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Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise

5.0 Excellent 1544 reviews
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10h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

5.0
1544 reviews
5
1494
4
38
3
9
2
3
1
0
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Guidekin's take

Two lakes, one day? in our Day Trips comparison. Choose Como and Lugano with train, cruise and funicular tickets, 10h at €139 per person; English only, lunch extra. 4.96 from 1,544 reviews.

Trade-off: Lunch not included; stairs and cobbles.

Last checked: September 24, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Overview

Guidekin summary

A small group day that pairs Lake Como with Lugano in Switzerland, with the Swiss train, the lake ferry, a boat cruise past the famous villas and the Lugano funicular all included. It involves stairs and cobbles, lunch is extra, and the group meets early at Milan Central station. 4.96 from 1,544 reviews at €139 per person.

From the guide

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.

Compared with other Lake Como Day Trips

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #1 of 16€13910h4.96 (1544)shared
Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat€11910h4.94 (860)shared
Small-Group Lake Como Experience with Boat and Van from Milan€8510h 30m4.97 (235)shared
Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise€9910h 30m4.88 (1585)shared

Ranked #1 of 16 in Lake Como Day Trips by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €70 to €1039, median €113; typical length 10h. 3 of 16 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 16 Lake Como Day Trips

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departs: 08:00
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, departing at 08:00. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 24, 2026.

What's Included

Funicular ride from Lugano train station to city center
✅small group ✅ expert tour guide ✅well planned itinerary ✅authentic not crowded places
1-hour Lake Como boat cruise with preebooked tickets
English-speaking local guide
Free time in Como & Lugano
Swiss train & Como lake ferry tickets included

What's Not Included

Gratuities: Optional
Lunch

Itinerary

Como Stop 1
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.
2h 20m
Villa Erba Stop 2
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.
Pass by
View Villa d’Este from the lake, the world-famous luxury hotel in Cernobbio t... Stop 3
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.
Pass by
Lugano Stop 4
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.
2h
Cernobbio Stop 5
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.
Pass by
Torno Stop 6
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.
45 min
Villa Le Fontanelle Stop 7
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.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

Join From Como: Meeting at 9.25 at the train station of como s.giovanni, at the exit, next to the taxi stop, Meet outside Milano Centrale, facing the main entrance. Stand at the pillar between the left and central arches. Guide holds an Italian flag on a stick. Bring your passport MEETING TIME: 8:15 am. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

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End point

Join From Como: Meeting at 9.25 at the train station of como s.giovanni, at the exit, next to the taxi stop, Meet outside Milano Centrale, facing the main entrance. Stand at the pillar between the left and central arches. Guide holds an Italian flag on a stick. Bring your passport MEETING TIME: 8:15 am. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Additional 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.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 139 / person