Milan to Lake Como Tour Review: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano Gorge

So, you’re probably in Milan, and you just keep seeing these incredible pictures of Lake Como, right? I mean, it’s basically that picture-perfect vision of Italy with its deep blue water and really stunning villas dotting the hillsides. Frankly, it’s one of those must-do things when you’re in the area. Instead of puzzling over train timetables and ferry schedules on my own, which, to be honest, sounded a little stressful, I looked for a tour. I actually came across the From Milan: Bellagio, Varenna & Bellano gorge – small group tour, and it sort of felt different from the standard options. This is pretty much my full story of how the day went, what I loved, and, you know, what you should know before you book.

The Journey Begins: Getting to Lake Como from Milan

Well, the day kicked off quite early, which is pretty typical for these kinds of excursions, you know? We met up at a central spot in Milan that was, honestly, very easy to find. The “small group” part of the name is absolutely accurate. Our group was just a handful of people, which, like, immediately made the whole thing feel more personal and less like we were a herd of tourists. Our transportation was a super comfortable, air-conditioned van, which, on a warm Italian day, is pretty much a lifesaver, right? The ride itself was surprisingly pleasant, taking about an hour or so.

Our guide for the day was, as a matter of fact, one of the highlights of the trip. He was friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, but he spoke like a normal person, not like a textbook, which was really great. He sort of pointed out interesting spots along the way as Milan’s urban view gradually gave way to a more green and mountainous setting. By the way, having a local guide to manage all the tickets, timings, and ferry crossings literally lets you just sit back and absorb the scenery. It kind of takes all the planning pressure off your shoulders, which is a big deal when you’re trying to have a relaxing day.

First Stop: The Postcard-Perfect Village of Varenna

Okay, so our first real taste of Lake Como was the village of Varenna. And frankly, it’s exactly like the pictures, maybe even better. As we stepped out of the van, the air just felt different—cleaner and, like, scented with flowers and the lake. Varenna is sort of built on a slope, with these ridiculously charming, colorful old houses that look like they’re holding each other up. It’s almost impossible to take a bad photograph here; every little alleyway and balcony looks like it was composed for a painting.

The guide gave us a quick orientation walk and then, you know, a bit of free time to wander on our own. Obviously, the first thing everyone does is find the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, or the “Walk of Lovers.” It’s this very striking red-railed walkway that hangs right over the water, connecting the main ferry dock to the old town center. Walking along it with the waves gently lapping below is just an incredible experience. Varenna feels somewhat quiet and a little more authentic compared to its more famous neighbors. You could just spend your time sitting at a lakeside café with a cappuccino, watching the ferries drift by, and feel perfectly content. It’s really that kind of place.

Bellagio, The Pearl of the Lake

Next, we all hopped on a public ferry for the short trip across the water to Bellagio. This ferry ride, by the way, is a destination in itself. You get this amazing 360-degree view of the lake and the mountains that just keeps getting better as you move. Bellagio sits at the spot where the Y-shaped Lake Como splits, so the views are arguably some of the best you’ll find anywhere. You really see the grand scope of the area from the water. Actually, our guide handled all the tickets, so we just got to enjoy the breeze and snap photos, which was great.

Now, Bellagio is sort of like Varenna’s more polished and famous cousin. It’s absolutely beautiful, but you definitely feel a more active, bustling energy here. The village is known for its steep, cobbled stairways lined with high-end silk shops, leather goods stores, and, you know, lots of places to get gelato. We had a decent amount of free time here for lunch and exploring. Some people in our group chose a fancy lakeside restaurant, while others, like me, just grabbed a slice of pizza and found a bench with a view. You kind of have to be prepared for the crowds, especially on the main streets, but if you wander just a little off the beaten path, you can still find quiet corners. Bellagio has a certain glamour to it that is definitely captivating; it feels very chic and alive.

A Surprise Adventure: Exploring the Bellano Gorge (Orrido di Bellano)

Honestly, this was the part of the tour I knew the least about, and it ended up being an absolutely fantastic surprise. After Bellagio, we took a short ferry ride to the town of Bellano, which is home to the Orrido di Bellano, or the Bellano Gorge. It’s basically this amazing natural canyon carved out by a rushing river over thousands of years. I mean, it’s not what you typically think of when you picture Lake Como, and that’s what makes it so cool.

You literally walk through the gorge on a series of metal walkways that are bolted into the cliff sides. You’re suspended right over the thundering, turquoise water as it swirls and echoes through the narrow rock walls. It’s a pretty powerful sensory experience—the roar of the water, the cool mist on your skin, and the sight of the deep, sculpted canyon is just amazing. The walk is not too long or strenuous, but it feels like a genuine little adventure. It provided such a great contrast to the relaxed elegance of the lakeside villages. At the end of the day, it’s this unique stop that really makes this particular tour stand out from many other Lake Como day trips.

My Honest Thoughts: Pros and Cons of This Small Group Tour

Alright, so let’s get into the real talk about whether this tour is a good fit for you. To be honest, like any tour, it has its amazing points and a few things to consider. I think being aware of both sides helps you make a better choice for your trip, you know?

“The real magic of this tour, for me, was seeing things I probably wouldn’t have found on my own, like the Bellano Gorge. It just added a totally different dimension to the classic Lake Como experience.”

Things I Really Liked:

• The Small Group Size: Seriously, this makes a huge difference. You’re not waiting for 50 people, you can actually hear the guide, and it just feels much more intimate and less rushed in a way.
• A Really Smart Itinerary: Visiting Varenna, then Bellagio, and then Bellano was a pretty much perfect flow for the day. You get a taste of the quiet charm, the glamour, and then a bit of natural adventure.
• The Bellano Gorge: As I was saying, this was a genuine highlight. It’s a truly unique natural wonder and a refreshing break from the towns and villas. It’s just something different, you know?
• Totally Stress-Free Logistics: Honestly, not having to worry about a single ticket, train schedule, or ferry timetable is worth so much. You just get to show up and enjoy the day.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind:

• A Packed Schedule: This is a very full day, basically. You move from one place to the next pretty efficiently. If you’re the kind of person who likes to linger for hours in one spot, a guided tour might feel a bit quick for you.
• Limited Free Time: While you do get time to explore on your own in each location, it’s still, like, a defined window of time. You have to be mindful of meeting back up with the group, right?
• The Cost Factor: Of course, doing a tour like this is going to be more expensive than planning the whole trip yourself using public transport. You are, in essence, paying for the convenience, the guide, and the curated experience.

Key Takeaways: Is This Lake Como Tour Right for You?

So, at the end of the day, making a decision comes down to what you want from your day at Lake Como. Here are my final thoughts, more or less, broken down into a simple list.

• This tour is absolutely perfect if you have limited time in Milan and want to see the best of Lake Como without any of the planning headaches.
• If you value a more personal, less crowded experience, the small group format is a really massive plus.
• It’s a great option for people who want to see the famous highlights like Bellagio and Varenna but also want a unique, adventurous twist like the Bellano Gorge.
• You just have to be prepared for a full and active day. It involves a fair bit of walking, including on cobblestones and up steep steps, so comfortable shoes are, like, a total necessity.
• Frankly, if you’re a traveler who prefers complete freedom and wants to discover places at your own leisurely pace, organizing a DIY trip might be a better fit for you, anyway.

Read our full review: From Milan Bellagio Varenna Bellano tour Full Review and Details

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