Help w/ Lake Como & Villa D'Este (Cernobbio) + Villa del Balbianello (Lenno)!

we visited villa del balbianello in 2014 and opted to walk to the villa instead of the water taxi. it was quite a walk in along a inclined road (particularly if you were a wedding party etc) when there we could easily walk around most of the grounds without any guides etc. however to tour inside the buildings we went on a guided tour, free for memory, with an english speaking guide, that was very good.

i think you would have to check with them that wedding type photos are OK. we had no limitations on taking photos outside, but I think they were restricted inside the buildings. i can't remember taking any photos inside?
also , for memory if you were a member of the national trust etc you could get discounted entry.
we visited on a stunning day in late May, and the whole experience was spectacular.

the grounds of the villa ( around the building etc) are not large but with some fantastic backdrop scenery, just hope there are not too many people, getting in your way. we managed to find nice little spots in the garden to sit and soak up the atmosphere.

hope this helps.

Glennlorrainer, thank you for that reply.

Your input does give me a somewhat clearer idea of what to expect at Villa del Balbianello.

I've done some research since posting this thread, and discovered that you can take a water taxi from the adjacent town of Lenno, and make a water entry to the villa, which is what I prefer.

But to do the honeymoon videography + photography, I think I'll rent a classic wood-paneled Venetian water taxi and then drop off the photographer and videographer on the dock. Then we'll swing around again and re-approach the villa with them in position to capture the shots of us approaching the villa and disembarking. Obviously, we'll have to time it to avoid crowds and approaching water taxi disembarcations.

What do you think?

when we were there a good number of people arrived by water, probably what we should have done, for the overall effect. while we walked down to the 'dock' area I think it was like a small jetty. parts of the garden are relatively small and 'may' be off limits, you would have to check.
if you have specific queries, perhaps you could contact them direct. for memory it is 'owned' by their national trust so you could contact the trust?

If you are shooting professional videos in any venue, I would contact them in advance and ask if shooting is ok and if any fee is to be paid, rules to follow and so on. It looks like common sense to me.

Villa del Balbianello is a popular wedding venue. So it would be a good idea to check to see if it is closed for a private function.

We made a reservation for lunch at Villa d' Este and were able to walk the gardens freely...not to be missed!

susan c - thank you for that! That's all I was waiting for - a simple and definitive 'yes' or 'no' info on Villa d'Este. :)

If you don't mind, may I ask you what you and your party had for lunch, and what it cost?

I know Villa d'Este isn't for penny pinchers and I'm prepared to spend several hundred Euros on it - it's an experience, after all. But it never hurts to know what to expect going in, and for the life of me I can't find any menu information for their restaurants online!

Hi Jake,
I don't know what we paid( party of 4), but it is VERY EXPENSIVE!!!! The woman's menu has no prices and the waitstaff are very snooty. But we went for "the experience" and knew in advance it was not casual. We tried to eat outside as the men were dressed in shorts but we missed the lunch hour and were seated inside. Perhaps our casual dress was a problem eating inside the restaurant but they seated us anyway. We waited way too long for the check. That being said, do not miss this estate. The gardens are stunning and many spots for great photos. I tend to break the rules(in a good way) when we travel because I don't want to miss the experience. Just remember...you don't live there and no one knows you....so go for it!

When the previous reply mentions "waited way too long for the check", I'm just wondering if you waited asked for the bill, then had to wait a long time, or if you didn't ask. It sounds like you are experienced travellers, so you probably are aware that in Italy you have to ask for the check. Your server usually will not bring it to you until you ask.

Yes, we have traveled many times to Italy and know you have to ask for the check.

We love Villa Balbaniello and have arrived there by water taxi from Lenno, and walked out to it on the peninsula from Lenno. There are also boats that go there directly from Bellagio. We have so many beautiful photos we've taken there. I think it would be perfect for your photo shoot. The scenery mid lake is more attractive than down where Villa d'Est is located. Make arrangements with the Villa Balbaniello bedore doing a professional photo shoot there. I wouldn't call it's boat landing beautiful as the views to the north are more dramatic.

Also, the walk from Lenno is along a path in the woods from the afea where the water taxis are, heading out on the peninsula to the Villa at the tip. It really is a beautiful setting.