H
Great way to access Villa gardens
Bigger boat , made two stops before reaching Villa. Very nice team. Efficient. You spend a little over an hour at the gardens. Plenty of time for us
Varenna Premium Cruise with Gardens Entrance Villa Balbianello
+2 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1h 45min
- Price from
- $83 / person
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, IT, IT
- Group
- Small group, up to 100
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- 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 Remember to arrive 10 minutes before departure with the QR code on your Reservation Voucher.
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 12, 2026Things to do in Lake Como
Description
Hop on board and reach one of the most picturesque places in Lombardy by lake: the gardens of Villa del Balbianello, with priority access included. Villa del Balbianello : a heritage overlooking the lake Built in 1785 by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini on the tip of the promontory of Lavedo, where an ancient Franciscan convent stood, the Villa has welcomed writers and explorers over the centuries. The last Owner, Guido Monzino, oversaw its restoration and in 1988 entrusted its custody to the FAI. The site is distinguished by the loggia open to the lake basin, the terraced park with breathtaking views and architecture of rare elegance. Also known as a movie location: it was the backdrop for Star Wars: Episode II and 007 Casino Royale.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Menaggio is one of the most lively and scenic villages on the western shore of Lake Como: an ideal starting point for exploring the center of the lake, with an open and bright view that embraces both shores of the Lake. Its history dates back to Roman times — the Via Regina, the consular road connecting Milan to Chiavenna, passed through here — and in the Middle Ages it was the site of a castle destroyed in 1523, of which the ruins still remain. The old town revolves around the lively Piazza Garibaldi, with cafes, restaurants and one of the most relaxing lakefronts on the lake. The location of Menaggio is strategically unique: at the entrance of the Val Sanagra, opposite Bellagio and with direct views of the central basin of the lake, it offers one of the widest and most scenic views of the Lake. It is no coincidence that for centuries it has been one of the landmarks for those who want to discover the lake in all its extent.
Bellagio is the most famous and desired destination of Lake Como: the "pearl of the lake" par excellence, perched on the tip of the promontory that divides the two branches of the Lake in a unique geographical position in the world. Its history is as old as the lake itself — Pliny the Younger already owned a Villa there — but it was between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that Bellagio became the exclusive destination of the European aristocracy, which built gardens and residences of extraordinary beauty. Today it is among the most visited villages in Italy, with its historic center of stairs, alleys and terraces overlooking the water. To dominate the promontory is Villa Serbelloni, with its park overlooking the lake on both sides. On the opposite bank opens the long avenue of the Gardens of Villa Melzi, the first botanical entrance to the city for those arriving from the lake.
Tremezzo is one of the most elegant villages on the western shore of Lake Como: a town grown on elite tourism of the nineteenth century, overlooking the center of the lake in one of the most scenic and photographed stretches of Lake Como. Its name is inextricably linked to Villa Carlotta, the most visited historic residence on the lake: built around 1690 by the Marquises Clerici, enriched with masterpieces by Canova, Thorvaldsen and Hayez by the collector Giovanni Battista Sommariva, and finally given by Princess Marianna of Nassau to her daughter Carlotta as a wedding gift — hence the name it still bears today. Its 8-hectare botanical park, with over 150 varieties of azaleas, camellias and exotic plants, is among the most spectacular in Italy and in spring transforms Tremezzo into one of the most sought-after views of the entire lake. From our tour, Tremezzo is admired in its most scenic perspective: from the boat, with the facade of Villa Carlotta opening directly onto the lake.
And here is the most anticipated moment of the tour: exclusive access to the gardens of Villa del Balbianello. No queues, no waiting — your ticket includes skip-the-line VIP admission, which allows you to walk straight through the gates of one of Lake Como's most iconic and desired properties, managed by the FAI. Villa del Balbianello is not just a historic Villa: it is a movie star. Its loggias overlooking the lake were the setting for Anakin and Padmè's kiss in Star Wars: Episode II, and for James Bond's gaze in Casino Royale with Daniel Craig. Recognizing it live, among its cypresses and terraces overlooking the water, is a rare emotion. The gardens develop on the Lenno promontory among rare plants, stone staircases and views of the lake center that change at every turn of the path. The view from the lodges is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy: in front of you, the Lario opens in all its breadth, with Bellagio in the background and the Alps on the horizon.
Highlights
Audio guide in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish
VIP skip-the-line entrance to the Gardens of Villa del Balbianello
Restroom on board
What's included
Included
Audio guide in English, Italian, French, German and Spanish
VIP skip-the-line entrance to the Gardens of Villa del Balbianello
Restroom on board
Not included
Headphones for audio guide
Tips
Traveller Ratings
5.0
1 reviews
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Varenna Premium Cruise with Gardens Entrance Villa Balbianello lasts about 1h 45min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $83 per person for this Lake Como experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
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 Remember to arrive 10 minutes before departure with the QR code on your Reservation Voucher.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 100 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(1)
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