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Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Bernina Express, Leolandia and spas · prices from official sites

Outside Milan you can buy almost everything on the spot: lake ferries can't be reserved, and Bellagio, Varenna and Isola dei Pescatori have no entry ticket. Two things must be booked ahead: Villa del Balbianello, where booking is compulsory, and your seat on the Bernina Express. Leolandia and QC Terme are booked online with prices that change by date.

What to book, what to buy on the day

The rule on the lakes is simple: public transport can't be booked; capped-entry sights must be.

The lakes "pass" is a ferry day ticket

There's no all-in card for lakes, villas and the Bernina train. The calculation worth making is on Navigazione's 1-day unlimited tickets, valid between the named piers with any stops in between. On Como–Bellagio the day pass is €27 against €24 for a return: the extra €3 is worth it if you hop off at Lenno for Balbianello. On Bellagio–Varenna a single ride is €5.50 and the day pass €17.50, so with three crossings singles still win.

No free first Sundays here: Balbianello and Villa Necchi in Milan belong to the FAI heritage trust, and the Borromean Islands are run by Terre Borromeo: none of them is a state museum. If you'll visit both FAI villas, consider FAI membership, which gives free entry.

Grouping sights by day

FAQ

What do I need to book on Lake Como?

Villa del Balbianello: booking is compulsory, even for the gardens-only ticket (€15). Public ferries can't be booked; buy online or at the pier.

Is a Lake Como ferry day pass worth it?

It depends on the route. Como–Bellagio return is €24 and the day pass €27, but the pass lets you hop off in between. Bellagio–Varenna is €5.50 a ride and the day pass €17.50, so it pays from the fourth crossing.

Are the Borromean Islands open in November?

Until 8 November 2026; Isola Bella stays open until 22 November. Then they close until spring.

Is there one pass for the Italian lakes?

No. The official sites offer no single card covering ferries, villas and the Bernina train. Each lake has its own ferry day passes, and villas and islands charge separate entry.

Are any of these free on the first Sunday of the month?

No. Balbianello and Villa Necchi belong to the FAI heritage trust, the Borromean Islands are run by Terre Borromeo, and trains and ferries are transport. Free first Sundays apply only to state museums.

Sources & checks

Official prices and rules are copied from the pages below. Spotted a change? Write to info@tickets.co.it.

  1. fondoambiente.it/luoghi/villa-del-balbianello — booking
    Biglietto solo Parco Si visita in autonomia senza essere accompagnati da una guida. La prenotazione è obbligatoria. Iscritti FAI e Soci Bienfaiteurs Amis du Louvre : ingresso gratuito Intero: € 15
  2. navigazionelaghi.it/biglietti-e-orari-lago-di-como/tariffe-lago-di-como/?partenz — prices
    Tariffa 1.00 - Ordinaria intera adulti 12,00 € […] Prezzo di andata e ritorno: doppio della corsa semplice […] Tariffa 3.00 - Adulti 27,00 €
  3. navigazionelaghi.it/biglietti-e-orari-lago-di-como/tariffe-lago-di-como/?partenz — prices
    Tariffa 1.00 - Ordinaria intera adulti 5,50 € […] Tariffa 3.00 - Adulti 17,50 €
  4. terreborromeo.it — hours
    La stagione delle destinazioni Terre Borromeo si conclude l'8 novembre, ma l'Isola Bella resterà aperta fino al 22 novembre 2026.
  5. rhb.ch/it/giro-in-carrozza-panoramica/bernina-express — booking
    La prenotazione del posto a sedere nel Bernina Express è obbligatoria.
  6. trenord.it/en/routes-and-timetables/most-searched-lines/milano-centrale-tirano — prices
    From Milan to Tirano the 2nd class price for a Trenord ticket is € 12.50 .

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