Lake Como boat tour: Private villas and prosecco

Sail past the villas while the captain tells their stories

A private boat tour of Lake Como aboard the Tullio Abbate, a classic wooden vessel built on the lake, with a captain who shares the history of Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and the surrounding landscape. The tour includes fresh Italian prosecco and runs for either 1 or 2 hours. You pick the length at checkout. English, Spanish and Italian guides are available.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided boat tour on Lake Como

• Board the Tullio Abbate sea star 21
• Sail through crystal clear waters
• Stop for explanation and photos at villa 1
• Stop for description and photos at villa 2
• Stop for description and photos at villa 3
• Stop for description and photos at villa 4
• Stop for description and photos at villa 5
• Stop for description and photos at villa 6
• Relax with music on board

The experience

What makes this different from renting a boat yourself is the captain. He knows which angle of Villa del Balbianello photographs best, which terraces belong to which era, and why the lake's light changes the way it does at different hours. You'll stop at six points around the lake (each one chosen for the view or the story), and have time to take photos and listen while the boat sits still in the water. Music plays softly in the background between stops.

The boat itself is the Tullio Abbate Sea Star 21, a wooden vessel that holds up to five guests, which means no crowds and no jostling for the rail. Fresh Italian prosecco comes aboard, so you're not just looking at the water. You're sitting on it with a glass in hand. The captain speaks English, Spanish or Italian depending on your preference, and the whole experience is built around comfort and the pace of the lake rather than a schedule.

You choose between a 1-hour tour and a 2-hour tour when you book. Both follow the same route and include the same stops. The longer one simply gives you more time at each point and a slower pace overall. Pickup is included, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the boat.

What’s included

• Private boat tour with captain narration.
• fresh Italian prosecco.
• pickup included.
• six stops around Lake Como with time for photos and explanation at each one.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private tour lasting 1 hourGuide in English, Spanish or Italian · 10 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:00

Private tour lasting 2 hoursGuide in English, Spanish or Italian · 9 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 18:00Duration: 2 hours. The rental price does not cover fuel. A fuel surcharge of €100 per rental hour is payable on site before departure.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesFriday to Sunday10 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 19:00Last departure this season: 1 Nov

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 8 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on site€ 100

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Como Elite Service

Is this one for you?Pick the 1-hour tour if you want the highlights of the lake and the villas in a single morning or afternoon slot. Choose 2 hours if you prefer a slower pace and more time to absorb the views and the stories without rushing between stops.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many people can fit on the Tullio Abbate?

The boat holds up to five guests, which keeps the group small and means everyone has a clear view of the water and the villas.

What are Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta?

Both are historic villas on Lake Como's shoreline. The captain stops at each one so you can see them from the water and hear their history: Villa del Balbianello is known for its gardens and lakeside setting, while Villa Carlotta is famous for its art collection and terraced grounds.

Does the tour stop at the villas so I can go inside?

No, the tour is a boat tour, so you view the villas from the water. The captain explains what you're seeing and stops long enough for photos and questions.

Is prosecco really included?

Yes, fresh Italian prosecco comes aboard as part of the tour, included in both the 1-hour and 2-hour options.

What's the difference between the 1-hour and 2-hour tours?

Both tours visit the same six stops and include the captain's commentary and prosecco. The 2-hour option gives you more time at each location and a more leisurely pace on the water.