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Explore the iconic villas of Lake Como and the picture-perfect towns of Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo in one day with ease, thanks to pre-booked entry tickets and ferry transportation. Take in the Villa Melzi D’Eril, Villa Monastero, and Villa Carlotta and their gardens via ferries.

• Discover the gems of Lake Como at your own pace with this self-guided tour
• Travel with ease thanks to the convenient public ferry transportation system
• Soak in the history of the Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero in their museums

Walk Through the History of Villa Monastero

If you’re interested in history and architecture, a visit to Villa Monastero is a must when touring Lake Como’s gardens. This 19th-century villa was built on the ruins of a Cistercian monastery that dates back to the 12th century. The villa was used as a summer residence by prominent Italian families before being turned into a museum in the 20th century.

As you walk through the villa, you’ll see a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The villa’s interior is adorned with frescoes, stucco decorations, and antique furniture that reflect the tastes of the villa’s former owners.

One of the highlights of Villa Monastero is its botanical garden, which covers an area of over 80,000 square meters. The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own unique features. You’ll find rare and exotic plants from all over the world, including palms, magnolias, and camellias. The garden also has a collection of citrus trees, which are a nod to Lake Como’s long history of citrus cultivation.

Villa Monastero is located in the Valtellina Natural Park, which is a protected area that covers over 62,000 hectares. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Alpine ibex and the golden eagle. The park’s trails offer breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular spot for hiking and nature lovers.

Discover the Beauty of Villa Carlotta

If you are looking for an amazing garden tour in Lake Como, Villa Carlotta is a must-visit destination. This 18th-century villa is located in Tremezzo, on the western shore of Lake Como, and features a magnificent botanical garden that covers over 70,000 square meters.

Villa Carlotta was built by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici at the end of the 17th century, and it is now a museum that houses a collection of art and sculptures. The villa’s architecture is a mix of different styles, including neoclassical and baroque.

The botanical garden at Villa Carlotta is the main attraction. It features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including ancient trees, palms, rhododendrons, azaleas, and many more. You can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful landscapes, or you can join a guided tour to learn more about the different plants and their history.

One of the highlights of the garden is the camellia collection, which is one of the largest in Europe. The collection includes over 200 different varieties of camellias, and they bloom in different colors and shapes throughout the year.

Another must-see attraction at Villa Carlotta is the water garden, which features a series of fountains, waterfalls, and ponds. The water garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.