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Villas Balbianello and Carlotta reservations

Posted by (Anacortes, WA) on

Hello all! I am looking for input from those who have been to the Lake Como area recently. I am wondering if reservations are needed for places like Villas Balbianello and Carlotta for this "post" Covid time? Typically, I would only secure reservations for larger places to visit and just purchase for venues such as these on a walk up basis, but I've heard that many places now only do reservations for timed entry. I can't imagine that's the case for smaller venues such as these, but thought I'd better check before my upcoming departure. I don't want to miss out on these two spots while visiting LC.

Thanks!

Gabrielle

Posted by
5721 posts

Before COVID, Villa Balbianello did not require reservations for the English tour, but obviously I don't know about now. I did want to alert you to build in time for the not-always-dependable ferries, for which, in my experience, the schedule was more of a suggestion. Also, once you have arrived at the ferry landing, there is a bit of a walk to the Villa. One option is to use the motorboat "taxis", which were cheap and a bit of a thrill, plus you can get photos of the Villa from the water.
This Villa is quite beautiful and the hour tour is interesting.
Have a great time.

Posted by
5721 posts

When we were there in. 2019, we just walked up to the ticket office at the gate, and bought tickets for the next available English tour, which was about a half hour, I think. Then we waited by wandering through the beautiful gardens with the spectacular views of the lake.
Hope to see Villa Carlotta next spring when we are there.
Enjoy!

Posted by
40 posts

Thank you. This is what I would normally do, but I know that since Covid has been "a thing", that many sites now require reservations so they can have a timed entry. This new protocol also limits the number of tickets available. I just want to make sure that I get to visit both the gardens and the interior on the tour, but would prefer to do as you did, just walk up at a time that works with my schedule. As an earlier reply also indicated, the ferry schedule is more of a suggestion, so I hate to make a reservation and then not be able to make it. I'm sure it will work out, but was hoping someone with recent experience there could chime in. :)

Posted by
2311 posts

We just walked up and purchased tickets for Villa Carlotta in early May 2022. I would recommend noting the ferry departure schedule before you leave the dock. We did not and ended up wasting time waiting for the next ferry.

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