From Milan: Lake Como Private Day Trip
About This Experience
This is Lake Como at its most relaxed: a private, chauffeured day trip from your Milan hotel in a Mercedes sedan or minivan. Your driver takes the scenic lakeshore road to Villa del Balbianello, the cinematic villa that stood in for Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and the James Bond film Casino Royale, where you have time to explore the gardens on your own.
From there you and your driver take a short, photogenic ferry crossing to Bellagio, with the tickets arranged for you. In the "Pearl of the Lake" you have free time to wander and enjoy lunch, with restaurant recommendations and a table booked on request. You can optionally extend the day to the charming village of Varenna before the private drive back to Milan.
With no fixed group, no coach, and your itinerary in the hands of a private driver, it is the easiest and most flexible way to experience the lake's villas and villages in a single day.
Highlights
- Private Mercedes with hotel pick-up and drop-off in Milan
- Visit Villa del Balbianello, a Star Wars and James Bond filming location
- Scenic ferry crossing to Bellagio with tickets arranged
- Free time to explore Bellagio and enjoy lunch
- Optional extension to the village of Varenna
What's Included
- ✓ Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Milan
- ✓ Private driver
- ✓ Mercedes sedan or minivan
- ✓ Ferry tickets
- ✓ Villa Balbianello entrance (or alternative villa when closed)
Not Included
- Lunch and drinks
- Optional Varenna extension (extra cost)
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera
Good to Know & Caveats
- Villa del Balbianello is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays; on those days you visit Villa Carlotta or Villa Melzi instead.
- The tour runs rain or shine; the driver manages the ferry schedule and tickets for you.
- Lunch is not included, but the driver is happy to suggest and book a restaurant in Bellagio.
Meeting Point
Hotel or apartment pick-up in central Milan by private Mercedes.
What Travelers Say
Rated 5.0/5 by 5 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Maurizio was an excellent driver. He made the experience smooth and pleasant. We greatly enjoyed the trip!
— Sean, 2026-07
Fantastic tour enjoyed by the whole family (3 adults, 3 children). Maurizio, our driver was both friendly and professional. Lunch reservation made in advance at a great spot in Bellagio! I would highly recommend this tour.
— Nicola, 2025-06
excellent drive and visit, drive was great and very patient as we were a little late
— GetYourGuide traveler, 2026-06
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour with my own driver?
Yes. You travel in a private Mercedes sedan or minivan with your own driver, picked up and dropped off at your Milan hotel — there is no shared group.
Which villa do we visit?
Normally Villa del Balbianello, famous from Star Wars and Casino Royale. When it is closed (Mondays and Wednesdays) you visit Villa Carlotta or Villa Melzi instead.
Can we add Varenna?
Yes, you can optionally extend the day to the village of Varenna for an additional cost — just arrange it with your driver.
