villa balbianello tour from bellagio

How to Visit Villa del Balbianello: Info & Tips (Lenno, Lake Como, Italy)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: November 20, 2023

Thinking of visiting Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como (Italy) and wondering what to expect? Want to know if you absolutely need to book your tickets in advance or if the hike to the villa is difficult? Or is it actually worth the hassle? In this guide, we share our experience-based tips and useful information for your visit. Find out!

Villa del Balbianello in Lenno is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Como . Built at the site of an old cloister at end of the 18th century by Cardinal Durini, the villa had many different owners over the centuries. In time, it was turned into a prestigious vacation residence, with the most unique location on Lake Como.

Today, Villa Balbianello is in the hands of FAI (the National Trust of Italy). This historic villa as well as its gardens are open for visits to the public. Nowadays, Villa del Balbianello is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Lake Como attracting lots of visitors.

Villa Balbianello owes its popularity to its stunning location, which distinguishes it from all the other amazing villas on Lake Como. In addition, it was also used as a setting for several Hollywood films , which made it even more famous among international visitors. James Bond Casino Royale film was filmed here and also Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, as well as several lesser-known movies.

We recently visited Villa del Balbianello, and in this guide, we share some practical information and things you may want to know before you go . Find out!

Complete guide to visiting Villa del Balbianello– OVERVIEW

• Location & getting there (by shuttle boat, on foot, with a boat tour)
• Opening times
• What to expect
• Visiting with kids
• Useful tips for your visit

Location & Getting There

Villa del Balbianello is located on the Lavedo Peninsula next to the town of Lenno along the western shores of Lake Como in northern Italy. Because of its unique location on a hilly peninsula and being surrounded by the water on three sides, Villa del Balbianello requires a bit of extra effort to get to.

First, you should know that you are not allowed to drive all the way to Villa del Balbianello . You can drive to Lenno town, but unless you get there by 9-10 am, it’s very difficult to find a parking spot.

There are two ways to get to the villa from Lenno: by boat, or on foot. You can also visit Villa del Balbianello with a guided tour (e.g. this tour from Varenna). In that case, your tour will likely bring you to the villa by boat.

It’s now also possible to book a ferry + villa ticket and visit on your own (with departures from Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, Como, or Cernobbio).

Here is how to get to Villa del Balbianello:

From the waterfront in Lenno town, you can take a small boat shuttle to the villa. These boats cannot be prebooked and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. There are boats approximately every 20 minutes and the boat ride takes less than 10 minutes.

At the moment of the last update, the boat shuttle to Villa Balbianello and back to Lenno cost 8 euros. Alternatively, you can just take the boat one way (there or back) for 6 euros.

This is a great way to arrive at Villa del Balbianello. You also get to see it from the water, which is the only way to actually appreciate the entire structure and its unique location.

TIP: There are also private boat tours of Lake Como starting in Lenno (e.g. this highly-rated private cruise ). These tours are amazing and show you the best scenery and villas, but keep in mind that they do not stop at any of the villas. So ideally, you do both – visit Villa del Balbianello and take a boat trip on the lake before or after visiting the villa. While the shuttle boat cannot be booked, a boat tour on the lake is best booked in advance.

You can also easily reach Villa del Balbianello on foot. This is a good option for those who don’t want to wait for the boat and also if the boats are not running due to the weather or it being a very low season.

There are two ways to get to Villa del Balbianello on foot :

• The easiest way is about 1 km and takes about 20 minutes from Lenno town center. The official signs say that it takes 20 minutes from the moment you join the path, but it took us just about 12 minutes from there to the villa. This trail follows a road that is used for service cars and staff. It’s a bit hilly, but really nothing to worry about. Everyone in a reasonable physical shape, including young kids can easily do this walk.
• There is also another – hiking – path that goes to Villa del Balbianello through the forest. It is much steeper and longer. According to the signs, this trail is about 2.5 km and takes about 45 minutes. We didn’t do that, so I cannot comment on how easy or difficult it is and the only people we saw doing this were wearing hiking shoes and carrying hiking poles.

Since the majority of visitors come here for the villa and not to hike, most just opt for the main easy trail.

Scenic boat tours

As already said, one of the nicest ways to truly appreciate the unique location and setting of Villa Balbianello is by seeing it from the water.

However, even though you can see the villa from the shuttle boat , it’s a covered (and likely crowded) little boat that goes too close to the shore to truly appreciate it.

It’s also possible to see the villa from some routes of the passenger ferries on the lake. But – depending on where you are coming from – your ferry might not pass close enough.

So if you want to get closer to Villa del Balbianello and admire the beautiful shores and other villas along Lake Como, you may want to consider a scenic boat tour . Keep in mind that most of these tours only run in the summer season and do not actually stop at the villa. The main advantage of these tours is that you can see places that are inaccessible by car and enjoy the majestic scenery of Lake Como from another perspective.

There are several options; here are a few of the most popular boat tours:

• Private boat tour from Lenno (starts close to Villa del Balbianello and offers the best value among private tours) or private boat tour from Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, or Tremezzo . These are the classic scenic boat tours on Lake Como that allow you to see the nicest towns and villas in the most beautiful part of Lake Como.
• Private boat tour from Bellagio . This boat tour passes the most beautiful shoreline of Lake Como, including Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and Villa Carlotta. It also sails alongside Comacina Island. You don’t visit any of these places – just see them from the boat.
• Private boat tour from Como town . A very similar itinerary as the tour above – just that you start/end in Como.
• Walking and boating tour . This tour combines the best of both worlds – you get to explore some of the nicest towns and villas of Lake Como on foot, and also from the water. It starts in Varenna.
• Organized day tours from Milan (best value). Most of these tours start with a visit to Como town, followed by a scenic boat cruise on the lake and all the way to Bellagio and Varenna. So you can admire the lakeshore and the villas like Villa del Balbianello from the boat.

Villa del Balbianello Tickets

Villa del Balbianello is open to the public, but you will need a ticket to visit here. There are two options: visiting only the gardens or the gardens and the interior of the villa.

Most people will only see the gardens. And the reason for that is simple – the inside of the villa can only be visited with a guided tour. See below for more info.

Garden + villa guided tour

Unless you are traveling in a quiet season, the chances of finding a free spot for a guided villa tour upon arrival are practically non-existent. Well, not in the summer anyway.

To give you an idea, when we were planning a visit to Lake Como for the third week of August, all the tickets for the guided tours were already sold out a month in advance. You may get very lucky and find that there has been a cancelation on the day itself, but it’s very unlikely that you will be right at the ticket desk at that exact moment when a spot frees up…

When I checked availability for September, on some days, it was possible to find some free spots about a week in advance. In November, there were plenty of tickets for the next day. So it really depends on the season when you visit.

TIP: If you absolutely want to visit the interior of the villa, be sure to check the official website and book your tickets upfront ! If you are traveling in the summer, I would book them as soon as you know your travel dates.

On the other hand, you don’t absolutely have to go inside – t he gardens are worth a visit too! But also for the gardens, the official website tells you that “reservations are mandatory”. But are they and what to do if you didn’t reserve? See below!

Only the garden

The majority of people visiting Villa del Balbianello only come here for the gardens. And yes, it’s totally worth it! The gardens are really pretty and very well-kept, and the views are spectacular. In addition, you can visit the loggia, which is the most impressive part of the villa anyway.

While the official website of the villa encourages you to buy tickets for the gardens in advance, it’s not really a must. The only difference is that you might have to spend quite some time in a queue at the entrance, so if you want to avoid the wait, it’s best to reserve your tickets in advance .

TIP: If you didn’t reserve a ticket, opt for a shuttle boat in order to get to Villa del Balbianello (vs. walking). The gardens have two entrances and the one by the lake where the boat arrives is usually much quieter than the upper entrance. This could save you quite some time!

When is Villa del Balbianello open?

Unlike some other popular villas in Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello can be visited almost the entire year.

At the moment of writing, Villa del Balbianello is open from about mid-March to January , daily except on Mondays and Wednesdays . You can visit from 10 am to 6 pm , with the last entry 1 hour before the official closing time (so at 5 pm).

TIP: Be sure to double-check the official website for the up-to-date opening times, especially if you are visiting Lake Como during the low season.

What to expect when visiting Villa del Balbianello

No matter which way you arrive at Villa del Balbianello, you will be impressed by its location and spectacular setting.

The Gardens

The terraced gardens have many sculptures and a wide variety of plants. It’s incredibly beautiful! In addition, you can enjoy the most breathtaking lake views all around you.

Take your time to walk around, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the scenery. Sometimes, it’s so busy that it can be difficult to appreciate how special this place is, but there are also some hidden corners in the gardens where it’s much quieter. Sit down on a bench and take some time to just be there, in a moment!

Good to know: With the garden-only ticket, you can visit all the buildings except for the villa itself. The most impressive of them all is the loggia offering stunning views. Through the windows here, you can see two beautiful rooms filled with books and period furniture, but you cannot enter inside.

The orangery at the upper entrance of the gardens can be visited inside. There’s usually a movie playing here about adventurer and explorer Guido Monzino, who was the last owner of the villa. At the bottom, by the lake, there is a small chapel . It’s now used as a gift shop.

If you manage to get the tickets for the guided tour, you can also visit the interior of Villa del Balbianello. It’s filled with all kinds of artifacts from Guido Monzino’s (the villa’s last owner) travels all over the world.

Interesting to know: Count Monzino was a 20th-century explorer, best known as the leader of Italy’s first expedition to Mount Everest. He was an avid climber who made over 20 climbing expeditions. He also traveled to the North Pole and you can see one of the sleighs from that trip inside the villa.

Monzino left no heirs and donated Villa del Balbianello to the National Trust of Italy, which runs it today.

Visiting Villa Balbianello with Kids

Yes, you can visit Villa Balbianello with kids, but there are a few things to consider. A lot also depends on the ages of your children.

First, consider how you will get to the Villa – on foot or by shuttle boat. The walking path is rather flat and you could take a stroller with you, but there are a couple of stairs in the beginning before you even get to the path, unless you manage to find the entrance that is used by service cars (I think there’s a gate there). Taking the shuttle boat can be fun, but the costs with a bigger family quickly add up (it depends on the age of your kids too).

Second, there are quite some stairs and steep walkways in the gardens. If you have a stroller, you could probably best leave it at the entrance – it would be easier.

And third, I think I’d skip the interior of the villa if you are visiting with toddlers and preschoolers. Even older kids could get bored during the guided tour and you’ll probably spend more time trying to make sure that your kids don’t touch or break anything rather than listening to the guide.

Good to know: Kids between 6 and 18 pay about half the price, and younger children are free of charge. They also have family tickets available.

Tips for Visiting Villa del Balbianello

Here are some useful tips for your visit:

• Book in advance! As already said, if you are traveling in the high season and want to see the interior of the villa, it’s essential to book long in advance. But also for the gardens, booking in advance will help you skip the line (we waited for more than half an hour to get in).
• Visit at the quieter hours of the day. If you can, plan your visit to Villa Balbianello either first thing in the morning when it opens or about an hour before the closing time.
• Consider taking a shuttle boat or a boat tour. While the walk to Villa Balbianello isn’t strenuous, it takes about 20 minutes to get there from Leno town. But the main reason to take a shuttle boat is that you get to see the villa from the water. Alternatively, visit the villa on your own and also take a scenic boat tour of Lake Como – it’s the best way to appreciate the villa and its stunning location. The shuttle boat doesn’t care for the best angles and it doesn’t stop for scenic photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Whether you are planning to walk to Villa Balbianello or take a shuttle boat, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes for visiting the gardens.
• Bring some drinking water with you.
• Spend some time in Lenno town. In addition to visiting Villa del Balbianello, be sure to check out Lenno as well. The center is tiny and it will not take much time. The main landmark to see here is the  St. Stefano Church where you can also visit the  underground crypt . It’s free of charge (although donations are welcome, of course). Just next to the church, you can also see the  Baptistery . If you have a bit more time, take a walk along the  waterfront  area. There are a couple of restaurants here where you can have lunch, some drinks, or gelato.
• Don’t come by car. Parking in Lenno is a nightmare and the tiny car parking area that is closest to Villa Balbianello fills up by the time the villa even opens. The best way to come to Lenno is by boat. In the high season, there are lots of ferries from all the towns in the area. There’s now also an option to book a ferry + villa ticket if you prefer. In the low season, the car can be ok.

READ ALSO: Useful Info & Tips for Visiting Lake Como

So, this is our guide to visiting Villa del Balbianello. I hope that it gives you a better idea of what to expect.

If you are looking for more information for your visit to the area, take a look at the overview of our Lake Como guides :

• Best Things to Do in Lake Como
• Where to Stay in Lake Como
• Lake Como Travel Tips
• Most Beautiful Towns to Visit in Lake Como
• Most Beautiful Villas and Gardens of Lake Como
• Things to Do in Bellagio
• Things to Do in Varenna
• Things to Do in Como

Have a great trip!

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

More travel inspiration for Northern Italy:

• 1 day in Milan
• Best things to do in Venice
• 1 day in Venice
• 3 days in Venice
• How to visit Venice by car
• Venice gondola tips
• Best things to do in Florence
• 1 day in Florence
• Best rooftops in Florence
• Best places to see in Lake Garda
• Best hikes in the Italian Dolomites
• Best places to see in the Italian Dolomites
• Most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites
• Where to stay in the Dolomites
• Best things to do in Verona
• Best things to do in Bologna
• Florence to Bologna: Travel Info & Itinerary
• … for many more destinations, see our  Italy travel guide .

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Friday 26th of January 2024

Thank you for a great guide. I need to ask some questions coming from a photographers point of view who wants to get some great shots, mainly from the the loggia, without too many tourists in my photos! Im planning on travelling around the end of May, im assuming this may allready help me. Also, after reading some reviews, im gonna try to get there at about 9am, way before it opens too further avoid crowds. Please advise if these are good ideas, or add anything you think i should do.

Thank you. Dom

Tuesday 30th of January 2024

@Jurga, great thank you very much 🙂

Monday 29th of January 2024

Hi Dom, the logia is part of the gardens, so you can't get to it before the Villa/Gardens opens to the public. But yes, in general, the earlier you get there, the fewer people there will be. Book the first slot of the day and then head straight to the logia. Have a great trip!

Sunday 29th of October 2023

Another well researched and written gem. We (from Australia) stayed a few nights in the camp park at Lenno and walked ony a couple of hunded metres from the entrance gate of the camp park to the entrance of Villa del Balbianello. Visited a little street market along the foreshore while we were there. Wonderful day out. The restaurant in the camp park is good too, and open to "outsiders" not camping there.. The Villa is magic.

Friday 3rd of November 2023

Thanks for your kind feedback and for sharing your experience, Graeme. Happy travels!

7 tips for visiting Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como’s most beautiful villa

Visiting Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como is like spending the day inside a postcard. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and with stunning views across the lake, it’s one of the most popular places to visit on Lake Como. It’s also been used as a location for Hollywood blockbusters like James Bond and Star Wars.

In this post I’ll tell you why Villa del Balbianello is worth visiting and give you some tips to help you make the most of a day trip to the most beautiful villa on Lake Como.

This post contains affiliate links – all that means is that if you buy something as a result of clicking on a link in the post, I’ll receive a small commission that helps me with the costs of running this site. Thanks!

Where is Villa del Balbianello?

Villa del Balbianello, the gorgeous villa that starred as a location in Star Wars and James Bond, is on the western shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. The nearest city to Lake Como is Milan, and the nearest airport is Milan Malpensa airport (airport code MXP).

Is Villa del Balbianello worth visiting?

Villa del Balbianello will blow you away. Utterly romantic and with the added intrigue of having been a location for world-famous movies, don’t miss paying it a visit when you’re visiting Lake Como.

A day at Villa del Balbianello promises to be truly magical. Start your visit by strolling through the exquisite gardens and admiring the views from the many balconies and terraces. Then, delve into the villa’s rich history with a guided tour.

About Villa del Balbianello

The Villa del Balbianello boasts a rich and fascinating history. A Franciscan monastery existed on the site since the 13th century; the two towers at the villa are the remnants of the monastery’s campanile.

The stunning location caught the eye of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1785, after he failed to purchase the nearby Isola Comacina. He transformed the old monastery into a summer villa, adding a loggia that offers two different, yet equally enchanting, panoramas of the lake. Cardinal Durini used Villa del Balbianello as a summer residence where he could indulge in his love for art and literature.

Following his death, the villa switched hands multiple times until it was purchased in the 70s by explorer Guido Monzino who filled it with memorabilia from his many expeditions, including the first Italian ascent of Mount Everest. Monzino died in 1988 and is buried in a mausoleum at Villa del Balbianello.

Today, Villa del Balbianello is owned by Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano (FAI) – the Italian National Trust. It’s the most-visited of all the FAI properties, welcoming over 130,000 visitors in 2019.

Tips for your visit to Villa del Balbianello

Plan your visit carefully.

If you only have a few days on Lake Como, make sure you plan your visit to Villa del Balbianello on a day when it’ll be open. It’s open from March to January each year, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (closed on Mondays and Wednesdays).

You should check the FAI website before you visit just to make sure that these opening times haven’t changed.

Book guided tour tickets well in advance

If you visit Villa del Balbianello, you’ll have two options for tickets; a ticket for just the gardens or a ticket for a 45-minute guided tour of the house which also includes access to the gardens. Tours are available in English and Italian.

If you want a guided tour of the house, you’ll need to book well in advance; as an example, I’m writing this in the middle of June 2023 and tickets for the rest of June and most of July are already sold out. The guided tour ticket costs 23 euro per person.

Garden tickets are much easier to get, but you should still book them in advance, just in case. Garden-only tickets cost 12 euro per person, with reductions for children, students and FAI members.

To get to Villa del Balbianello, take the taxi boat

Villa del Balbianello is on a wooded peninsula just south of the village of Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como. The best ferry stop for the villa is Lenno, and there’s a reasonable ferry service from Varenna, Bellagio, Tremezzo, Menaggio and Bellano.

There is no access by car for visitors, so you have two options for getting to Villa del Balbianello from Lenno.

Walking to Villa del Balbianello

The first option is to walk along the access path which starts just beyond the junction of Via degli Artigiani and Via Guido Delmati in Lenno. From there, it’s around 850 metres (half a mile) to the villa gate and the upper ticket office.

When I was researching how to get to Villa del Balbianello from the ferry in Lenno, I read several reports about how the path was easy, but a little steep in places. We ended up taking a taxi boat to the villa (more on that below) but walked back to Lenno along the route we would have taken to get there.

I live in a hilly part of the UK so I’m used to walking uphill, but this path really was steep – we passed a lot of people who were huffing and puffing their way up and some who were visibly having a hard time.

Taxi boat to Villa del Balbianello

If you’re not terribly fit, have difficulty walking, if it’s a hot day or you’re just a bit lazy like me, then I’d really recommend taking the taxi boat to the villa.

We chose the taxi boat just because we thought it would be cool to arrive at the villa like James Bond, Padmé and Anakin, but when we walked back down along the path and realised how steep it was, we were really glad we hadn’t had to walk up it!

The taxi boat to Villa del Balbianello leaves from a jetty at the end of Via Guido Delmati, near Lido di Lenno and the start of the access path to the villa. There’s a signpost with the current prices by the path to the jetty. A one-way trip is 6 euro, return is 8 euro, payable by cash or card on the boat.

The boat is more of a shuttle than a private taxi boat. It takes around 9 people at a time and takes approximately 10 minutes, depending on how much of a queue there is to let people off at the villa’s jetty. Trips run every 30 minutes until around 5pm.

A word of warning which unfortunately comes from experience – you might want to sit in the enclosed part of the boat. The outside part of the boat behind the skipper is cool but during our trip to the villa a wave came right over the windscreen and absolutely drenched me, leaving me looking more drowned rat than elegant speedboat passenger when we disembarked!

Don’t miss seeing James Bond and Star Wars film locations at Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello has featured as a location in several blockbuster movies.

Casino Royale (James Bond), 2006

In the 2006 James Bond film Casino Royale, Villa del Balbinanello is one of the key locations. It’s here that Bond (played by Daniel Craig in his first film playing 007) recuperates and is comforted by Vesper Lynd after being tortured by the film’s baddie, Le Chiffre, in the infamous chair scene.

The scenes in Casino Royale take place on the small lawn in front of the Loggia Durini; it’s easy to find the exact spot where it was filmed.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, 2002

I get mercilessly teased for this, but Attack of the Clones is by far my favourite Star Wars movie, and it’s the film that made me really want to visit Villa del Balbinanello when I went to Lake Como.

In Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, Anakin Skywalker (played by Hayden Christensen) is tasked with protecting Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman) after an assassination attempt. He escorts her to Naboo, where they stay in a beautiful villa on a lake.

Several locations at Villa del Balbianello are clearly identifiable in Attack of the Clones. The little stone jetty where Anakin and Padmé get off their boat isn’t currently in use, but you can go down the steps to see it. The place where Anakin first kisses Padmé is under a tree, looking south down the lake from the large, square terrace outside the bookshop.

There’s an ominous scene where Anakin stands with his hands behind his back, looking out on the lake; that scene was filmed at the Loggia Durini – the camera is just above where Bond was filmed four years later.

Another movie filmed at Villa del Balbianello is A Month by the Lake, a 1995 romantic comedy starring Vanessa Redgrave, Uma Thurman and Edward Fox.

Eat before you get here

There’s no cafe or restaurant at Villa del Balbianello, and the food and drink on offer is limited to a fridge of drinks and ice creams on sale at the bookshop. The lawns and terraces would be a great spot for a picnic, but sadly even walking on the grass is forbidden.

There are quite a few restaurants and cafes in Lenno, which you’ll pass on your way to and from the ferry stop. There’s also a great ice cream shop, La Fabbrica Del Gelato; it usually has a long queue but it’s worth it for the interesting variety of flavours and handmade ice lollies.

Feel free to dress up

One thing I noticed at Villa del Balbianello was the number of beautifully dressed people either taking selfies or in some cases, having full photo shoots. I thought I’d dressed ok (although remember I was drenched in lake water after my boat mishap) but I was definitely in the bottom 20% of stylish people there that day!

If you’re looking for an opportunity to wear your prettiest dress, visiting Villa del Balbianello is definitely it – you won’t be out of place at all. You should probably bring comfortable shoes though, as the gardens are on a steep slope and you’ll do a lot of walking.

Look out for extra-special tours

FAI offers occasional, extra-special private tours, either in the morning, before the villa and gardens open to the public, or at sunset.

They also offer special pruning tours in late January or early February. During these tours you can discover the secrets of the garden from the expert team of gardeners as they carry out the pruning that helps to keep the villa’s trees so beautifully shaped.

More villas to visit on Lake Como

While Villa del Balbianello is the best villa to visit on Lake Como, if you’d like to see more of Como’s lovely villas, there are lots more that are open to the public (although sadly George Clooney’s villa isn’t one of them).

Villa Monastero, Varenna

Like Villa del Balbianello, Villa Monastero in Varenna is also built on the site of a former religious institution, in this case a Cistercian convent. The villa was built, then rebuilt and modified several times, between the 17th and early 20th centuries. It was donated to the public in 1936.

Today, Villa Monastero is a museum, convention centre and botanical garden with a lovely lakeside terrace. The botanical garden is open from April to December, while the museum is open from late May to December.

Villa Carlotta, Tremezzo

Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo was built in 1695 by a rich Milanese family. It was then modified in the 1800s, when the balconies and its distinctive clock were added. It has been owned by a charitable foundation since 1927.

Villa Carlotta is open for visitors to experience its lovely and expansive gardens, which are particularly famous for their azaleas, along with an Italian garden and a Romantic garden. Don’t miss the impressive citrus tunnels in front of the villa.

Tickets for the Villa Carlotta’s gardens also include entry to the villa museum, which includes works by Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen and Francesco Hayez, among others.

Villa Melzi d’Eril, Bellagio

Located just to the south of Lake Como’s most famous village, Bellagio, Villa Melzi d’Eril is a gorgeous white wedding cake of a villa. It was built in the early 1800s for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, who was vice president of the Italian Republic during the Napoleonic era.

Unfortunately the villa itself isn’t open to the public as it’s still a private residence, but you can visit the beautiful English-style gardens which surround the villa and lead down to the lake. Guided tours are available, and there’s also a relatively new museum dedicated to the Napoleonic period of Italy’s history.

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The best villages and towns on Lake Garda

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• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Extra drinks and meals not included in the program
• Ristorante La Goletta, Via Teresio Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy Meet us outside Restaurant La Goletta in Bellagio (opposite Hotel Florence). Look out for our "Taste & Travel Italy" tour guide.
• Near public transportation
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Please bring a bottle of water; alternatively you can purchase one near the meeting point.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• A fair amount of walking is involved. Please take note that during this tour we will ascend and descend the hilly townlands around Bellagio so make sure you are physically adapt and wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Operates in all weather conditions; please dress appropriately.
• We highly recommend you bring a reusable bottle of water on this walking tour as we are on the way to reducing single plastic.
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• Villa del Balbianello
• Borgo di Pescallo
• Basilica di San Giacomo

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Ristorante La Goletta Via Teresio Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy Meet us outside Restaurant La Goletta in Bellagio (opposite Hotel Florence). Look out for our "Taste & Travel Italy" tour guide. See address & details
• 1 Bellagio Stop: 2 hours See details
• 2 Basilica di San Giacomo Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 3 Borgo di Pescallo Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Loppia Stop: 30 minutes See details
• 5 Bellagio Stop: 90 minutes See details
• 6 Lake Como Stop: 20 minutes See details
• 7 Villa del Balbianello Stop: 2 hours - Admission included See details
• 8 Lake Como Stop: 20 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• kellydM67HJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Italian Cooking: Delicious and fun with a beautiful view! Max was an amazing instructor of our Italian Cooking Class! He was personable and a very talented chef. He demonstrated each strategy and then guided us as we attempted to mimic his culinary skills. The class was a lot of fun, and we learned to make gnocchi, tagliatelle, and tiramisu! We then had a delicious lunch of these 3 dishes! In addition, the view was amazing! It was raining, but the glass-enclosed cooking room allowed us to still enjoy the view during our class. Very much worth the time and expense! Thank you, Max!! Read more Written May 30, 2024
• RobertP980 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Experience I would highly recommend this cooking class as well as dining/staying at La Perla. Mas, our Chef, was so knowledgeable. His credentials are very impressive. The magic started from the minute we were picked up by car in Bellagio by none other than Joy. The best recommendation I could give is that we will be back. Thank you to all who made our class an unforgettable one. Read more Written May 23, 2024
• Bob M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Max the Magnificent Max, out chef, was a great teacher and a positive coach. Food and wine were fantastic. Would highly recommend to those staying near Bellagio Read more Written May 17, 2024
• N5678NZkristinab 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Breathtaking Views, Incredible Food, Alessandro! From start to finish this was a fabulous experience. From a personalized pick up, to friendly staff, to breathtaking views, the class would have been amazing on its own. But the food and Chef Alessandro took the experience to the next level. The food was DELICIOUS and Chef made the experience so fun and inviting. Especially for non chefs like us! Eating the meal at the end was the highlight. The tiramisu was the best we've had! Will definitely recommend to any friends coming to Como. Read more Written November 1, 2023
• alsaadco1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great experience The people are great and the cooking class was very good. They were very clear in the recipes and instructions. I do recommend this class. Read more Written October 28, 2023
• Extraordinary476119 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Bellagio Tour! We had an amazing tour with Elana! She was super friendly, knowledgeable and so authentic! Her tour really gave us a deep dive into the local culture of Bellagio. The food was excellent! Highly recommend! Thank you Elana! Read more Written October 10, 2023
• Linda M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Chef Alessandro & his cooking class with a view did not disappoint! Era tutto favoloso!!! My sister & I were conveniently picked up near where we stayed in Bellagio & driven to the best view we’d seen yet of Lake Como.. absolutely gorgeous!! The charming Chef Alessandro immediately came out and welcomed us & later 4 others arrived. We then went into the cool open air kitchen & began the fun hands-on experience of making gnocchi, tagliatelle & tiramisu. Alessandro was excellent in engaging everyone to experience every step & explaining it all! The food was delicious.. and lovely eating it outside together with the new friends we met & the incredible view!! Wonderful evening we hated it to end but exactly at 9pm we were told our ride was waiting and we were driven back to our street in Bellagio having had an exceptional experience & even getting to take home our aprons & recipes to remember it by. Thanks for the fabulous evening! Read more Written October 8, 2023
• BethB677 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Two Tours - Just Perfect Elena is WONDERFUL to work with. We communicated for several months before our trip and she was always so attentive and responsive. We had some weather issues and she worked diligtenly to make sure we were able to get in everything. We did the Bellagio Bike Tour + Villa Melzi, and she also arranged a private boat tour. Alberto was our bike tour guide. He had a lot of patience with me as I am not a good bike rider. The E-Bikes were easy to use and getting up the hills was a breeze. We definitely got to see some places we never would have ventured on foot. Rita was our boat tour guide. We were with her for almost 3 hours and there was never down time - she was so knowledgeable and was passionate about the area. She even took us for a little stroll around Bellagio. We would definitely use Taste and Travel in the future. Read more Written October 3, 2023
• michaele422 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Crowded trip The bikes were not of great quality. One kept shifting on its own. The roads are too crowded with vehicles. The guide does not know details or much history. There were too many people in the way Read more Written September 18, 2023
• audreymY3127CU 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An amazing experience . A must do if in Bellagio. We thoroughly enjoyed cooking with Chef Alessandro Redolfi. A great hands on cooking experience with amazing views and a gorgeous lunch to finish. Read more Written September 15, 2023
• LightPacker28516 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour, guide but missing our photos as oromised We had a great time and the guide was very knowledgeable. He took us to areas of the city that we would have never ventured into without his lead. The only issue is we never received the pictures and videos he took of my wife and I as he promised. Sure hope you can intervene to make that happen. Thank you Read more Written September 1, 2023
• taraaT9408SI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do in Bellagio! This was a wonderful experience - from the location, to the food, and most especially the Chef! He took extra attention with the questions and was a great host! Read more Written August 18, 2023
• I6812MFmichelles 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic afternoon ! The perfect day in Bellagio. We made a delicious lunch and the scenery was gorgeous. Chef made it a really fun afternoon. Would HIGHLY recommend. Read more Written August 17, 2023
• P6570DSdv 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Perfect experience. Wonderful experience. The shuttle picked us up right from bellagio and we started the tour off by enjoying the best view we had seen of the lake with a few glasses of Prosecco. Chef Alessandro then proceeded to guiding us through making two pasta dishes (gnocchi with Gorgonzola and pappardelle with zucchini and tomato sauce) as well as Tiramisu. He is a lot of fun, knowledgeable, and keeps everyone entertained (and the wine flowing) as you cook. You then sit at a gorgeous table with delicious appetizers, more wine, and enjoy the dishes you created. Afterwards you are free to enjoy the view up at the hotel, and a shuttle takes you back down to walk off your hefty meal at the goegeous villa Melzi gardens. This is something that you can enjoy regardless of what level you cook at. Read more Written August 16, 2023
• CooldaddyNJ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding experience!! This was easily the favorite part of our vacation! It delivered above and beyond our expectations. Chef Alessandro was the difference maker as he was kind, funny, informative, and engaging with everyone. The kitchen experience was a lot of fun and educational. The location is unbelievable seeming to be at the highest point in Bellagio. The views are absolutely incredible. We were treated to Prosecco first, then learned to make a few dishes from scratch. To top off the night, we were treated to our fabulous dinner with extra food and choice of beverages. Not to mention they delivered a shuttle to and from the venue. From end to end it was a fabulous event! Read more Written August 7, 2023

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Full-Day Small-Group Bellagio and Villa Balbianello Tour with Lunch provided by Taste & Travel Italy - FREE TOUR and more - Bellagio, Italy

Trip to Villa del Balbianello

Rafilù  is fitted with every comfort you might need, such as a Bluetooth stereo system, restrooms, and a sundeck. In addition, each tour includes a complimentary Italian aperitive with Prosecco and freshly baked focaccine Skipper, insurance, and fuel included.

Our rate is 260€ per hour with a minimum cruise time of 3 hours. The boat can host up to 10 people; from the fifth passenger, a surcharge will be applied to each extra person. 

Description

Discover the beauty of Villa del Balbianello from a unique perspective. Since it was converted from a monastery into the summer residence of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini at the end of the 18th century, the villa has hosted and inspired numerous writers, poets, and artists. In addition, it was recently featured in big Hollywood productions such as Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones, and James Bond Casino Royale.

The whole beauty of Villa del Balbianello can be admired from the water. It is also possible to disembark to visit the gardens and have a guided tour of the villa (entrance ticket and tour fees not included). Please let us know in advance if you would like to visit the Villa to check the available time slots.

• 3 hours (garden visit only)
• 4 hours (garden + guided Villa tour)
• 3 hours 600€
• 4 hours 800€
• 11 € each to visit the gardens
• 22 € each for a guided tour of the villa and the gardens
• Private tours for individuals or group visits require a tour guide and must be booked in advance: the cost is €60 per booking (every 15 people) + entrance ticket. Languages available: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish
• The boat can host up to 10 people; from the fifth passenger, a 15 € surcharge will be applied to each extra person.
• Each tour includes a complimentary Italian aperitive with Prosecco and freshly baked focaccine
• Skipper, insurance, fuel included.
• The Villa is open every day except Monday and Wednesday

Request Tour

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Tremezzina - Villa Balbianello

Villas and Gardens In the Bellagio area

THE HISTORY

This villa is situated at the end of the Lavedo promontory. It was built in 1787 for Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini who set out to create the most beautiful garden on the Tremezzo Riviera. In the 19th century it became the summer home of Costanza Arconati Visconti who played host to Alessandro Manzoni, Giusti and Berchet. In 1976 the property was bought by the famous explorer Count Guido Monzino who dedicated much effort to restoring the house and its grounds.  The villa now belongs to FAI , the Italian equivalent of the National Trust (a fund for the Preservation of the Environment) which maintains it in all splendour.

VILLA BALBIANELLO TOUR

You can visit the beuatiful garden of the Villa, the inside are accesible only if you are accompanied by a guide.Caratteristica peculiare del giardino sono i rampicanti, modellati per rivestire le architetture della villa, i tronchi dei platani Some of the most unique characteristics of this incredible Villa are the creepers that covers this majestic building and its incredible architecture ,  the huge sycamore trees and the walls. From the terrace you can admire a brethtaking view of the Lake. Going higher you can reach La Loggia that offers an interesting collection of documents about history,polar explorations and mountaineering.

ENTRANCE TIMETABLE

OPENING HOURS FROM 12 MARCH 2022 UNTIL 7 JANUARY 2024

From 10.00 to 18.00. Last admission to visit the Park only at 17.00. Last guided tour of the interior (45 minutes) at 4.00 pm (it is advisable to be at the ticket office no later than 3.30 pm).

Closed: every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays. Extraordinary closures: 14th September, early closing at 3.00pm on 21st October. Online booking is strongly recommended, at least 24 hours in advance.

Entrance to the garden with free visit:

• Free admission: FAI members and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre members, residents of the Tremezzina municipality, children up to 5 years of age and people with disabilities and carer.
• €9 reduced for children aged 6 to 18 and students up to 25 years old
• €10 reduced for INTO members – International National Trust Organization, Mécènes members.

Entrance to the Villa exclusively with a guided tour (about 45 minutes) and to the garden:

• €4 reduced for FAI members and Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre members, residents of the Tremezzina municipality and people with disabilities and carer.
• €15 reduced for children aged 6 to 18 and for students up to 25 years old.
• €16 reduced for INTO members – International National Trust Organization, Mécènes members.
• Free for children up to 5 years.

The visit of the park is always guaranteed.

Contacts and How to get there

Request information.

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VILLA BALBIANELLO Tremezzina, Lake Como

Villa del Balbianello will leave you breathless, thanks to its beautiful terraced gardens  and picturesque structure.

Located on the tip of the promontory of Lavedo, in Lenno ( a hamlet of Tremezzina ), the villa offers breathtaking views of Isola Comacina and the western shore of  Lake Como . 

The villa is now a venue for private events such as  weddings , ceremonies and even film or photographic sets (this is where scenes from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale were filmed).

It is therefore not possible to sleep in the villa, but if you are looking for accommodation nearby… check out the best places to sleep near the villa !

Discover Villa Balbianello

Key features of villa balbianello.

The whole complex consists of two residential buildings, a church, and a  portico (known as Loggia Durini ) that can host weddings and events in a truly unique setting.

But the most-special feature of Villa Balbianello is the vast garden that surrounds the dwellings, with magnificent holm oaks pruned into an umbrella shape so as to offer a splendid view of Lake Como from inside the villa.

The villa’s interior, accessible only by guided tour , houses some English and French furnishings which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and are a valuable legacy of the complex’s former owners (read the history of Villa Balbianello if you want to learn more).

The villa also houses numerous paintings on glass and a rich collection of sculptures and ethnic artifacts .

Many of these works are a legacy of Guido Monzino , former owner of the villa and leader of the first Italian expedition to Mount Everest.

There are many photos, flags and honors of the famous Italian explorer, as well as one of the eight sleds he used to reach the North Pole .

The movies: Star Wars & more

⇒  Jump to Opening times, entry prices & more

Skywalker & Padmé Amidala’s kiss

Villa del Balbianello has been used as the  setting for several movies . Here is where to spot the most famous ones.

Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones

James Bond at Villa Balbianello

Casino Royale

A month by the lake, opening times, entry prices & more.

Open from mid-March to the end of November (please check on Google or on the official website). Special openings even in December and early January.

Opening times: 10am - 6pm (last admission to visit the park is at 5pm).

Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays (except on holidays).

Note: online booking is mandatory 

• Garden only:  €13 (6-18 years old kids: €10) - Buy ticket on GetYourGuide!
• Whole property (garden + villa):  €24 (6-18 years old kids: €16)

See a full list on the  official website

fondoambiente.it

45 minute guided tours for groups of up to 15 people are available by reservation (please contact this mail address  for more info).

Address: Via Guido Monzino 1, Tremezzina Phone: +39 0344 56110 E-mail: [email protected]

A few tips for your stay on Lake Como

HOW TO GET to Villa Balbianello

The unique location of Villa Balbianello allows visitors to get there only  by foot (by taking an easy 1 km uphill path from Via degli Artigiani ) or by a  taxiboat that leaves from the Lenno beach (€8 for the roundtrip). Either way, you can reach Lenno from the other lake towns by boat or by the C10 bus .

Places to stay near Villa Balbianello

Top reviewed on Booking.com from travelers

Grand Hotel Tremezzo ★★★★★

HISTORY of Villa Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello was built at the end of the 18th century by Cardinal  Angelo Maria Durini , on the site of an ancient Franciscan monastery. In the 19th century, after the cardinal’s death, the villa became the property of Count Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, his grandson.

Afterward, Villa Balbianello was purchased by Marquis Giuseppe Arconati Visconti, who hosted some great intellectuals such as  Alessandro Manzoni ,  Giovanni Berchet , and  Giuseppe Giusti . Gianmartino Arconati Visconti, Giuseppe’s son, made some improvements to the villa’s gardens and  loggia , but the decline of the noble family eventually led to a state of neglect. 

In 1919, Villa del Balbianello  was purchased by Butler Ames, an American soldier and businessman, who restored the villa to its original splendor.

Later, in 1974, his heirs gave it to the famous entrepreneur and explorer Guido Monzino. He embellished the villa with a  rich collection of artifacts that he acquired during his expeditions. In 1988, Monzino died and donated Villa del Balbianello to FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano).

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How I wish I can visit this amazing place one day! Sto aspettando un pò di fondi per poter viaggiare a quel posto magnifico!

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Lake Como: Villa Exploration and Boat Tours Itinerary

Bellagio, Italy

Villa del Balbianello and Boat Tour

Villa carlotta and bellagio exploration, adjacent cities.

Villa del Balbianello

A stunning 18th-century villa, Balbianello, graces an enchanting promontory on Lake Como. Built by Cardinal Durini, the villa boasts precious English and French furniture from the same era. Inside, a museum showcases the exploration finds of Count Guido Monzino, the last owner. Even today, Balbianello remains one of the lake’s most captivating and romantic villas.

Opening hours

Villa del Balbianello and its park are open to the public with the following opening hours:

February Open on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with mandatory reservation (Last entrance to the park at 5:00 p.m. and to the villa at 4:00 p.m.)

March Open on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, and 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with mandatory reservation (Last entrance to the park at 5:00 p.m. and to the villa at 4:00 p.m.)

From March 15th Open every day except non-holiday Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with mandatory reservation . (Last entrance to the park at 5:00 p.m. and to the villa at 4:00 p.m.)

From November Reduced hours will be applied from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Last entrance to the park at 5:00 p.m. and to the villa at 4:00 p.m.)

From December Open only on the following days: 1-3-6-7-8-10-13-14-15-17-20-21-22-26-27-28-29-31.

In January 2025 Open only on the following days: 3-4-5-6 January

IMPORTANT: The Villa del Balbianello is closed every Monday and Wednesday, apart from Italian bank holidays. The villa may be closed on certain days for special openings or closings, holidays, or special events.

Please consult the calendar before planning your visit. Click here to view the calendar.

Prices (online booking is mandatory)

Only garden, self-guided tour. it takes about 45/50 minutes.

Please, note that online booking is now mandatory:  click here to book your visit.

• Adults:  € 13
• Children  (6-18)  and Students  (18-25): € 10
• National Trust Members  (  www.into.org/places/  ): € 10
• Free for  FAI Members and residents of Tremezzina .
• Family ticket:  € 38 (2 adults + 2 students 6-18 years old)

Villa and garden

Visiting the interior of the villa is only possible with a guided tour, which lasts approximately 45 minutes..

• Adults : € 24
• Children  (6-18)  and Students  (<25) : € 16
• National Trust Members  (  www.into.org/places/ : € 16
• FAI Members and residents of Tremezzina:  € 5
• Family ticket:  € 65 (2 adults + 2 students 6-18 years old)
• Guided tours are available in Italian and English for groups of up to 15 people.
• When making your reservation, please select a preferred time slot. Upon arrival at the ticket office, staff will assign you to the closest available tour.

YOU CAN BUY TICKETS AND BOOK YOUR VISIT BY VISITING THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE 

You can book on GET YOUR GUIDE official website and check if there are any better rates

HOW TO GET TO VILLA BALBIANELLO

By public transport.

Catch a boat or a fast boat to Lenno. Get off the boat – leave the lake on your back – start walking left on the promenade by the Lake. You will find a sign to the Villa entrance (about 20 minutes walking) or, at the Lido di Lenno, you can catch a taxi boat (€ 7,00 approx per person)

By private water taxi

Enhance your Lake Como experience with a boat transfer or guided tour that includes Villa del Balbianello. Enjoy seamless journeys and breathtaking scenery with a boat transfer. For a captivating adventure, join a guided tour to explore Lake Como’s beauty and the grandeur of Villa del Balbianello.

By private taxi

Book a transfer or include Villa del Balbianello on a Lake Como guided tour

Related Posts

4 ways to enjoy Lake Como… From the Lake

Lake Como boat tours

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Villa del Balbianello – The most beautiful Villa of Lake Como

Villa del balbianello.

View of Villa del Balbianello

Villa del Balbianello is probably the most beautiful and most famous villa of Lake Como, with its privileged location right on the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula (also known as the “Penisola del Balbianello”).

This Villa is composed by a structure of two splendid buildings, of which it is possible to visit the finely furnished rooms, surrounded by a magnificent garden that continues on large terraces directly on the lake, built to have a 270° view of the surrounding landscape.

History of Villa del Balbianello:

Since the 13th century, on the Lavedo  peninsula there was a monastery of Franciscan friars. Its property was taken over by Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in 1785. Two years later, he began the conversion of the monastery into the Villa we know. The Villa has been the scene of many important events in the history of Italy. It was also the abode of many important politicians, art and literature characters, including Silvio Pellico, Giovanni Berchet, Giuseppe Giusti, Arnold Böcklin, Luchino Visconti and Alessandro Manzoni: the first Italian novelist who changed the history of Italian literature with its novel set on Lake Como.

Later, the Villa was sold to Guido Monzino, the first Italian to climb Mount Everest, which decorated the interiors with antique furniture and many rare artifacts obtained in his expeditions. In 1978, Monzino also built a system of secret passages inside the Villa. Finally, the Villa became property of the Italian Environment Fund (FAI) and is now the most visited Villa in Italy .

A perfect location:

The villa was the set of many famous films, including “A month to the Lake” and “James Bond: Casino Royale”. In this movie, the villa is a place of perfect rest and recover for the famous spy. Even George Lucas decided to set “Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones”. Indeed, the marriage between Anakin Skywalker and Princess Padmé Amidala is set in the Villa.

Star Wars – Bellagio Villas

To visit Villa del Balbianello , you have to take the ferry to Lenno; then you can reach the Villa in just about 15 minutes walking, or with a taxi boat.

Villa del Balbianello   is becoming also a more and more famous location for weddings. Many lovers choose this unbeliavable location for their special day. Indeed, in the Villa is possible to celebrate both civil and sacred ceremony, due to the chapel and wide spaces of the gardens. Discover more about a Bellagio wedding in our post!

Do you want to visit the Villa? Check out the best places to stay in Lake Como to visit it.

On this page you can find opening times and other useful information such as events at Villa del Balbianello, special openings and much more!

Most Popular

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Post Categories

• Bellagio Villas
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Villa del Balbianello

A treasure chest of memories of exploits and adventures on the western shore of lake como, ticket prices.

• PLAN YOUR VISIT
• EXPERIENCES
• PRIVATE EVENTS

LEGGI LA VERSIONE ITALIANA

Villa del Balbianello is located on a wooded promontory on Como lake. This elegant, romantic 18th century mansion and its magnificent garden have hosted writers, scholars and travelers, including Count Guido Monzino, the last owner of the Villa. It’s 38 km from Como. The Villa can be reached on foot or by taxi boat from Lido di Lenno.

Villa del Balbianello and its Garden will re-open, for the new season 2023, on Friday 11th March .

Last entrance to the Garden at 5.00 pm. Last entrance to visit the interiors of the Villa, with a 45 minute guided tour, at 3..30 pm according to availability.

We will be closed on Monday and Wednesday, apart from Italian bank holidays.

Please be there 30 minuts in advance.

Reservation is mandatory via www.villadelbalbianello.it For more information: [email protected]

In NOVEMBER, DECEMBER and JANUARY there will be reducted opening time.

Villa del Balbianello and it’s gardens will be open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm

Last entrance in the gardens at 4.00 pm. Last entrance in the villa at 3.00 pm according to availability. Closed on Monday and Wednesday.

DECEMBER open only on: 1-2 - 3 - 5 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 12 – 15 - 16 - 17 - 19 – 22 – 23 - 26 - 29 - 30 – 31 december Closed on 24 and 25 decemberJanuary, open only on: 2 – 5 - 6 - 7 january On Sunday 7 January 2024 the touristic season will end.

Please, note that online booking is now mandatory: click here to book your visit.

Only Garden Self-guided tour, which takes about 45/50 minutes.

• Adults: € 13
• Children (6-18) and Students (18-25): € 10
• National Trust Members ( www.into.org/places/ ): € 10
• Free for FAI Members and residents of Tremezzina .
• Family ticket: € 38 (2 adults + 2 students 6-18 years old) Villa and garden It is possible to visit the Interiors of the Villa only with guided tour, lasting c. 45 minutes.
• Adults : € 24
• Children (6-18) and Students (<25) : € 16
• National Trust Members ( www.into.org/places/ : € 16
• FAI Members and residents of Tremezzina: € 5
• Family ticket: € 65 (2 adults + 2 students 6-18 years old)

The visits are made in groups of max 15 people in Italian and English.Please, during the reservation choose the time slot: once you will be at the ticket offices, the Staff will insert you into the closer tour available.

In order to book click here.

PRIVATE TOURS and GROUP TOURS: only upon reservation at [email protected]

• Ticket has to be stamped at the gate.
• Tickets are not refundable.

Every day by foot from Lenno. 1 km path with an uphill section that can be covered in about 25 minutes. Nearest Parking: “Parcheggio Mercato” Via degli Artigiani, close to Lido di Lenno otherwise Via Diaz or Via Silvio Pellico. Parking could be not easy during the summer because of the traffic. It is possible to access the Villa also by water, through a Taxiboat paid service, provided on Lido di Lenno. Private service, could be not available.Possibility of access by Lake with private boat services.

Private tours for individuals or group visits require a private tour guide and must be booked in advance.

Please, send your request to [email protected]

Our small bookshop will welcome you at the end of the guided tour. You can find local handicrafts and typical food products from our property in Sicily, Umbria and other regions in Italy. A selection of fresh drinks are available at the bookshop.

Visitors with disabilities and, when applicable, their caregiver have free access, in accordance with M.D. 507/97 updated to M.D. 13/2019 and L.104/92.

The guided tour of the interior of the Villa costs 4€ per person.

A reduced ticket is required in case of events and other additional services.

Guide dogs and therapy dogs with a training certificate for assistance to persons with disabilities are allowed, always on a leash, both in the Park and inside the Villa.

The Villa and the Park are partially accessible to persons with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs.

Access mode: • It is possible to reach the ticket office by car (upon communication); the caregiver will then bring the car to the public car park • The avenues of the Park are mainly gravel and sloping• The Villa is equipped with a lift with a cabin where a wheelchair can easily access. There is space in front of the door for easy access to 3 out of 6 floors • The Villa has private toilet facilities inside the Loggia Segrè and next to the pier.

For further information: [email protected] - tel 034456110

Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Villa del Balbianello is accessible to families with children. Baby carriers are available to borrow free of charge. Our staff will be more than happy to show you where baby strollers can be parked.

Dogs are always welcome in the Garden, but must be kept on a leash at all times. To ensure the protection and preservation of the interiors of Villa del Balbianello and its collections, only guide dogs and assistance dogs with certificates for accompanying people with disabilities are allowed inside.

The closest parking , free of charge, is Mercato Parking in Via Comoedia in the municipality of Tremezzina, Lenno.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were photographed dining at a private villa in Lake Como. Take a look inside.

• Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were photographed dining at a private villa in Italy. 
• Villa Sola Cabiati is a six-suite property that is part of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. 
• The lodging comes with a private chef and butler, as well as views of Lake Como. 

The European leg of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour is in full swing.

The singer returned to her tour in Paris on May 9, debuting a new set list that included songs from "The Tortured Poets Department" and designer outfits .

Her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, watched her perform in Paris on May 12. Before Swift headed to Sweden for her next set of shows, the couple spent time together in Lake Como, Italy, People reported.

Their itinerary included a stay at Villa Sola Cabiati, a luxury villa that is part of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

Take a look inside.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were photographed at a private villa in Lake Como.

During their trip, Swift and Kelce were photographed dining at Villa Sola Cabiati in Lake Como, Italy.

Page Six and Town & Country reported the couple stayed at the villa during their time in Italy.

The private villa is part of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a historic hotel.

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo sits on the shore of Lake Como.

According to an informational packet shared with Business Insider, the five-star hotel is in Tremezzo, Italy, and it offers views of Bellagio across the lake.

The main hotel features 84 rooms, greenery guests can walk through, and a pool that sits in Lake Como itself among its amenities.

But Swift and Kelce weren't photographed at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo itself.

Villa Sola Cabiati is a short distance from the main hotel.

The villa is a two-minute drive from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where it sits on a gated property.

However, guests who prefer to travel by water can also access it by boat, as it overlooks Lake Como in front of the property.

The back of the house has views of the surrounding mountains.

The villa features 18th-century architecture as well as modern amenities.

According to Grand Hotel Tremezzo's website , the villa was built in the 16th century and completed in the 18th century by the Dukes of Serbelloni.

It features Neoclassical detailing, such as original terrazzo tile flooring and antique fresco paintings.

The historical architecture contrasts with inviting, modern furniture, giving it a cozy feel.

The property also features a private pool.

The villa sleeps 12.

When guests stay in the villa, they have their choice of six suites, each with an ensuite bathroom. The rooms feature king and twin-sized beds.

Like the rest of the house, the rooms are full of historic pieces, including a bed Napoleon and Joséphine Bonaparte slept in at the Palazzo Serbelloni in Milan, according to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's website.

It also comes with a full private staff, including a chef.

The hotel's website says the staff is available 24/7 to meet guests' needs, and the team includes a private chef, housekeepers, a chambermaid, and a butler.

The website listed an "impromptu dinner for two in the garden" as one of the requests the staff can provide for visitors, which is reminiscent of the dinner Swift and Kelce were photographed having.

Guests who stay in the villa also have access to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's amenities, including its tennis courts and spa, the hotel stated on Instagram .

Kelce and Swift had uninterrupted views of Lake Como as they dined.

The couple were pictured eating at a bistro table in front of the villa, so they could see the villa's gardens and the lake itself.

According to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo's website, the villa's private dock sits just in front of the house.

The hotel didn't provide pricing for the villa, but My Private Villa says it costs between 70,000 and 140,000 euros a week, which can be over $150,000.

It's unclear how long Swift and Kelce stayed at the villa, but considering the Eras Tour is reported to be the first concert tour to gross over $1 billion and Kelce just became the highest-paid tight end in the NFL , the price tag likely wasn't an issue for the couple.

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