From Milan: Villa del Balbianello and Varenna by Train

Imagine stepping off the bustling platform of Milan’s Centrale station into a world of shimmering waters and historic villas. That’s the promise of this day trip exploring Lake Como’s most photogenic spots, including Villa del Balbianello and the charming town of Varenna. As a travel writer who’s seen a fair share of Italy, I can say this experience combines the best of lakeside beauty, accessible transport, and well-curated visits, all wrapped into one day.

What truly stands out is the combination of seamless transport—from regional trains to public boats—and the chance to walk through lush gardens and elegant villas. Two things I love are the well-paced itinerary—giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery—and the opportunity to get off the beaten path in the quiet village of Varenna. A minor consideration is that walking between the ferry terminal and the villas can be a bit of a hike, especially in warm weather. Still, most reviews praise the organization and the stunning views, making it a worthwhile outing.

For those who enjoy authentic, less-touristy moments, this trip offers a chance to see Lake Como from the water and the land, with some self-guided wandering. The combination of boat rides and villa visits makes for a memorable day, especially if you are a lover of classic Italian lakeside charm.

Key Points/Takeaways

• Accessible transportation makes it easy to explore Lake Como without the need for a car.
• Split between boat and land travel offers varied perspectives of the lakeside scenery.
• Two villa visits—Villa del Balbianello and Villa Monastero—provide a deep dive into lakeside architecture and gardens.
• Efficient schedule with around 2 hours at each major site allows for a relaxed but comprehensive experience.
• Good value for money when you consider the included train, boat tickets, and villa entrances.
• Limited interior access to Villa del Balbianello’s inside spaces might disappoint some, but the park and gardens are still breathtaking.

Why This Lake Como Day Trip Is Worth Your Time

If you’re visiting Milan and craving a taste of Italy’s most picturesque lakeside, this tour hits many high notes. The journey begins with an early train from Milan’s Centrale station, whisking you toward the scenic waters of Lake Como. The train ride itself isn’t just transportation; it’s a chance to leave city life behind and start soaking in the views of Lombardy’s lush landscapes and shimmering lake.

Once you arrive in Varenna, your day kicks into gear. The one-hour free stop offers an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or just admire the pretty streets with their colorful facades. From there, a short public boat ride takes you across the lake to Lenno, where the highlight awaits: Villa del Balbianello.

Exploring Villa del Balbianello’s Gardens and Park

Most visitors rave about the villa’s garden, which spills down the hillside offering sweeping views of the lake. You’ll get about 2 hours here—more than enough to walk the landscaped terraces, enjoy the lush flora, and snap photos of the iconic villa. However, note that entry to the interior spaces isn’t included, so if you’re eager to see the inside rooms, you’ll need to arrange that separately. The park and exterior are still top-notch, especially if you enjoy garden architecture and lakeside panoramas.

From Lenno, another boat takes you back to Varenna, where you have around 2 hours to enjoy Villa Monastero. This villa’s botanical gardens are a highlight, featuring tropical plants, sculptures, and a Japanese pond. The house museum inside offers insights into local history and architecture. As one review put it, the gardens are “a charming place to visit,” and the walk along the lakeside promenade is equally rewarding.

Practical Tips for the Day

Timing is everything. The schedule’s tight but manageable, with around an hour to get between train, ferry, and villa visits. The boat timetable may change slightly based on public navigation schedules, so keep an eye on your departure times. The walk from the Lenno ferry terminal to Villa del Balbianello takes about 30 minutes—a pleasant but potentially warm stroll if the weather’s hot, so wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.

Transport logistics are well-organized, but from June to September 2025, a bus substitute will replace the train between Lecco and Varenna, adding a small but notable change to the routine. Most travelers find the journey smooth, with reviews mentioning how “the train and boat journeys were a fantastic way to see Lake Como.”

Who Will Love This Trip?

This tour is perfect for those who want to see Lake Como without the hassle of planning every detail. It suits travelers with moderate mobility—since there’s walking involved, but no extensive hiking or strenuous activity. It’s especially good for visitors who value authentic lakeside experiences, stunning vistas, and a manageable day’s pace. If you’re into photography, architecture, or gardens, you’ll find plenty to delight you.

Who Might Not Enjoy It?

If interior villa tours are a must for you, this might feel limited. Also, if you’re not comfortable with walking or have mobility constraints, some parts—like the walk from the ferry to Villa del Balbianello—could be challenging. The schedule is tight, so if you prefer a more leisurely, spontaneous day, this might feel rushed.

Inside the Itinerary: What to Expect

Starting from Milan

Your day begins early at Milan’s Centrale station, with a 2nd-class regional train to Lecco—just a little over an hour. The train’s comfortable and offers a window into Lombardy’s countryside, with lush hills and small towns passing by. Most reviews mention the travel as seamless, with helpful communication from the provider, RIGAMONTI VIAGGI SRL.

Varenna – The Lakeside Charm

Upon arrival around 9:39 am, you get an hour to explore Varenna. This tiny town is a highlight on its own, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and lakeside cafes. Many travelers wish they had more time to wander here, but the schedule keeps you moving.

Lake Navigation and Villa del Balbianello

The boat ride from Varenna to Lenno takes around 40 minutes, providing a relaxing way to appreciate the lake’s beauty. Once in Lenno, you walk about 30 minutes to Villa del Balbianello’s park. The villa itself is renowned for appearances in movies like Casino Royale and Star Wars, adding a touch of cinematic fame to your visit.

Most guests spend around 2 hours exploring the gardens and enjoying the panoramic views. While the interior isn’t included, many find that the exterior gardens and the setting more than compensate. The walk back to the ferry terminal is about 30 minutes, offering a peaceful lakeside stroll.

Villa Monastero and Lakeside Leisure

After returning by boat to Varenna, you have a generous 2-hour window to visit Villa Monastero. This villa’s lush gardens, featuring tropical plants and sculptures, are ideal for a leisurely walk. The house museum offers cultural insights, and the scenery along the lakeshore is picture-perfect.

Return Journey to Milan

The day wraps up with a bus from Varenna back to Lecco, then a train to Milan. The entire experience, including transportation, costs a fair price when you consider the included tickets and access, especially since you skip the long ticket lines. Most reviews agree that the trip offers excellent value for the scenery and visits packed into a single day.

Price and Logistics: Is It Worth It?

The ticket package—covering roundtrip train, boat rides, villa entrances, and assistance—offers a good deal for what’s included. You won’t pay extra for entry to the gardens or the lakeside parks, which is a huge plus. However, the schedule is fixed, and you’ll need to be punctual to keep everything on track.

For travelers who want a guided experience with minimal fuss but plenty of sight-seeing, this trip balances cost and convenience well. Keep in mind that interior villa visits are not included, which might be a downside if you are eager to see inside.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trip for You?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy combining scenic transportation with cultural and architectural highlights. If you’re after a hassle-free way to see Lake Como’s most popular villas and charming towns, this offers a solid package. Expect beautiful views, comfortable transport, and a relaxed pace—perfect if you want a taste of lakeside Italy without the need for extensive planning.

It’s also an excellent choice for those who appreciate gardens and outdoor architecture and are comfortable walking moderate distances. The included visits are well-paced, and reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning scenery.

If your idea of a perfect day involves more inside tours or spontaneous wandering, you might find this a little structured. Still, most travelers find the balance just right, especially with the opportunity to see Villa del Balbianello’s famous gardens and Villa Monastero’s lush grounds.

FAQs

Can I visit the inside of Villa del Balbianello?
No, the ticket includes only the park and garden areas. Inside access is not part of this package, but the exterior views and gardens are breathtaking.

Is the schedule flexible?
The timetable is fixed, but boat and train schedules may undergo minor changes. It’s best to stick close to the designated times to avoid missing connections.

How long do I have at each site?
Most stops include about 1-2 hours, giving you time to explore, take photos, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is this suitable for people with mobility issues?
Probably not, as there is walking involved, including walking from the ferry to the villas and around the gardens. The walk from Lenno ferry to Villa del Balbianello takes about 30 minutes.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are a must. If it’s warm, stay hydrated during walks and outdoor exploration.

What if I want to see inside the villas?
You’ll need to book separate tickets or tours; this experience focuses mainly on gardens and outdoor areas.

What is the best time of year for this trip?
The tour runs most of the year, but from June to September, a substitute bus will replace the train in part of the journey due to railway works. Summer provides great weather for outdoor sightseeing.

This Lake Como day trip from Milan offers a well-balanced mix of scenic boat rides, charming villages, and stunning villa gardens. Whether you’re a fan of beautiful landscapes, historic architecture, or simply want a relaxing lakeside escape, this experience delivers. Just keep your camera ready, and don’t forget your walking shoes.