Lake Como Boat Tour: Villas, Swimming & Prosecco Cruise

Summary

Bellagio to Balbianello by boat with villa views and a lakeside swim

You’ll cruise Lake Como from Bellagio with a local skipper, sipping chilled Prosecco as you pass famous villas like Balbianello and Melzi Gardens. Swim in calm waters near Isola Comacina, hear stories only locals know, and get rare views of lakeside villages you can’t reach by road. It’s relaxed, personal — the kind of day you’ll want to remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the light bounced off Villa del Balbianello — not in a postcard way, but like something flickering behind old film. We set out from Bellagio with our skipper, Marco, who had this easy laugh and kept calling the lake “her” like she was an old friend. The engine hummed low as we slipped past gardens that looked too perfect to be real (Villa Melzi’s cypresses almost touched the water). There was this smell — kind of sharp, green — from all the wet leaves after last night’s rain. Marco handed us glasses of cold Prosecco and told us about some movie stars who’d stayed here, but honestly I was more interested in the weirdly silent fishing village of Pescallo. You could hear cutlery clinking from someone’s lunch up on a terrace.

I didn’t expect to feel so small next to those villas. At Villa La Cassinella he slowed down so we could see the stone lions at the gate — apparently they guard against bad luck, or maybe just nosy tourists. We drifted close enough to see inside one garden where a gardener waved at us with muddy gloves. There’s something about seeing these places from the water that makes them feel less like museum pieces and more… lived in? Maybe it’s just me. The sun came out again over Isola Comacina and Marco said we could swim if we wanted. I hesitated (the water looked cold), but my partner jumped straight in and came up grinning. I still think about that splash echoing off the rocks.

Somewhere near Lezzeno, Marco started telling us stories about caves hidden among trees — he swore there are smugglers’ tunnels under some of these houses but winked like maybe he was making it up. We passed another villa from House of Gucci (I haven’t seen it) and then just floated for a while with nothing but birds overhead and that faint smell of sun-warmed wood from the boat deck. I barely checked my phone all afternoon. If you’re after a private boat tour on Lake Como that doesn’t feel rushed or rehearsed, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Lake Como villas

• Depart from Bellagio harbor
• Pass Villa Serbelloni viewpoint
• See romantic lakeside promenade
• Pass former fishing village Pescallo
• View Villa Melzi Gardens from boat
• Pass Villa del Balbianello
• See picturesque lakeside village
• Pass hidden villas in Lezzeno
• View villa from TV series Succession
• Pass iconic House of Gucci villa
• Admire Lake Como’s only island
• Pass lakeside village opposite island
• See small hamlet of Bellagio
• Enjoy aperitif with Prosecco on board

Top questions

How long does the private boat tour on Lake Como last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but tours are flexible; departure time is decided together with your skipper.

Is swimming included during the Lake Como boat tour?

Yes, swimming is included in the calmest area of Lake Como near Isola Comacina.

Where does the tour start? Can I be picked up elsewhere?

The main base is in Bellagio near town center; pickup from Varenna, Tremezzo, Menaggio, Lenno or Lezzeno can be arranged on request.

What villas do you see during this Lake Como boat tour?

You’ll see Villa del Balbianello, Villa Melzi Gardens, Villa La Cassinella and other historic lakeside villas.

Is Prosecco included on board?

Yes, original Italian Prosecco is always included for guests over 18 years old.

Can children join this private boat tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; alcohol only served to guests 18+.

Is there WiFi available during the cruise?

Free WiFi is available on request during your private boat tour.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this Lake Como private boat cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible pickup (from Bellagio or nearby towns), a private boat cruise led by a local captain who shares stories about Lake Como’s villas and villages along the way; original Italian Prosecco served onboard; time for swimming in peaceful lake waters; plus free WiFi if you want it — all wrapped up with genuine local hospitality before returning to shore when you’re ready.