How do I choose between the experiences in Varenna?

Start with how you want to spend your time. Choose a cooking class or a dining experience at a local's home if you want Varenna's everyday culture, a private or small-group boat tour if you want the lake and its villas from the water, and the Castello di Vezio or Villa Cipressi tickets if you prefer to explore on foot at your own pace.

Do I need to stay in Varenna to join these activities?

No. Many travellers visit Varenna as a day trip by ferry or train from elsewhere on Lake Como, and some experiences, including the Bernina train and Swiss Alps day trips, depart from Milan. Just check each activity's meeting point and start time before booking, since early departures can make an overnight stay in Varenna the easier option.

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Lombardy · Italy

Things to do in Varenna on Lake Como

Average rating4.4Median price$199

Top experiences in Varenna

58 experiencesranked by rating and review volumePage 1 of 2

About Varenna

Varenna is the quiet, pastel-hued counterpoint to Lake Como's busier towns, a fishing village of stepped alleys, lakefront cafés and gardens that tumble toward the water. Its best experiences lean local and hands-on, from a Varenna: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class at a Local's Home to a Private Luxury Boat Tour of Lake Como with Stops & Drinks that shows off the villas and shoreline from the water. Above the rooftops, the Castello di Vezio and Villa Cipressi's terraced gardens anchor a day that never feels rushed.

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Top landmarks in Varenna

Villa Monastero
10 experiences

Frequently asked questions

Varenna is small and its most personal experiences, such as cooking classes and dining in a local's home, have limited seats, so booking a few weeks ahead is wise for spring through early autumn. Boat tours and the Bernina train day trips also fill up around weekends and holidays.