Boat Tour Shared by Varenna
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Set sail for a charming boat tour of (approx) 90 minutes from Varenna (Porto Riva Grande) to discover the most distinctive places of Lake Como.
Once you leave the town of Varenna behind, the tour sails to the opposite shore to let you admire the most fascinating historic houses of Lake Como, such as the famous Villa Carlotta, characterized by a unique historical and artistic heritage, Villa del Balbianello, known especially for its appearances in Star Wars and Casino Royale, and Villa Balbiano, famous for being the location of the movie House of Gucci. The tour continues to Bellagio, where you can discover Villa Melzi, with its picturesque gardens, Villa Gerli and Villa Placida.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- On the boat there is a billboard with instructions to download the audio guide app.
- Headphones for the audio guide are not provided
- Remember to arrive 10 minutes before departure
Available options
Boat Tour Shared by Varenna
What's included
Audio guide
Restroom on board
Detailed itinerary
1
Villa Monastero in Varenna, founded in the twelfth century as a Cistercian monastery for women, is now a house museum and conference center with a beautiful botanical garden on the lake, donated to the State in 1939 by the De Marchi family.
2
Villa Cipressi in Varenna, dating back to the 15th-19th centuries, belonged to noble families such as the Serponti, Isimbardi and Andreossi. Renovated in late neoclassical style, it was bought in 1980 by the citizens of Varenna and transformed into a hotel with botanical garden.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Villa del Balbianello is a historic residence located in Lenno, along the western shore of Lake Como. It stands on the extremity of the peninsula of Lavedo, a suggestive promontory covered with vegetation that juts into the waters of Lake Como and that owes the name of “Balbianello” to this villa.
4
Villa Balbiano, a jewel of Lake Como dating back to the late sixteenth century, is one of the most refined locations for exclusive weddings. The villa overlooks the lake and boasts an elegant Italian garden with breathtaking views. The interiors, rich in art and period furnishings, express all the charm and glamorous style that have made her famous in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue US.
5
Villa Melzi d’Eril, located in Bellagio, is a historic private residence now used as a museum. Belonging to the Melzi d’Eril family, today to the Gallarati Scotti branch, the entire estate has been declared a national monument.
6
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, built between 1907 and 1910, is an iconic Art Nouveau hotel on the shores of Lake Como. Officially inaugurated on 10 July 1910, it welcomed an elite international clientele from the very beginning, embodying the refined spirit of the Belle Époque.
What's not included
Gratuities
Headphones for audio guide
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
3.5
2 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travellers suffering from seasickness
Meeting point
The meeting point is DOCK 1 in Via Riva dei Marmisti 26 (Porto Riva Grande), Varenna.
Set the following coordinates: 46.01144717571906, 9.282787766751639
PRESENT YOURSELF DIRECTLY ON JETTY 1
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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