Originally commissioned in the late eighteenth century by Cardinal Durini, a prominent writer and patron, the Villa del Balbianello Park was intended to be a haven of literary leisure and delight. 

Fast forward to modern times, and the property was acquired by Guido Monzino, an entrepreneur, collector, and passionate adventurer. 

In 1974, Monzino transformed the villa into a personal retreat where he could meticulously preserve the memories of his exciting life, including his historic achievement of becoming the first Italian to summit Mount Everest.

Villa del Balbianello Park

The tour starts in Piazza Cavour, the center of Como, offering a view of the hills and lake. You'll explore the historic center, see Como Cathedral and Teatro Sociale, and then visit the Medieval Walls. 

The tour mixes history and culture, from the neoclassical Teatro Sociale to the Life Electric monument by Libeskind on the Foranea Dam. You'll then board a boat to enjoy the scenery. You'll see the villages of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, and Blevio along the lake. The guided tour is in English and offers an authentic experience.

Como: Guided City Tour and Lake Cruise

Join a Lake Como tour and visit Villa del Balbianello and the historic boat La Velarca, which will be open to the public for the first time in September 2024. Your tour includes detailed commentary by a bilingual tour guide fluent in English and Italian. 

Start with a guided tour of Villa del Balbianello, then take a taxi boat to La Velarca for another guided tour. Return by boat to Villa del Balbianello and enjoy free time exploring the garden and taking photos.

Villa del Balbianello & Velarca: Guided Visit + Lake Como Boat Tour

Set off on a full-day adventure from Como, diving into Swiss and Italian culture. Begin with stories about landmarks and beautiful landscapes, then visit the Swiss town of Lugano for some leisure time and a taste of its famous chocolate. Explore the historic village of Cadenabbia.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Como to Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," with its vibrant villas. Take a leisurely lunch break in Bellagio to soak up the local atmosphere.

Return to Tremezzo by cruise, and end with a guided walking tour of Como, finishing at the grand gothic cathedral.

Lugano & Bellagio: Day Trip from Como + Boat Cruise

Join this Lake Como boat tour and enjoy the true beauty of the region, including sights that can only be seen from the lake, including the villas of the rich and famous. 

Your skipper will narrate the tour in your choice of Italian or English, so you can gain a deeper insight into the Como region. Music will be playing, the sun will be shining (hopefully), and you'll be taking in the sights of Como on a boat tour you won't want to miss.

Lake Como Boat Tour

Return to Milan from Lake Como with ease – a hassle-free way to end your visit and head back to the city.

Board the train from Lake Como and relax during the final leg of your trip. The train will take you directly to Milano Bovisa Politecnico station.

Lake Como: One-Way Train Transfer to Milan

Visit La Velarca, designed and built between 1959 and 1961 by the BBPR studio. Commissioned by Emilio and Fiammetta Norsa, this floating home is a notable work of architecture and design. Its form and layout reflect the BBPR studio's signature style, focusing on environmental integration, local context, and meticulous detailing.

La Velarca combines modern aesthetics with historical elements. The structure was added to the hull of a historic 19-meter gondola called "Corriera Tremezzina," which has been crossing Lake Como since 1911, carrying goods and passengers. Explore how this unique home connects past and present on the scenic lake.

Tickets in Laglio