Frequently asked questions
What does the Villa del Balbianello ticket include?
A guided tour of the villa's rooms of about 50 minutes, in Italian or English, then the garden, the terraces and the Loggia Durini at your own pace. All four of our fares include the guided interior tour.
Can I buy a ticket at the villa on the day?
No. Tickets are sold online only and every visit must be booked ahead for a date and entry time. Turn up without one and you will not be let in.
How far ahead should I book?
As early as your plans allow. Each guided group is capped at 16, and the tour times fill days ahead, even in late October. Weekends and the late-morning hours go first.
What does the time on my ticket mean?
It is the time you enter the garden. At the ticket office you are given your tour start time, which can be up to 60 minutes later. Most people spend that hour on the terraces.
What are the entry times?
Garden entry for the guided tour is at 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, 14:15 and 15:15. From November to early January the last entry is 14:15.
Which days is the villa closed?
Every Monday and Wednesday. In December it opens on set dates only, in January 2027 on the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th, and then it closes until the 2027 season, whose dates are not yet published.
Is the tour in English?
Tours run in Italian or English. The ticket office assigns your group when you arrive, so mention that you would like the English tour.
Do children need a ticket?
Children under 6 go free, and we add them to your booking at no charge. Ages 6 to 18 have their own fare, and two adults with two or more children aged 6 to 18 can take the family fare.
Who can use the student fare?
Students aged 19 to 25 with a valid student card. Carry the card and photo ID on the day; without them the student fare is not honoured.
How do I get from Lenno to the villa?
Walk about 1 km from Lenno, roughly 25 minutes uphill on a partly gravel path, or take a taxi boat from the Lido di Lenno. The boat is a separate paid service that you book with the boat operators.
Do you sell the taxi boat?
No. We book the villa ticket only. Taxi boats from the Lido di Lenno are run independently, by reservation; we are happy to explain how the landing works so you can plan around your entry time.
Can I bring a pushchair or a large backpack?
Not inside. Pushchairs, prams and bulky backpacks stay outside, where staff show you, and there is no luggage store. Baby carriers can be borrowed free of charge.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs on a lead are welcome in the garden. Inside the villa only guide and assistance dogs are allowed.
Is Villa del Balbianello accessible?
Partly. The villa spreads over six levels and the lift serves three; the Loggia Durini is reached by stairs, and the walk in from Lenno is steep. Write to us before booking and we will talk you through it.
Was Star Wars filmed at Villa del Balbianello?
Yes. Scenes for Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) were filmed here, as were scenes for Casino Royale (2006) and A Month by the Lake (1995).
What if I arrive late?
Entry is only on the date and at the time booked, and a late arrival may lose the tour. Leave the 25-minute walk plenty of margin. Arrive more than 30 minutes early and you will be asked to wait.
Can I change my date after booking?
No. The villa does not move tickets to another date or time, and tickets are not refundable, so check your plans before you book. If the villa itself closes on your date, we refund you in full.