Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise
Description
Visit two countries and two lakes in one day — Lake Como and Lake Lugano — on a small-group tour from Milan, small enough to reach the places big tours can't, with every train, boat, and border crossing handled for you. Skip the selfie crowds and the overrun hotspots. Instead, cruise past the lakeside villas of Gianni Versace, Ocean's Twelve, and John Legend's wedding, then slip into a quieter side of Como most travelers never see — the real village of Torno or Cernobbio, where life moves at its own pace and the tourist trail disappears behind you. After lunch in Como, cross the border into Lugano, Switzerland — a second country, a second lake, all in an afternoon. No driving, no planning, no chasing trains. Just one effortless day, two countries, two lakes — handled for you. In summer, weather permitting, you can enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear alpine waters. The beach is small and rocky, and the lake becomes deep close to the shore. Don't forget to bring a towel.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the charming town of Como, one of the oldest towns on Lake Como. Walk through the historic center with your guide, learn about the town’s rich past, and hear stories about famous local families, artists, and celebrities connected to Como. Enjoy the elegant lakefront, historic squares, and relaxed atmosphere before continuing your journey.
Pass by Villa Erba during the boat cruise, a historic lakeside villa in Cernobbio featured in Ocean’s Twelve starring George Clooney, and in Lavazza commercials.
View Villa d’Este from the lake, the world-famous luxury hotel in Cernobbio that has hosted Hollywood stars like Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and George Clooney.
Discover the beautiful Swiss city of Lugano, located in the Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Surrounded by mountains and a sparkling lake, Lugano combines Swiss precision with a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere. Enjoy plenty of free time to stroll along the lakefront, shop in the city center, taste famous Swiss chocolate, or — during summer — take a refreshing swim in the clear waters of Lake Lugano. Learn how Switzerland became one of the most prosperous countries in the world, with insights into its history, economy, and unique way of life.
From Como, embark on a scenic boat cruise and enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como while passing by some of the most stunning villas along the shoreline. From the water, admire famous villas featured in Ocean’s Twelve and the elegant lakeside villa once owned by Gianni Versace — icons of luxury and international style.
Torno is a small pedestrian village where you can enjoy a peaceful, relaxed stroll. It is never too crowded, giving you time to slow down and experience a typical Lake Como village away from mass tourism. With its cobblestone streets and charming old houses, Torno feels like a step back in time — when daily life was closely connected to the lake, fishing, and local artisanal traditions.
During the boat cruise, admire Villa Le Fontanelle from the lake, the former lakeside residence of Gianni Versace. This elegant villa is one of the most iconic symbols of Lake Como’s luxury lifestyle and international glamour.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- MEETING TIME: 08:15 at the square in front of the train station
- This tour involves walking on stairs, uneven surfaces, and cobblestone streets. Children should be comfortable walking independently.
- Please remember to bring your original passport (or National ID card for EU citizens). This is required for our international border crossing into Switzerland.
Reviews(1,436)
Our guide Chaira really made the tour valuable given her knowledge of the area, patience, humor & helpful recommendations. The tour offered a comfortable blend of sightseeing, walking, & free time to explore on our own.
Chiara was an excellent guide. She gave us very helpful information. We were able to meet up easily after any free time through WhatsApp. She showed us some very nice places!
It’s a great trip and the tour guide is awesome. The money is worth it and the company was good. I love alll of it
Our visit to Como and Lugano was wonderful. Our guide, Chiara, was absolutely the best. We encountered train problems on our return to Milano and she handled the logistics of changing train stations, getting taxis, and instructing us on all aspects of getting us back to our hotels was fantastic. She even texted us to make sure that we got in ok. We hope we get her to guide us on another trip! Thank you Chiara!
Fantastic Day! Chiara was knowledgeable, fun and connected well with all members of our group. My husband, two teenage daughters and I learned a lot and had a fun, memorable day! Thank you, Chiara!!!! Strongly recommend this tour with Chiara to all!
Chiara was so bright and educated my family and I loved it! Such a great way to spend the day it was a great experience!
Chiara was amazing tour guide with a lot of knowledge about the places. Everyone was taken care of and timetable was organized well :)
It was definitely worth the price. I highly recommend this tour. Our guide, Cheira, was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about Como. Since she lives nearby, she shared lots of interesting local insights.
Excellent tour! The pace was just perfect with sufficient free time to wander and taste local food. The guide was very helpful and kept us moving at a reasonable pace.
My wife and I had an incredible experience touring Como and surrounding cities around the lake. Chiara was an amazing guide who was very thorough and knowledgeable. She was a great guide from start to finish and very personable. Would do this again.
