Here are some of the best things to check out: 1. Explore Villa Monastero and the Botanical Gardens. Lake Como has its fair share of impressive villas, and Villa Monastero in Varenna is one of them. It comes as no surprise that this is probably one of the most photographed places in Varenna – it’s stunning. Book in advance and capture the spirit of Lake Como on a walking tour of Bellagio and Varenna, two of the mid-lake region's most enchanting towns. Stop at a historic olive oil mill to taste one of the region's local specialties, accompanied by cured meats and wine. Then, enjoy a private cruise in a Venetian water taxi to visit the opulent Passeggiata degli Innamorati, Varenna Varenna, a short boat ride from Bellagio and easily accessible by train from Milan, offers a charming lakeside promenade - the famous Passeggiata degli Innamorati - that leads to the small bay of Riva Grande, where you will find plenty of cafes, restaurants and local craft stores. ASF Autolinee srl operates a bus from Bellagio - Via Valassina to Como Stazione Lago hourly. Tickets cost €4 - €7 and the journey takes 1h 4m. Bus operators. ASF Autolinee srl. Ferry operators. Gestione Navigazione Laghi Italia. Other operators. Taxi from Bellagio to Como. Check out the highlights of central Lake Como on a day trip from Milan by train and boat. With a guide at your side, you’ll travel on the train to Varenna, a town on the banks of the chic Italian lake. Hop on a boat and cruise over the water to Bellagio, then continue by boat to Tremezzo where the decadent Villa Carlotta waits to be explored. Entrance fees, transport, and ample free time are Price varies by group size. Lake Como, Lombardy. Lake Como - Varenna and Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour. 142. from $224.14. Lake Como, Lombardy. Como City & Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour (1h from Milan, start at 10:30 am) 14. from $212.93. Feedback on Northern Italy and Liguria itinerary. Hello, all. I have been assembling bits and pieces of an 18 day trip to northern Italy in late April to mid-May. I could use insight about length of time in various locations, the hotels I’ve booked and the choice of train over rental car or private driver. Milan hotel not yet selected. 1. From Milan: Lake Como and Bellagio Private Boat Cruise. Join a full-day trip by bus from Milan to the must-visit Lake Como area, celebrated for its exquisite villas and colorful gardens. Walk around Como on a guided tour and unwind on two private Lake Como cruises. Enjoy the greenery at the Villa Olmo gardens. You can take a train from Como to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) via Saronno in around 1h 2m. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Como to Malpensa Airport - Milan twice daily. Tickets cost €7 - €10 and the journey takes 1h 5m. Train operators. To get from Milan to Nice, there are now 3 through trains each day, departing Milan at 07.05, 11.10 and 15.10; and arriving at Nice at 11.51, 15.51 and 19.51. If these times are not convenient, you can take an Italian train from Milan to Ventimiglia, then a local French train. The trains from Milan to Nice or Ventimiglia have compulsory seat OMV2I.