villa balbianello

Sophia2S

It was middle June and very very hot! The walk to the villa is quite challenging for someone in not a great shape. The parking at the bottom of the mountain is very small and crowded, we struggled to park our little Fiat, but all the effort was well worth it when we got up at the Villa. Loved the views, but the interiors of the villa were quite nice and interesting. Plus we got some price reduction because we are members here in the UK of the National Trust. So if you are a member too, do not forget to show it so you get a better entrance price.

149sheenad

Villa Balbianello of 'Casino Royale' fame is absolutely stunning. Occupying the absolute point of the bay at Lenno, the property is surrounded by crystal blue lake water and cruising timber boats. The grounds themselves are extremely well cared for and are indeed more of an attraction than in interior of the buildings themselves. A long walk up the hill is well worth it

SiteSeekers2000

We visited in late October, by first taking the ferry to Lenno from Como. From Lenno, you can get to the villa by either a water taxi (7€ per person) or a 45 minute walk. We took the water taxi to get the views & pictures from the water. Once at the villa, you do have the option to walk the grounds without an additional fee. However, if you want to go inside the villa you will need to buy a ticket in the gift shop. The cost is €13 per person and includes a guided tour. We felt the guided tour was worthwhile as you learn the history of the villa, see artifacts acquired by the owners and gain some perspective on where famous movies were filmed (ie, Attack of the Clones, Casino Royale).The gardens are absolutely spectacular, the views of the lake are breathtaking and there is not a more prime spot on the lake than Villa Balbianello. A definite must see!

Anthony-Phillips

Beautiful Villa, Faxcinating gardens and stunning views. Quite a long walk to get to it - maybe 20 minutes but not too onerous (we're nearly 70 !) and well worth it. Part of the Italian National Trust so UK members get a discount !

julesb186

We took the taxi boat to the gardens - which was a fabulous way to pull up to the gardens entrance. I enjoyed the beautiful design of the gardens much more than Carlotta. It was more exquisite and picturesque. There were many gardeners working and pruning to keep it in beautiful shape. I did not see any gardeners working at Carlotta. There was a lot of attention paid to detail at Balbianello. And the staff was super friendly. I had left my umbrella and didn't discover it until an hour later after we had left the grounds. I called the gardens and one of their staff had already found it and said they could send it by boat taxi to the next town where we were having lunch! That was really nice of them to go out of their way to bring it to us!! Love this place and their gorgeous estate!!

VikkiK91

The gardens and Villa itself are just beautiful. We visited on a sunny day. We walked up from Lenno and the place was reasonably quiet. We went for the ticket that included a guided tour of the Villa and also the garden area. The English tour guide was great and very informative.We visited the gardens after our tour around the villa. There are the most beautiful views of Lake Como from the garden area. We found a balcony type area overlooking the lake and it was very peaceful. My other half decided this would be the place for a wedding proposal and it was the perfect location!I recommend that anybody that goes to Lake Como visits Villa Balbianello!

fishwish

had a private tour of this villa of Guido Monzini .what a treasure chest of items and landscaping is beautiful

JeanEithne

Has it all...and more than any villa should! Take the path up, the walk is exhilarating, and that's just the start. Take the full guided tour too, you don't want to miss out on the secret passages and hidden surprises along the way. Beautiful house, exquisite gardens!

MichaelZ295

Spectacluar views, impressive design, unique history, what more could you ask for? Was absolutely worth the 30 minute climb up and over the hillside. What a place!!

thomaslA9049VK

The famous Villa and grounds are unique and of singular location and beauty. A visit of the gardens is obligatory if in Lenno, and the added guided tour is well-worth the extra time and few more euros to go inside and hear its rich history. Take your camera/phone!

gjrj19510

Lovely place and well worth a visit. You can walk to it from Albergo Lenno or get a small boat. if you are a National Trust member you get in for half price!

207KimH

As one who is not overly interested in art or estates, I absolutely loved the house tour and would recommend paying the small additional extra fee to get the tour as the history behind the house and the incredible views from the rooms inside as well worth it. The garden was beyond impressive and the views of Lake Como are, without a doubt, the best of anywhere on the lake. I recommend taking the gorgeous easy 30 minute walk from the main ferry in Lenno to the villa (rather than pay extra for the boat ride to the villa) as you walk by an outstanding gelato place on the lake.

chrisbA9847OS

The boat trip to the villa was pleasant, and the guide, Julia, was fun and informative. The villa itself is in a great position but I would warn anyone who is carrying a bit too much weight that there are quite a few steps to climb when you get there - one or two people in our party were left behind as they struggled with the climb.Unfortunately the guide who took us round the villa did not have a great command of English, so we didn't learn much from her!

Heathossian

Make no mistake, this Villa and the story of its owner is incredible.There are no less than five incredible levels of opulence including priceless art collections from all over the world and hidden passageways, secret doors and amazing design concepts and feats.We almost passed up on the tour and just walked around the gardens, thankfully we changed our minds.It's the stuff of a Hollywood movie when you hear about the last owner, Guido Monzino - an intrepid explorer who ventured out on about 30 expeditions including Everest and the North Pole. The Villa itself also featured in 007 Bond's Casino Royale with Daniel Craig for those interested.

Treasaig

We were disappointed with the garden in Villa Balbianello. We didn’t view the house. Probably best to come in walking from Lenno. Garden does not compare with Carlotta or Melzi or Serbelloni.