Explore Bellagio, Lake Como and Varenna on a Single Day Trip from Milan

Visiting northern Italy’s popular lakeside villages of Bellagio, Lake Como and Varenna usually requires multiple days to explore them all. However, for those who are short on time but want to experience all the attractions of the three small towns, a single day tour from Milan can cover them all. From the stunning scenery to the delicious local gastronomy, a day tour from Italy’s fashion capital is the perfect way to explore this beautiful area without sacrificing precious holiday time.

Where Will the Tour Start?

The tour begins in Milan, either with a pickup at your accommodation or a meeting point with the group. To make the most of the day, it is recommended that you have arrived in Milan with enough time to make an early morning start. The estimations time of arrival will depend on your departure time and selected mode of transportation.

What You Can Expect

Once the tour begins, you will quickly be transported to the magical city of Bellagio, the oldest town in the region. Located on the shores of Lake Como, Bellagio is the ideal place to take some photos of the sunny landscapes and explore its cobbled streets, full of Mediterranean colors, tasty restaurants and handicraft stores.

Next stop on the tour will be Villa Melzi, one of the most important villas located in the town of Bellagio. With its beautiful garden and architecture it is sure to provide a handsome backdrop for your photographs.

Depending on weather and road conditions you will be able to explore both Varenna and Menaggio. These two sparkling towns at either side of Lake Como offer breathtaking views as well as traditional delicacies in some of their restaurants.

Your last stop on your one-day tour will be Como. Famous for its textiles, this charming city offers a lot more than just fashion outlets. The Cathedral is definitely worth a visit, and make sure you leave some time for a stroll around the lake promenade.

Exploring Differently

If you’re looking for something different form the normal tour itinerary, there are many activities you can add to your day trip package. For instance, a private boat ride around Lake Como can take you to some of the most picturesque sights of the area, including some stunning waterfalls. There’s also an abundance of nature with hiking trails that lead you among these beautifully landscapes lakeside villages.
In addition to that, vineyards are abundant in these parts if you are looking for a taste of Italian winemaking culture. Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave enough you could try wakeboarding or waterskiing – both popular pastimes here.

Exploring Deliciously

No day trip would be complete without some delicious local food. As you wander around exploring these towns, typical dishes will likely involve polenta or Risotto Alla Milanese – simply delicious! Both Bellagio and Varenna also have very good ice-cream parlours that sell ice-cream made with locally picked ingredients from the area.

How to Organise your Single Day Tour from Milan

Organising your single day tour from Milan is a simple process when using GetYourGuide. This reliable platform lets you find and book activities and tours designed for travellers that wish to make the most of their limited holiday time. Their curated selection of certified activities come from reliable local providers – giving you piece of mind that you’re in good hands. Plus, with dozens of reviews and ratings, it’s easy to pick out those highly recommended experiences.Visiting northern Italy’s enchanting towns with On the single day tour from Milan, Bellagio, Lake Como and Varenna with GetYourGuide couldn’t be easier with GetYourGuide. This affordable tour can easily fit into your Milan holiday schedule, giving you an opportunity to discover these postcard-perfect Italian villages while making the most efficient use of time and money.
With their experienced local guide and experienced driver, you can relax into the scenery while your knowledgeable guide leads the way; so don’t miss out on this amazing day adventure – book your tour with GetYourGuide today and start planning your jam-packed day full of culture and adventure!

An Insider’s Guide to Milan

If you’re planning a trip to Milan, you’ve got the perfect starting point for exploring Italy’s northern region – Lombardy. You can spend your days wandering through the city’s fashion district, sipping an espresso at a chic café, or visiting world-renowned museums like the Pinacoteca di Brera.

However, there’s much more to Milan than its tourist hotspots! To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve put together an insider’s guide to the city, highlighting some hidden gems and unique experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.

Local Attractions: Discover Milan’s Secret Gems

Milan boasts some incredible, historic buildings – but many tend to overlook some of the smaller, lesser-known treasures: For example, the Bosco Verticale, a vertical forest towering 27 stories high, is a must-see for nature lovers. Slightly less well-known but no less intriguing – the Royal Villa of Milan, which is located in the outskirts of the city, is an 18th-century architectural wonder.

For something truly unique, head to the Museo Diocesano, where a collection of relics and artifacts from the city’s religious past are on display. Or, explore the hidden courtyards and narrow alleyways of the city’s Brera district which is also home to some of the best cannoli in the city.

Dining Spots: Where to Taste the Best of Milan’s Cuisine

Milan is famous for its cuisine, and one of the city’s oldest and most iconic dishes is the cotoletta alla milanese – a breaded veal cutlet seasoned with rosemary and garlic. There is no shortage of places to try it in Milan, but a local’s favorite spot for cotoletta is Osteria del Binari, an old railway station converted into a quirky eatery.

If you are looking for an authentic Milanese experience, try the panzerotti at Luini. Its Panzerotti’s are deep-fried pastry pockets stuffed with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your choice of filling – they have quite a loyal following across the city.

Cultural Experiences: A Glimpse into Milan’s Art, Music, and More

Art, music, and literature are all essential parts of Milan’s cultural heritage, and the city is home to some of the world’s most celebrated art collections and museums. For example, the Pinacoteca di Brera houses works by some of the greatest Italian artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, and Caravaggio.

Beyond the art museums, Milan is also known for its live music scene. One excellent venue is the Teatro alla Scala, one of the world’s most famous opera houses, located in the heart of the city.

If you’re visiting during Christmas time, one of Milan’s most cherished traditions is the Fiera degli Oh Bej! Oh Bej! street market, held over three days in early December. The market features unique crafts, festive foods, and numerous street performers.

Local History: Fascinating Stories of Milan’s Past

Milan’s rich history and cultural heritage extend back over many centuries, from the city’s role as one of the most significant centres of the Renaissance to its position as a leading economic and cultural force in modern Europe. If you’re a history buff, you’ll want to learn more about the city’s past beyond the usual touristic offerings.

One of the unknown stories of Milan’s past is that of Porta Ticinese, one of the city’s most prominent medieval gateways, built in the 12th century. This historical corridor was the last entry point for St. Charles Borromeo, who, in 1571, returned to Milan from Rome, bringing the Holy Nail with him.

Another lesser-known fact is that the Leonardo’s Last Supper was not always a painting; it was once a shocking three-dimensional sculpture created by Leonardo da Vinci himself. Its original state was considered to be too controversial, so it was transformed into the famous painting that it is today.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Memorable Experiences in Milan

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, take a stroll through the Cemetery Monumentale, one of the most impressive open-air sculpture galleries in Europe, or catch a movie under the stars at the charming outdoor cinema in San Carpoforo.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Parco Nord where you can enjoy a picnic, go jogging, or rent a bike to explore its peaceful woods and meadows.

Finally, for a night out with a difference, get dressed up and enjoy a performance at the spooky Teatro alla Cannobiana, or visit the eerie Chamber of Horrors in the basement of Castello Sforzesco, where wax figures of famous murderers, monsters, and assorted villains are on display.

Final Thoughts

Milan is so much more than just business and fashion. As we hope you’ve found, the city is teeming with hidden gems and unique experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, make time to explore the city’s lesser-known attractions. With its fascinating culture, incredible cuisine, and rich history, Milan is a place well worth the time to discover.