Varenna: Lake Como Cruise & VIP Access to the Villa Balbianello Gardens

(170)
From $80.45
  • 150 minute
  • 170 reviews

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Cruise from Varenna to the gardens of Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como. Explore the villa's gardens, enjoy breathtaking views, and learn about its fascinating history.
◆ Villa del Balbianello ◆ Tremezzo, Italy ◆ Varenna ◆ Bellagio, Lombardy ◆ Northern Italy ◆ Province of Como ◆ Lake Como ◆ Europe ◆ Southern Europe ◆ Lombardy ◆ Italy ◆

Description

Varenna: Lake Como Cruise & VIP Access to the Villa Balbianello Gardens

Overview of the experience Start your journey in Varenna and cruise across the calm waters of Lake Como. As you sail towards Villa del Balbianello, enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and picturesque lakeside villages. Arrive at the villa, a historical gem transformed from a Franciscan monastery into an elegant lakeside retreat. Explore the spectacular terraced gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design, where centuries-old trees, elegant statues, and flower beds create an atmosphere of peace and beauty. Inside the villa (not included in the ticket), visitors can admire a collection of furniture, works of art, and expedition memorabilia left by the explorer Guido Monzino. The villa has also been used as a filming location for world-renowned films, including Star Wars and Casino Royale, adding a cinematic charm to your visit. Enjoy a long period of free time to explore the gardens and appreciate the tranquility and breathtaking views at your leisure. Please note: the ticket provided includes VIP access to the gardens only. Admission to the museum inside is not included. Upon drop-off, if the Varenna pier is not available or safe for disembarkation, the captain has the right to change the port of disembarkation in accordance with the scheduled return route.


What's included

  • Boat tour from Varenna
  • VIP access to the gardens of Villa del Balbianello
  • FREE audio guide app

Exclusions

  • Admission ticket to the interior of Villa del Balbianello
  • Headphones to listen to our new FREE audio guide app
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities (optional)

Highlights

  • Explore the beauty of the villa's botanical gardens at your own pace.
  • Discover the Star Wars and Casino Royale movie sets.
  • Admire the architecture of Villa Balbianello and learn about its rich history.
  • Enjoy time to appreciate the beauty of the Villa and its gardens.

Additional Information

  • Don't miss the boat that leaves from the villa to return to Varenna; there are no other scheduled departures. Upon boarding, you will be given a bracelet with the departure time from the villa. We recommend that you arrive at the wharf 5 minutes before the indicated time. Thank you.
  • Upon return, if the Varenna pier is not available for disembarkation, the captain has the right to change the disembarkation harbor in accordance with the scheduled return route.

Reviews

170 Reviews

Image Aug/03/2026 12:56:42

GetYourGuide traveler - United Kingdom () Aug/03/2026 12:56:42

We enjoyed our trip

Image Aug/03/2026 11:38:20

GetYourGuide traveler - Bulgaria () Aug/03/2026 11:38:20

Image Aug/03/2026 08:06:13

Jessica - Germany () Aug/03/2026 08:06:13

Image Aug/02/2026 11:34:50

GetYourGuide traveler - Australia () Aug/02/2026 11:34:50

Image Aug/01/2026 14:47:48

GetYourGuide traveler - United States () Aug/01/2026 14:47:48

Image Aug/01/2026 12:00:37

Daniel - United Kingdom () Aug/01/2026 12:00:37

The boat trip was fun, although I think Bellagio Boat Service needs a signpost or something a bit more obvious, as I was standing at the wrong dock (the area where a large boat that takes on cars docks) until 5 mins before departure when I noticed. Besides that, 10/10 though, the boat ride was calm and enjoyable, the captain and crew were friendly as well, and the Villa Gardens were stunning to walk around, an hour may seem short but it gives plenty of time to explore and take photos. Would definitely recommend to anyone who's a Star Wars fan!

Image Aug/01/2026 06:20:20

GetYourGuide traveler - Netherlands () Aug/01/2026 06:20:20

Er was geen gids, het was superdruk op de boot waardoor je weinig kon zien omdat mensen langs de relingen gingen staan. Boot kwam te laat aan bij de villa waardoor er zeer weinig tijd was om rustig rond te kijken bij de villa. Van VIP access was geen sprake

Image Jul/31/2026 12:07:05

Thomas - Germany () Jul/31/2026 12:07:05

Der Ausflug war grundsätzlich schön, allerdings gab es mehr Personen als Sitzplätze an Bord. Der Aufenthalt war knapp bemessen, aber dennoch ein empfehlenswerter Trip.

Image Jul/30/2026 12:46:55

GetYourGuide traveler - United States () Jul/30/2026 12:46:55

It felt too rushed.

Image Jul/30/2026 05:32:23

GetYourGuide traveler - Réunion () Jul/30/2026 05:32:23

Je recommande c’est rapide et largement suffisant pour une belle découverte et tellement plus pratique que la longue fil d’attente pour le ferry

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