As you venture deeper into nature, glimmering lakes flood the foothills of the soaring cliffs. The turquoise lakes, vibrant greenery, and pale white cliffs are almost as colorful as Bellagio's charming city, nestled on the shores of Lake Como's stunning viewpoint.

Keeping your eyes on the road would prove to be an impossible task for this painstakingly beautiful drive. So why not let a professional driver do the hard work while you live the easy life?

If this sounds like a fantasy too good to be true, read our in-depth Milan to Bellagio travel guide and learn how to turn this dream into reality!

The town was a Roman settlement named Bellacium, which continuously swapped hands with French, Italian, and Austrian rulers. Like most of Italy, the area blossomed during the Renaissance period. Leonardo Di Vinci even made Villa Serbelloni his summer hideout.

Today, you can sum up Bellagio in three words: style, elegance, and tranquility. The enchanting atmosphere attracts celebrities from all four corners of the globe. Its gently sloping lanes, packed with romantic cafes and boutique stores, always leave visitors with an unforgettable experience!

• Official language: Italian
• Population: 2,800
• Currency: Euro
• Plug types: Types F and L
• Climate: humid subtropical microclimate
• Peak tourist season: July–August

Do Your Research

Bellagio is one of Europe's hottest travel destinations. Although plenty of traditional dining outlets reside here, a few unauthentic restaurants only aimed at tourists have popped up, especially along the famed waterfront.

Read travel guides, or if you opt for Daytrip, ask your English-speaking driver to uncover where the locals like to hang out. Learning some basic phrases and the tipping culture in the area is also a clever idea.

Go Sightseeing

The drive from Milan to Bellagio is short and sweet. Therefore, you can spend the day exploring sites off the beaten path without cutting deep into Bellagio's vacation time.

Visit Crespi d'Adda, a unique town that looks out of place in Italy's distinctive character, or plunge deeper into the woodlands and the stunning Basilica of San Pietro and San Paolo of Agliate, dating back over 1000 years!

Train and Ferry from Milan to Bellagio

The train and ferry from Milan to Bellagio is the most demanding way for tourists to travel. Although picturesque, it's not always the most convenient.

From Milan Central Station, take Trenitalia's regional train to Varenna-Esino. The journey lasts 1 hour and 4 minutes, and tickets can be bought for €7.40 online or at the train stations. Although you won't save money by booking online, you will guarantee a seat at your preferred time.

When you reach the terminal, take a 10-minute stroll downhill to the port. Ferries leave every 30 minutes and cost just €5. The sense of adventure, the wind in your hair, and the incredible panorama views as you cross the dazzling waters are worth every penny!

Daytrip Private Car from Milan to Bellagio

Daytrip's door-to-door service is the only direct way to travel from Milan to Bellagio, and you won't miss out on the astonishing natural wonders. You'll glide alongside azure-tinted bodies of water, weave through V-shaped gorges, and speed through charming Italian villages. Watching these views unfold from your private vehicle will refresh your mind and unwind your body!

Since the car journey is only 1 hour and 30 minutes, it's also the quickest way to get from A to B. As a result, you can easily enjoy a day trip wandering the Bellagio's colorful walkways and consuming foods made with ingredients farmed just meters from the lake.

If you're staying overnight and traveling with suitcases, your English-speaking driver will carry them to the trunk and keep them safely stored away if you wish to do some sightseeing en route. There's no need to hurdle bags from trains to ferries and over-cobbled lanes!

Get on the Water

The best place to soak up the views and immerse yourself in La Dolce Vita is in Lake Como's warm waters.

If you're searching for an action-packed day filled with spills and thrills, try water skiing or wakeboarding and speed through the waters at up to 25 mph! If you want a relaxing afternoon, rent a canoe and gently glide over the waters, admiring the fish below.

No matter what type of day you have planned, you can experience it in the waters of Lake Como!

Sample the Gelato

After exploring the narrow lanes and visiting cozy boutique stores, there's only one way to cool off. With a mouthwatering gelato!

There are endless gelato vendors dotted along the town. Each one is run by a friendly local, so welcoming that they'll be more than happy to recommend flavors or even educate you on the history of the sweet treat.

Be sure to get your gelato to go, as the best place to eat is along the promenade with a view of the stunning slopes.

De-Stress on a Beach

The tranquil sound of the turquoise waters caressing the shores of Lake Como is enough for anyone to forget about the stresses of daily life. But add in the fresh air mixing with the pine trees and views that wouldn't look out of place in Game of Thrones, and you'll find paradise.

For the ultimate relaxing experience, head to cozy yet pebbly San Giovanni Beach near the town center. If you want to relax but still have the comforts of the 21st century, Lido di Bellagio, with its bar and gazebos, is for you!

The shoulder months of April, May, September, October, and November are the most enticing. When you travel in the spring, temperatures are only slightly lower than in the hottest months, allowing you to spend more time outdoors rather than taking shelter from the overpowering sun's rays in July.

Fall also has its perks. Temperatures start to cool but are still pleasant. Hotels, tours, and transportation companies offer significantly lower prices than in the summer. But the best reason to visit from the end of September to November is to watch the foliage transform into shades of reds, browns, and oranges.