Lake Como: Bellagio & Varenna Private Boat Day Tour

Summary

Lake Como villages, gardens and slow boat moments with a guide

You’ll ride a private boat across Lake Como with an expert guide, stroll through Varenna’s peaceful alleys and Villa Monastero’s lakeside gardens, then taste local dishes for lunch overlooking the water. Explore Bellagio’s winding streets before cruising back as afternoon light dances on the lake—a day that lingers in memory long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a little earpiece at Piazza Cavour in Como—never used one of these before, but it turns out pretty handy when the lake wind picks up. Our guide, Marco (I think he said his family’s from Lecco?), waves us onto this shiny new ten-seater boat that smells faintly of varnish and fresh rope. It’s early but the water already throws back flashes of green and blue, and I keep losing track of what Marco’s saying because there’s just so much to look at—mountains with snow patches still clinging on top, villas half-hidden by cypress trees, laundry flapping from tiny balconies. We’re maybe twenty minutes out before someone asks about George Clooney (predictable), and Marco just laughs—apparently locals are more interested in the old silk mills than celebrities.

The first stop is Varenna. Stepping off the boat feels like walking into someone’s watercolor painting—narrow alleys with uneven stones underfoot, geraniums everywhere, even in places you’d never expect a flowerpot to fit. Villa Monastero is right on the water; we follow Marco along these terraces where the air smells like wet stone and something sweet—wisteria maybe? He points out a marble balustrade that’s apparently older than my grandmother. There are quiet corners where you can hear nothing but lake water slapping against steps. I took about a hundred photos but none really catch how soft the light feels there.

Lunch is on our own in Varenna (Marco gives three recommendations—I pick the one with tables squeezed right up to the water). Tried perch risotto for the first time; not sure I’d crave it again but it’s definitely local. The waiter taught me how to say “grazie mille” properly—my accent still made him grin. Afterward we cross to Bellagio—the famous “Pearl”—which is busier but somehow still relaxed, with steep stairways that make your legs burn if you’re not careful (fair warning). Marco leads us through little shops selling silk scarves and then just lets us wander for a while. I bought lemon soap because the smell reminded me of my grandma’s kitchen.

The last stretch is all slow motion: back on the boat, sun sliding lower behind mountains, everyone quieter now except for some gentle splashing as we drift toward Como again. There was this weird feeling of wanting to stay out there longer—even though my feet were tired from all those cobbles. I still think about that view over Bellagio when the light hit everything gold for a second—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lake Como boat tour and village visits

• Meet guide at Piazza Cavour, Como
• Board private boat and cruise lake
• Visit Villa Monastero and gardens
• Free time for lunch in Varenna
• Guided stroll through Bellagio village
• Free time to explore Bellagio
• Boat cruise back to Como

Top questions

Is this Lake Como tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, this full-day tour involves steep terrain and uneven streets in both villages; good physical condition is essential.

Does the tour include lunch or just recommendations?

Lunch is not included; your guide will recommend local restaurants in Varenna where you can eat at your own expense.

How many people are on the private boat during this Lake Como day trip?

The tour uses a private 10-passenger boat reserved exclusively for your small group.

Where does the Lake Como day trip start?

The meeting point is Piazza Cavour 26 in Como; guests must arrange their own transportation there.

Are admissions to Villa Monastero included in this tour?

Yes, entry fees for Villa Monastero are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; participants meet directly at Piazza Cavour in Como.

What language does the guide speak during this tour?

The professional guide conducts the tour entirely in English.

Can guests join if they are staying in Bellagio or Varenna?

No, this tour is not suitable for guests based in Bellagio or Varenna; consider other options instead.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Villa Monastero, transportation by private 10-passenger boat exclusively for your group, an English-speaking professional guide using a whisper audio system so you don’t miss anything along the way—even if you drift off staring at mountains—and plenty of time to explore both Varenna and Bellagio before heading back to Como together.