Varenna Luxury Cruise & Villa del Balbianello - BE THE FIRST
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1h
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About this experience
Embark on our luxury boat from Varenna for an unforgettable 40 minute cruise of the Western Branch of the lake, admiring the 19th-century noble villas and mansions.
Be the first to enter Villa Balbianello's gardens as soon as the gates open and enjoy the Loggia and the many enchanting terraces without the crowds, taking advantage of the cool, relaxed, and magical atmosphere.
Create memories with your friends and family and take as many photos as you like before meeting your tour guide for a 1-hour guided visit of the villa. The tour ends at Villa Balbianello, giving you the opportunity to have lunch at one of the many charming lakeside restaurants in Lenno. Public boats frequently run and will take you back to Varenna.
Available options
Varenna Luxury Cruise & Villa del Balbianello - BE THE FIRST
What's included
40 minute cruise (from Varenna)
Friendly English speaking captain
Entrance tickets to Villa del Balbianello (gardens + 1-hour guided visit of the villa)
Detailed itinerary
1
Start your tour in Varenna by embarking on our luxury boat for a 40-minute cruise of the Western Branch of the lake, admiring the 19th-century noble villas and mansions.
2
Stop 2
Be the first to enter Villa del Balbianello, one of the main tourist attractions on Lake Como. Step off the boat and enjoy its magnificent gardens. Take photos at the Loggia and on the many charming terraces before joining a unique 1-hour guided tour of the villa. Count and explorer Guido Monzino was the last private owner. For many years, Villa Balbianello has been used as a set for films and photo shoots, including James Bond 007, Casino Royale, and Star Wars.
What's not included
Gratuities
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Return Public Boat Ticket (Lenno/Varenna)
Tour guide onboard during the cruise
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
IT
Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Meet our captain directly at the floating pier opposite Gelateria La Passerella in Varenna. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. The cruise will depart promptly at 9:15 AM, and the tour will conclude at Villa del Balbianello.
About Bergamo
Bergamo is a stunning Italian city that beautifully blends medieval architecture with modern charm. Known for its Venetian walls, the upper city (Città Alta) offers a picturesque and historic experience, while the lower city (Città Bassa) provides a vibrant urban atmosphere. Bergamo's rich cultural heritage, combined with its strategic location in the Lombardy region, makes it a captivating destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Città Alta (Upper City)
The upper city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, enclosed by Venetian walls and featuring medieval architecture, charming streets, and historic buildings.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, individual attractions may have fees
Città Bassa (Lower City)
The lower city is the modern hub of Bergamo, with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Urban
1-2 hours
Free to explore, individual attractions may have fees
Bergamo Alta Funicular
A historic funicular that connects the upper and lower cities, offering scenic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Transport
10 minutes
€2.50 one way, €4.50 round trip
Mura Venete (Venetian Walls)
These 16th-century walls surround the upper city and offer a glimpse into Bergamo's historic past.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free to walk along the walls
Accademia Carrara
One of Italy's most important art museums, featuring works by Renaissance and Baroque masters.
Museum
1-2 hours
€12
Must-Try Local Dishes
Polenta e Osei
A traditional dish consisting of polenta with small bird meat, typically served with a rich sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians
Casoncelli
Stuffed pasta with a filling of meat, breadcrumbs, and herbs, served with butter and sage sauce.
Main Course
Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians
Stracchino di Bergamo
A soft, creamy cheese with a mild flavor, often used in cooking or eaten as a spread.
Cheese
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans
Polenta e Formaggio
A simple dish of polenta served with melted cheese, often made with local cheeses like Taleggio or Fontina.
Side Dish
Contains dairy, not suitable for vegans
Popular Activities
Hiking
Cycling
Boat tours
Wine tasting
Spa treatments
Strolling through historic streets
Museum visits
Art galleries
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the peak tourist season with warm weather and numerous festivals. The city is lively, and all attractions are open, but it can be crowded.
18°C to 30°C
64°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, German
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Bergamo is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Orio al Serio International Airport • 5 km from city center
By train
Bergamo Station
By bus
Bergamo Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The ATB bus network is efficient and covers both the upper and lower cities. Buses are the primary mode of public transport.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, MyTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Città Alta
Città Bassa
Day trips
Lake Iseo
30 km from Bergamo • Half day to full day
Lake Iseo is a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains and charming villages. It's a popular destination for hiking, cycling, and water sports.
Brescia
60 km from Bergamo • Full day
Brescia is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, featuring Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and a vibrant city center.
Franciacorta
30 km from Bergamo • Half day to full day
Franciacorta is a renowned wine region known for its sparkling wines and beautiful vineyards. It's a popular destination for wine tasting and scenic drives.
Festivals
Festa di San Vigilio • June 26
Bergamo Film Meeting • March
Christmas Markets • December
Pro tips
- Visit the upper city early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos
- Use the funicular or bus to travel between the upper and lower cities to save time and energy
- Try local specialties like polenta e osei, casoncelli, and stracchino di Bergamo
- Explore the Venetian walls for stunning views and a glimpse into Bergamo's historic past
- Visit the Accademia Carrara for a comprehensive overview of Italian art history
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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