Lake Como Boat Tour: Villa del Balbianello & Bellagio

Float past the villas that shaped cinema, then swim in the lake.

A small-group boat tour of Lake Como that passes Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi and four other lakeside estates, with a live English-speaking guide, prosecco, Italian grissini, and an optional 10–15 minute swim. The tour runs 90 minutes and suits all fitness levels. Children are welcome from age 12.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Como boat tour and sightseeing

• Learn about Napoleon and Taylor Swift
• Visit Villa del Balbianello
• Pass by exclusive lakeside estate
• Pass by oldest villa, Gucci filming site
• Optional swim in Lake Como
• View Villa Melzi and Bellagio from distance
• Pass by beautiful gardens
• Conclude tour with scenic highlights

The experience

The boat leaves from Tremezzo and moves along the shoreline at a pace that lets you see each villa clearly. Villa del Balbianello is the centerpiece: the same estate where James Bond, Star Wars and other films were shot, and where both Napoleon Bonaparte and Taylor Swift have stayed. As the boat passes, your guide points out the architectural details and the history that made each property famous: Villa Carlotta with its gardens, Villa Melzi where you'll see Bellagio across the water, Villa La Casinella, Villa Balbiano and Villa Sola Cabiati. The itinerary also takes in Isola Comacina, the lake's only island.

Midway through the tour, you can jump into Lake Como for a refreshing swim if you want: the boat stops for 10 to 15 minutes and gives you the chance to cool off. If you'd rather stay on board, you can watch from the deck. Either way, the crew serves prosecco or wine and Italian grissini while you're out on the water, so there's no need to bring your own refreshments.

Pickup can be arranged from Tremezzo, Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Lenno or Bellano, though a fee applies if you choose a town other than Tremezzo. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels and welcomes children from age 12 onward. Public transportation options are available near the departure point if you're traveling without a car.

What’s included

• Prosecco or wine.
• Italian grissini.
• live English-speaking guide.
• optional swimming stop in Lake Como (10–15 minutes).

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 10 Apr 2027

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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€ 20

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Boat tour Central Lake Como

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to float past Como's grandest villas from a boat rather than hiking hillside paths, with a swim stop included and time to actually absorb each estate.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What is Villa del Balbianello and why is it famous?

Villa del Balbianello is the most famous villa on Lake Como and the primary focus of this tour. It served as a filming location for James Bond, Star Wars and other major films, and has hosted notable guests including Napoleon Bonaparte and Taylor Swift. The villa sits on a private peninsula and is admired for its architecture and lakeside setting.

Can I swim during the Lake Como boat tour?

Yes, the tour includes an optional swimming stop of 10 to 15 minutes in Lake Como's waters. You can jump in if you'd like, or stay on the boat and relax on deck while others swim.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes prosecco or wine, Italian grissini, and a live guide who speaks English throughout the 90-minute cruise. Entry to the villas themselves is not included. You view them from the boat.

Where does the boat depart from, and can I arrange pickup from a different town?

The standard departure point is Tremezzo. Pickup can be organized from Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio, Lenno or Bellano as well, though an additional fee applies for towns other than Tremezzo.