief stop at the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Ghisallo will allow you to see a magnificent panorama of Lake Como. Here is located the Cycling Museum which boasts the largest collection of pink sweaters in the world.

Varenna: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

7. Varenna: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Arrive at the home of your expert host for a memorable private dining experience where you will taste authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian mothers. During an exclusive cooking demonstration, feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as your host shares the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing the dishes right in front of you. Once the end result is ready, sit at an authentic Italian dining table and enjoy your 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert.

Tremezzina: Villa Carlotta Museum and Garden Entry Ticket

8. Tremezzina: Villa Carlotta Museum and Garden Entry Ticket

Admire sculptures and paintings in the Villa Carlotta which has been transformed into a museum and discover the beauty of its Italian garden with this entry ticket. Take in stunning views of the mountains surrounding Lake Como from a garden with steps, fountains, and sculptures in Tremezzina. Be mesmerized as you take in over 20 acres of garden with several different sections. Walk under orange and camellia trees, see exotic plants, capture pictures of 150 varieties of azalea which dazzle when in bloom, and visit a bamboo garden. Step back in time inside the villa as you see masterpieces of art. In the early 1800s, Giovanni Battista Sommariva purchased paintings and sculptures from the greatest artists of his era, including masters like Antonio Canova, Francesco Hayez, and Bertel Thorvaldsen. Make your way up to the second floor to visit the private apartments which are decorated with furniture and objects from Princess Charlotte, who was given the villa in the mid-nineteenth century as a wedding present when she married George II, the Grand Duke of Sachsen-Meiningen.

Varenna: Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Drinks

9. Varenna: Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Drinks

You can't visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish... So, we'll teach you two! Learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare 2 simple different kinds of pasta from scratch with your local host. As the icing on the cake, you will learn to prepare also the iconic Tiramisu. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine as you make new friends in this hands-on cooking class. It's a great way to truly experience Italian culture. This experience is held by Cesarine, the oldest Italy’s network of home cooks available in more than 500 cities all over the country. Cesarine stands for "home cook", they are passionate and welcoming local hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences. The Cesarine serve only local specialties from their family cookbooks to tell the great story of their traditional regional cuisine.

Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries

10. Lake Como: Villa Carlotta Entry Tickets with Ferries

Villa Carlotta with ferry boat from Bellagio 10:40 – 10:56 Departure by ferry boat for the Bellagio – Villa Carlotta route 11:00 Entrance to Villa Carlotta for the free visit of the botanical garden + museum 13:45 – 14:15 Departure by ferry boat for the Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route Free time for lunch in Bellagio *boat timetables may undergo changes based on the public navigation schedule of Lake Como Villa Carlotta with ferry boat from Varenna 10:23 – 10:56 Departure by ferry boat for the Varenna – Villa Carlotta route 11:00 Entrance to Villa Carlotta for the free visit of the botanical garden + museum 13:45 – 14:50 Departure by ferry boat for the Villa Carlotta – Varenna route Free time for lunch in Varenna *boat timetables may undergo changes based on the public navigation schedule of Lake Como

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What people are saying about Varenna

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,131 reviews

Patrizia and Luca welcomed us into their beautiful home and shared stories from their lives and their country as generously as they shared their delicious food. Our dinner with them was our favourite experience in our lake Como visit. Grazie e a presto!

It was amazing. Guide tour was brilliant. Lots of time in each place. I didn’t feel rushed at any place. Would deffo recommend!

Fantastic arrangements across the whole trip. Great guide. Loved it. Good value for money, time well spent

Fantastic tour, the tour guide was very helpful and informative, would recommend this tour!

fantastic day out and you get to see alot of the lake and surrounding areas.