Lombardy in a nutshell
Lombardy is a region in northern Italy. Milan is its hub, and most of what visitors come for lies within a train or ferry ride of it: Lake Como with Bellagio, Varenna and its villas, the walled upper city of Bergamo, Lake Iseo with Monte Isola, the wine country of Franciacorta, and the Renaissance towns of Mantua, Sabbioneta and Cremona.
This guide covers those places and the practical details around them: how to get there from Milan, what the ferries cost, which villas and museums need a ticket and when to go. It is an independent site, not run by the Lombardy Region, the lake navigation authorities, the FAI, any municipality or a tour or boat operator. Prices are in euros, as listed in 2026, and they change. Lake Garda and the Bernina railway belong to other guides.
What the region offers
Four kinds of trip, all reachable without a car.
Lake Como
Ferries link Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, villas open their gardens and the cathedral city of Como sits at the southern end. Direct crossings in the middle of the lake take about 15 minutes.
Lake Como guide →Cities of art
Bergamo has a walled upper city, Mantua has two big palaces and Cremona has its violin museum. Sabbioneta, near Mantua, shares UNESCO World Heritage status with Mantua since 2008.
Mantua →Smaller lake and wine
Lake Iseo has Monte Isola, an island with villages that is not completely car-free. Franciacorta, south of the lake, has cellar visits that you book in advance.
Lake Iseo →Day trips from Milan
Como, Varenna and Bergamo are all a single train ride from Milan, so a day trip works without a car.
Day trips from Milan →Our picks: Lombardy tours
A day on Lake Como, a boat trip past the villas and a winery lunch in Franciacorta.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Franciacorta winery visit with lunch from Bergamo
A winery visit with a sommelier, two wines and a three-course lunch with wine. Minivan with an English-speaking driver, plus a drive around Franciacorta and Lake Iseo.
Check availability →
Lake Como day trip to Bellagio and Varenna by bus and boat
Bus from Milan, a boat ride, time in Bellagio and Varenna and a guide. Food, drinks and personal expenses are extra.
Check availability →Lake Como boat tour past the villas with prosecco
A boat trip with a local guide, prosecco and soft drinks.
Check availability →Lombardy tours and day trips
Lake Como boat trips, Bergamo, Lake Iseo, Franciacorta wine and day trips from Milan, with live prices and availability.
Plan your trip
Start with the lists, then pick the places you need.
Things to do in Lombardy
Fifteen experiences, from Lake Como villas to Mantua and Cremona.
Day trips from Milan
Train times and routes to Como, Varenna and Bergamo.
Lake Como guide
Towns, boats, villas and how the lake is laid out.
Lake Como boat tours
Public ferries, shared cruises and private boats with prices.
Lake Como ferry
Fares, day passes and car ferry prices from 1 April 2026.
Bellagio
Gardens, lanes and the ferry crossings.
Varenna
The lakeside walk, the villas and the ferry pier.
Villa del Balbianello
Tickets, reservations and how to reach the villa.
Cities, lakes and practical pages
Beyond Lake Como, and what to plan before you go.
Como
The cathedral, the Brunate funicular and the lakefront.
Bergamo
The upper city, the funicular and the airport link.
Lake Iseo and Monte Isola
Ferries, walks and villages.
Franciacorta
Cellar visits with prices and how to get there.
Mantua
Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Te and Sabbioneta.
Cremona
The violin museum, the cathedral and the Torrazzo.
Best time to visit
Seasons, hours and what changes in autumn.
Where to stay
Como, Varenna, Bellagio or Menaggio as a base.
Getting around without a car
Regional trains and lake ferries cover most of this guide.
Trenord runs the regional trains from Milan. Milano Centrale to Bergamo takes about 48 to 50 minutes and runs roughly hourly, with a single second-class ticket listed from €6.30. Milano Cadorna to Como Lago takes about 60 minutes. Trenord children under 4 travel free, and the fare table changed on 1 September 2026.
Lake Iseo needs a change on the way. Trains run in the direction of Venice, with a change at Rovato or Brescia depending on the connection, and then on to Iseo, Sulzano or Sale Marasino. There is no direct train from Milan to Monte Isola. Ferries on Lake Iseo have used a winter timetable since 12 October 2026, so check the current timetable before you go.
Good to know in 2026
Where older guides are out of date.
New ferry fares on Lake Como
The ferry operator published new fares valid from 1 April 2026. Older tables are not a basis for prices.
Ferry fares →Villa del Balbianello needs a reservation
The FAI lists €15 for the park and €25 for villa and park. Reservation is required, and there is no car access.
Balbianello tickets →No falconry at Castello di Vezio
The castle above Varenna has permanently stopped its falconry. Do not plan a flying display as part of the visit.
Varenna →Monte Isola is not fully car-free
Private tourist cars may not go to the island, but residents and authorised vehicles do. Bringing your own bike or e-scooter is restricted in some periods.
Lake Iseo →Como Cathedral: free and paid parts
A defined route through the side aisles is free. A ticket opens further areas, such as the transept and the choir. Services can limit visits.
Como →Palazzo Te and Trenord fares
Palazzo Te lists €18 for adults, though one cooperation note still shows €15. Trenord regional fares changed on 1 September 2026, so older train prices may be out of date.
Mantua →Lombardy: frequently asked questions
What is the best place to start in Lombardy?
That depends on what you want. Lake Como suits villas and ferries, Bergamo suits a city day, and Mantua and Cremona suit art and music. All of them are reachable from Milan. The things to do page lists fifteen experiences.
How do I get from Milan to Lake Como?
Trains run from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago in about 60 minutes, roughly every half hour. A direct train from Milano Centrale reaches Varenna Esino in about 64 minutes, roughly hourly. See day trips from Milan.
How much does a Lake Como ferry cost?
Adult single fares run from €3 to €14.50 depending on the zone, valid from 1 April 2026. Day passes cost €8 to €32. Details are on the ferry page.
Do I need to book Villa del Balbianello?
Yes. Reservation is required for the park and the villa. The adult ticket is €15 for the park only and €25 for villa and park.
Can I visit Lake Como without a car?
Yes. Trains reach Como and Varenna, and ferries link the towns in the middle of the lake. Check the current timetable before you go, because the autumn timetable runs to 1 November 2026.
Is visit-lombardy.com an official website?
No. This is an independent travel guide with no link to the Lombardy Region, the lake navigation authorities, the FAI, the municipalities or any tour operator.