Traveling along Italy’s Lombardy lakes offers a mix of stunning scenery, elegant villas, and charming towns. This self-guided tour from Lecco promises to unlock the beauty of Lake Como’s three most iconic villas—Villa Monastero, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi d’Eril—using a combination of pre-booked tickets and public ferries. It’s a flexible way to explore at your own pace, without the hassle of organized group schedules.
What makes this experience particularly appealing are the luxurious gardens, the chance to discover art and history at each villa, and the ease of traveling across Lake Como by water. We also love the opportunity to see Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo—some of the most photogenic spots around the lake—without rushing.
However, a notable consideration is that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves a fair bit of walking in sometimes uneven gardens and charming towns.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy independent exploration, appreciate scenic boat rides, and want to maximize their time at some of Lake Como’s most celebrated villas. It’s ideal for those who prefer to go at their own pace and love combining cultural visits with scenic cruising.
Good To Know
- Flexibility: Self-guided, allowing you to tailor your visit.
- Convenience: Includes ferry tickets and villa entry, saving time and hassle.
- Scenic: Enjoy breathtaking views from the boats and gardens.
- Cultural: Explore art, history, and lush botanical gardens.
- Value: Combines multiple attractions into one day for a reasonable price.
- Limited accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users with some walking involved.
A Practical Guide to the Lake Como Villas Tour from Lecco
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Introduction to the Experience
This tour is a great way to see Lake Como’s most remarkable villas and towns without the constraints of a guided group. Instead, you get full independence—you choose when to visit each site, when to eat, and how long to linger. For travelers craving flexibility, this option is hard to beat.
Starting from Lecco, a lovely lakeside town itself, the tour provides pre-booked entry tickets for three villas and unlimited access to public ferries. This combination means less waiting and more enjoying the scenery. The price of around $135.94 per person might seem high initially, but considering it covers full-day ferry transfers, villa entries, and train tickets from Varenna back to Lecco, it offers good value for a busy day of sightseeing.
What We Love About This Tour
First, the scenic ferry rides are a highlight—the public boats glide smoothly across the lake, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and charming lakeside villages. The flexibility to hop on and off at different towns adds a sense of adventure.
Second, the villa visits deliver a fantastic mix of natural beauty and artistic treasures. Villa Monastero’s lakeside botanical gardens are described as well-kept and perfect for a relaxing stroll, with a house museum that offers a glimpse into centuries of history.
Third, the gardens of Villa Melzi d’Eril are especially praised for their sculptures, tropical plants, and Japanese pond, making it a favorite stop, particularly for photography lovers. The villa itself, although private, allows access to its stunning gardens, which are open to visitors.
One reviewer, David, summed up his experience well, calling it “a wonderful way to view a few cities around Lake Como” with “great views, lovely towns, and a leisurely pace.” His comment highlights how well this tour balances sightseeing with relaxation.
The Main Drawbacks
The main consideration is that the tour involves walking through gardens and towns, which could be tiring for those with mobility issues. The boats operate on a schedule that might require some planning, especially since timetables can change.
Plus, since the villa gardens are vast and sometimes uneven, it’s worth wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for a bit of walking.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyItinerary Breakdown
The tour follows a carefully curated timeline, beginning early in the morning with a ferry from Lecco to Bellagio. From there, you’ll have a couple of hours to explore, with options to visit Villa Melzi’s gardens and the charming village of Bellagio.
The ferry transfer from Bellagio to Tremezzo brings you to Villa Carlotta, where the seventeenth-century villa and its vibrant gardens are prime attractions. Visitors often praise the art collection inside the villa, which includes works by prominent artists such as Canova and Hayez.
Next, the boat from Tremezzo to Varenna offers picturesque lake views. In Varenna, you’ll visit Villa Monastero, known for its botanical gardens and a house museum that traces the villa’s history over eight centuries. The gardens are especially enjoyed for their lakeside setting and variety of plants.
Finally, the return trip is by train from Varenna back to Lecco, giving you a chance to relax and reflect on your day as you watch the lake and mountain scenery pass by.
Detailed Highlights of Each Villa
Villa Melzi d’Eril (Bellagio): The gardens are the main attraction here. Sculptures, exotic plants, and a Japanese pond create a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere. The villa is private, so visitors only get access to the gardens, but that’s enough to feel transported to another world. It’s ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
Villa Monastero (Varenna): This villa offers a blend of history and botany. The house museum features exhibits that trace its past, while the lush gardens along the lakefront are perfect for a leisurely walk. Reviewers love that the gardens are kept in excellent condition, making it a photogenic stop.
Villa Carlotta (Tremezzo): Known for its art collection and botanical gardens, Villa Carlotta is a highlight for art lovers. The paintings, sculptures, and furniture reflect its luxurious past. Visitors often comment on the colorful gardens and the sweeping views of the lake.
Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour
- Start early: The timetable suggests beginning around 10:10 AM, allowing enough time at each stop. Be on time with ferry departures to stay on schedule.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Walking through gardens and towns involves uneven paths and cobblestones.
- Bring water and snacks: Although lunch isn’t included, you can enjoy the towns’ eateries or bring snacks for the day.
- Check ferry schedules: Timetables are subject to change, so verify times closer to your travel date.
- Be mindful of accessibility: The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, mainly due to walking distances and terrain.
Additional Inclusions
The package includes full-day ferry tickets, villa entry vouchers, and a train ticket from Varenna to Lecco. Assistance is available via a dedicated helpline, which is reassuring if you need help during your day.
Who Should Choose This Tour?
This experience is perfect for independent travelers who love scenic excursions and want to explore at their own pace. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a flexible day out that combines cultural sites, stunning gardens, and scenic boat rides.
If you’re someone who enjoys art and history, the villa museums will satisfy your curiosity. Meanwhile, nature lovers will appreciate the botanical gardens and picturesque lake views.
This tour might not suit travelers needing full accessibility or those with limited mobility. It’s also best for those comfortable with a bit of walking and scheduling around ferry timetables.
The Sum Up
This Lakeside Villas tour from Lecco offers a well-balanced mix of cultural exploration and scenic cruising, making it an excellent value for those who love to take their time. The ability to visit three of Lake Como’s most famous villas at your own pace, combined with the convenience of ferry transportation, creates a seamless and memorable experience.
Travelers seeking authentic, picture-perfect moments, and a relaxed way to see the lake’s highlights will find this tour highly rewarding. It’s particularly suited to those who enjoy deliberate, unhurried sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to capture stunning photos.
While it requires some walking and flexibility with ferry schedules, the overall experience delivers a satisfying glimpse into Lake Como’s elegance, history, and natural beauty—all in one day.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour involves some walking and sightseeing, families with children who enjoy gardens and boat rides may find it enjoyable. Just be mindful of the walking distances and schedule.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a self-guided experience, you decide how long to spend at each villa and town. The suggested timetable serves as a helpful guide, but you’re free to adjust.
Are meals included or available nearby?
Lunch is not included, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo to enjoy local cuisine.
What’s the best time of year to do this tour?
The tour is available from late March to mid-June, with beautiful spring blooms. Summer months are also popular, but be prepared for warmer weather.
How do I get back to Lecco after the tour?
A train from Varenna to Lecco is included in the package, making the return journey straightforward and relaxing.
Is there a guided option or tour guide?
This experience is entirely self-guided, with no guide included. You’ll rely on the provided tickets and timetable.
What should I bring for the day?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothes, water, and perhaps a camera. Carrying some cash or cards for snacks or souvenirs is also a good idea.
Are the villa gardens open to the public?
Yes, the gardens of Villa Melzi and Villa Monastero are open to visitors, while Villa Carlotta’s gardens are also accessible and highly recommended.
Embark on this flexible, scenic adventure around Lake Como and enjoy the perfect blend of history, nature, and lakeside charm—all at your own pace.
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