A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Lake Garda for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Varenna or Lake Garda?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Lake Garda. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Varenna

A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!

Lake Garda

As a gentle Mediterranean wind touches your skin, the aromatic fragrances of olive and lemon trees fill the air. Surrounded by lush gardens and Italian architecture in its ancient tans and beiges, you look to the horizon and find a paradise before your eyes: a shimmering lake, misty mountaintops, and a clear blue sky. Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination for locals of the Lombardy region and tourists alike. It has been shown that about 7% of Italy's tourists head straight for these gleaming blue shores. The largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda is located about halfway in between Brescia and Verona and between Venezia and Milano. Because it is surrounded by several different districts - Lombardy, Trentino, Alto, and the Veneto - Lake Garda is a culmination of culture that attracts cosmopolitan crowds. The lake is an ancient natural treasure Italy holds dear, with documents referring to Lake Garda dating as far back as the eighteenth century. The name "Garda" comes from the Germanic word "warda," which means "place of guard." Whether you are staying at one of the many luxurious resorts in Riva del Garda or are simply getting a pedicure in spa town Sirmione, Lake Garda continues to preserve its elegance and sophistication throughout the years.

Which city is cheaper, Lake Garda or Varenna?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €131, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €133. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Varenna and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varenna €69
    Lake Garda €67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varenna €138
    Lake Garda €134

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varenna €27
    Lake Garda €53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

Also for Varenna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Varenna/Bellano/Lierna to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (private transfer): $243

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Varenna change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Varenna €42
    Lake Garda €33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

For Varenna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Varenna: $106
  • Small-group Street food tour in Varenna: $111
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Varenna: $162
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Varenna: $180
  • Private cooking class at a local's home with lunch or dinner in Varenna: $180
  • Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna: $184
  • Market Tour and Home Cooking Class with Meal: $214

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lake Garda Private Home Cooking Class: $164
  • Lake Garda Market Tour and Home Cooking Class: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varenna €27
    Lake Garda €24

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • E-Bike Experience on Lake Como East Bank: $138
  • From Milan: Semi-Private Lake Como Day Trip with Cruise: $271
  • HIKING TOUR: VARENNA, Castle of VEZIO Villa MONASTERO, FIUMELATTE: $74
  • LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi: $243
  • LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi (Guided Tour): $330
  • Romantic Tour: $322
  • Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Varenna: $136
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
  • Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour: $325

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • From Tignale: Drena Canyoning Tour for Beginners: $75
  • From Verona: Sirmione and Lake Garda Small Group Tour: $85
  • Full-Day Lake Garda Tour: Bus & Public Boat with Guide: $68
  • 1-Day Private Hiking Experience: $147
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
  • Family Friendly Canyoning Tour: $62
  • Sirmione: Walking and Speedboat Tour: $147

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varenna €18
    Lake Garda €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half-Day Wine Tasting Tour in Valpolicella from Lake Garda: $112
  • Lugana Wine Tour With Private Panoramic Boat on Lake Garda: $675

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Varenna vs. Lake Garda Travel Comparison

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