Our most recommended things to do in Varenna

From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

1. From Milan: Lake Como, Bellagio, and Varenna Guided Day Trip

Marvel at the stunning mountain scenery around Lake Como on a guided day tour from Milan. Marvel at the Mediterranean and Alpine scenery on a summer boat cruise to Bellagio Island and Varenna, or ride the steep cogwheel line to the mountainside town of Brunate in winter. Begin your journey by bus and travel directly from Milan to Como. Join your guide on a walking tour to discover Como Cathedral and other historical gems. In summer, hop on a ferry along the lake and listen to a live commentary highlighting top villas, gardens, and other sites. Disembark at Bellagio, regarded as one of the most beautiful and idyllic towns in the region, and enjoy 2 hours of free time. Relax and savor a regional meal at one of the local restaurants. Board another ferry to the colorful Varenna. Stroll through the cobblestone corridors of this picturesque village and feel the charm of its tranquil streets. Finally, board your bus back to Milan where you can sit back and take advantage of the onboard Wi-Fi to share your photos of the day’s unforgettable memories.

Varenna: Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Drinks

2. Varenna: Small-Group Pasta and Tiramisu Class with Drinks

You can't visit Italy without trying at least one pasta dish... So, we'll teach you two! Learn how to roll 'sfoglia' (fresh pasta) by hand and how to prepare 2 simple different kinds of pasta from scratch with your local host. As the icing on the cake, you will learn to prepare also the iconic Tiramisu. Share your passion for the Italian cuisine as you make new friends in this hands-on cooking class. It's a great way to truly experience Italian culture. This experience is held by Cesarine, the oldest Italy’s network of home cooks available in more than 500 cities all over the country. Cesarine stands for "home cook", they are passionate and welcoming local hosts that open the doors of their own homes to curious travellers for immersive culinary experiences. The Cesarine serve only local specialties from their family cookbooks to tell the great story of their traditional regional cuisine.

Como: Lake Como Boat Tour with Wine and Snacks

3. Como: Lake Como Boat Tour with Wine and Snacks

Departure from Como, in "Via Lungo Lario Trieste n28 " you will find a small pier. We will see the new Electric Life, the Voltiano Lighthouse with the Voltiano Temple. The war memorial of the First World War. Villa la Rotonda and Villa Olmo. We will then arrive in Cernobbio where we will be able to admire its centre, Villa Erba, Villa D'Este and Villa Pizzo. We will then meet the Borgo di Moltrasio with Villa Fontanelle (ex Versace) and then we will arrive at the Borgo di Laglio, made famous thanks to George Clooney with Villa Oleandra, a curious Pyramid and the Ernesto Riva shipyard. Then we will continue towards Brienno, Argegno to get to admire the historically important Isola Comacina. Finally we were able to admire the wonderful Villa Balbianello (film set of Star Wars and 007 James Bond). It goes further to Tremezzo where you can observe the Villa Sola Cabiati and the Grande Hotel Tremezzo beyond the Marvelous Villa Carlotta, at this point you will reach the Pearl of Lake Como "Bellaggio" where you will observe Villa Melzi and Villa Trivulzio.Before leaving Bellaggio will head towards Varenna to observe the beautiful Vezio Castle and Villa Cipressi from below, from here we go back stopping at the Orrido di Nesso to admire the waterfall and have a nice swim. We continue arriving in Torno where we could see Villa Pliniana, Hotel Il Sereno and Villa Taverna. We reach Blevio with Villa Rocca Bruna (Hotel Mandarin Oriental), Villa Schouvaloff, Villa Usuelli, Cademartori and Villa Troubetzkoi. Thus returning to Como observing Villa Mirabella and finally Villa Geno and its Fountain thus arriving at the departure pier.

Varenna: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

4. Varenna: Dining Experience at a Local's Home

Arrive at the home of your expert host for a memorable private dining experience where you will taste authentic recipes treasured in family cookbooks passed down by real Italian mothers. During an exclusive cooking demonstration, feel the warmth of Italian hospitality as your host shares the secrets of her family cookbook while preparing the dishes right in front of you. Once the end result is ready, sit at an authentic Italian dining table and enjoy your 4-course seasonal menu including a starter, pasta, main course with side dish, and dessert.

Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets

5. Lake Como: Villa del Balbianello Gardens with Ferry Tickets

Wander through the enchanting gardens of Villa del Balbianello on this trip with roundtrip ferry tickets from Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Como, or Cernobbio. See what makes the villa a popular feature film spot and its historic towers, serving as remnants of what was once a Franciscan monastery.  Hop on the public ferry from your selected starting point location and enjoy a ride in Lake Como. Enjoy views of handsome villas, classy hotels, charming villages, and stunning natural landscapes. Reach the Lenno ferry terminal and begin your walk to Villa del Balbianello. Spend time exploring the villa on your own, relaxing by the terraced gardens, and embracing the scenic architecture. Once having your fill at this picturesque setting return to the ferry terminal to catch your boat back. Embark on a 30-minute stroll from the Lenno ferry terminal at Villa del Balbianello Arrival and entrance to Villa del Balbianello Park only About 30 minutes walk from Villa del Balbianello to the Lenno ferry terminal Ferry Timetable Bellagio to Lenno:10:40 – 11:09 14:45 – 15:14 Lenno to Bellagio:14:10 – 14:5018:25 – 18:55 Varenna to Lenno: 10:23 – 11:0914:28 – 15:14 Lenno to Varenna: 14:10 – 15:0518:25 – 19:08 Tremezzo to Lenno: 11:00 – 11:0915:05 – 15:14 Lenno to Temezzo: 14:10 – 14:2018:25 – 18:35 Como to Lenno: 09:15 – 11:18 Lenno to Como: 14:33 – 16:30 Cernobbio to Lenno: 09:29 – 11:18 Lenno to Cernobbio: 14:33 – 16:16

Varenna: Cooking Class at a Local's Home

6. Varenna: Cooking Class at a Local's Home

Immerse yourself in a cooking class at a local home, learning the secrets of the most famous dishes of regional cuisine and taste the fruit of your labour accompanied by local wines. Throughout the lesson, your cook will reveal the tricks of the trade for 3 authentic local recipes. You can have fun putting your cooking skills to the test, and will also have a workstation equipped with utensils and all the ingredients to make the dishes. Next, taste everything you have prepared accompanied by a selection of local wines. Instead of loading your suitcase with souvenirs, take home Italian cooking skills that will stay with you for life.

Lake Como: Bellano Gorge Entry Ticket with an Aperitif

7. Lake Como: Bellano Gorge Entry Ticket with an Aperitif

Come and Discover 'L'Orrido di Bellano' This is a natural gorge created 15 million years ago by the erosion of the Pioverna torrent and the Adda Glacier, which, over the centuries, have modelled the rock into gigantic potholes, gloomy ravines and suggestive caverns. The narrow canyon can be visited thanks to a system of footbridges anchored on the high walls overlooking the water, where the charm of the place takes on different nuances, and which have recently been extended to reach the large waterfall further upstream. The narrow spaces, the particular play of light reflected on the rocky walls and on the water, the vegetation reminiscent of more tropical environments, and the roar of the waterfalls crashing on the stone has always inspired many writers who have recounted its beauty or constructed certain legends such as that of Taino or those linked to Cà del Diavol. The Truth, one of Bellano's trendy places, hidden among the town's historic alleys, with its high quality products and refined detail the visit has no difficulty, only a pair of comfortable shoes is recommended At the end you can have an aperitif while tasting some appetisers of cold meats, cheeses or sauces, accompanied by excellent bread and olive oil. You just have to choose the day and time you prefer

Lake Como: Lakeside Villas Entry Tickets with Ferries

8. Lake Como: Lakeside Villas Entry Tickets with Ferries

Explore the iconic villas of Lake Como and the picture-perfect towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo in one day with ease, thanks to pre-booked entry tickets and ferry transportation. Take in the Villa Melzi D'Eril, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta and their gardens, traveling via public ferry. Start your self-guided trip in Bellagio, Varenna, or Tremezzo. Spend the day exploring the towns and their villas at your own pace, focusing on what interests you. Travel across Lake Como using the public ferry, a convenient service that connects the three towns where the villas are located. In Bellagio, discover the spectacular gardens of the neo-classical Villa Melzi D'Eril. Admire sculptures, a Moorish temple, and more. In Varenna, visit Villa Monastero. Discover eight centuries of history in the well-kept House Museum before taking a stroll through the lakefront botanical gardens. Last but not least, in Tremezzo, take in the beautiful seventeenth-century Villa Carlotta. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists and the lush private apartments and furniture of Princess Charlotte of Sachsen-Meiningen. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of color in the botanical gardens. Suggested itinerary starting in Varenna - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Varenna by own means and visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 11:23 AM – 11:56 AM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Villa Carlotta route 12:00 PM: Visit Villa Carlotta 13:40 PM – 14:00 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route 14:00 PM: Free time for lunch in Bellagio 15:00 PM: Visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 16:15 PM – 16:50 PM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Varenna route Suggested itinerary starting in Varenna - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival in Varenna by own means 10:23 – 10:56 Transfer by public boat for Varenna – Villa Carlotta route 11:00 Entrance at Villa Carlotta and free time for visit 12:16 – 12:35 Transfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta - Bellagio route 12:35 Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 Entrance at the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril and free time for visit 15:55 – 16:25 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 16:30 Entrance at Villa Monastero house museum + garden and free time for visit 17:30 End of the tour Suggested itinerary starting in Bellagio - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Bellagio by own means and visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 11:40 AM – 11:56 AM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Villa Carlotta route 12:00 PM: Visit Villa Carlotta 13:40 PM – 14:34 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta – Varenna route 14.35 PM: Free time for lunch in Varenna 15.30 PM: Visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 16:20 PM – 16:40 PM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Bellagio route Suggested itinerary starting in Bellagio - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival in Bellagio with own means and free visit to the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril 11:40 – 11:53 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 12:00 Free time for lunch in Varenna 13:00 Entrance at Villa Monastero and free time for visit 14:28 – 15:01 Transfer by public boat for Varenna - Villa Carlotta route 15:01 Entrance at Villa Carlotta and free time for visit 16:45 - 17:00 Tansfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route Suggested itinerary starting in Tremezzo - Timetable until 04 June 2023: 10:00 AM: Arrival in Tremezzo by own means and visit Villa Carlotta 11:58 AM - 12:12 PM: Ferry transfer via the Villa Carlotta - Bellagio route 12:15 PM: Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 PM: Visit the Villa Melzi D'Eril Gardens 14:50 PM – 15:19 PM: Ferry transfer via the Bellagio – Varenna route 15:30 PM: Visit the Villa Monastero Gardens 17:33 PM – 18:06 PM: Ferry transfer via the Varenna – Villa Carlotta route Suggested itinerary starting in Tremezzo - Timetable from 05 June 2023: 10:00 Arrival by own means at Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo and free time for visit 11:30 - 11:55 Transfer by public boat for Villa Carlotta – Bellagio route 12:00 Free time for lunch in Bellagio 13:30 Entrance at the Gardens of Villa Melzi D'Eril and free time for visit 14:50 -15:05 Transfer by public boat for Bellagio – Varenna route 15:10 Entrance at Villa Monastero and free time for visit 16:30 – 17:06 Transfer by public boat for Varenna – Villa Carlotta route

Varenna: Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps

9. Varenna: Picnic Experience in the Italian Alps

Discover Lake Como's splendor in the foothills of the Alps with a picnic experience from Varenaa. Savor a selection of local products from the Valtellina and Valsassina valleys. Immerse yourself in the delicious taste, the splendid scenery, and the sweet sounds of nature. Meet your guide in Piazza Martiri and board the car that will take you up to the mountains. On the way, admire dramatic landscapes, half-abandoned churches, orchards, and the lake. Upon arrival, leave the car and follow your guide on a short walk through the forest while enjoying views of Lake Como from above. Learn about local producers and farmers of the region. Rising to the very foothills of the Alps, watch the views open in all their glory. Get to a secluded location, where a readymade picnic awaits. Enjoy light music in the background, an elegant atmosphere, and a magnificent view before your eyes. Savor a range of lovingly selected fresh products, including meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, light snacks, water, and wine. Learn the stories behind these flavors and the local farmers who provide them.

Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour

10. Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour

Exclusive Lake Como Boat Tour. A day dream on Lake Como. Let yourself be enchanted by the Wonders of Lake Como aboard our motorboat, guided by an expert captain to live an unforgettable experience visiting Bellagio, Varenna, Villa Carlotta, Villa Balbianello and more. Personalized Tours with Cocktail Experience on Board.

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What people are saying about Varenna

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 4,131 reviews

Patrizia and Luca welcomed us into their beautiful home and shared stories from their lives and their country as generously as they shared their delicious food. Our dinner with them was our favourite experience in our lake Como visit. Grazie e a presto!

It was amazing. Guide tour was brilliant. Lots of time in each place. I didn’t feel rushed at any place. Would deffo recommend!

Fantastic arrangements across the whole trip. Great guide. Loved it. Good value for money, time well spent

Fantastic tour, the tour guide was very helpful and informative, would recommend this tour!

fantastic day out and you get to see alot of the lake and surrounding areas.