Lake Como: Catamaran Tour, Villas & Aperitif from Tremezzo

Summary

Catamaran cruise past Lake Como villas with swims and Italian snacks

You’ll feel Lake Como open up as you cruise by famous villas and villages on a relaxed catamaran tour from Tremezzo. Swim near Comacina Island, snack on local cheeses with wine, and soak in stories from your guide—all with time to just watch sunlight dance across the lake.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the soft slap of water against the catamaran hull as we pushed off from Tremezzo’s public jetty—someone’s dog barked onshore, then it was just us and the lake. Our guide, Matteo, waved at a fisherman in a little wooden boat (they seem to know everyone here). The morning air had that faint green smell you get near olive trees. We lounged at the back while Matteo pointed out Villa Balbianello—he told us about Star Wars filming there, but honestly I was more taken by how its gardens seemed to hang right over the water. I tried to get a photo but the sun kept bouncing off the waves. Not complaining.

We drifted past Villa Cassinella and then Villa Balbiano—Matteo mentioned weddings there cost more than my apartment back home. The boat slowed as we reached Isola Comacina. You could smell rosemary from somewhere on shore, and someone dared me to jump in for a swim (the water was colder than I’d expected, but worth it). Back on board they handed around glasses of wine—local stuff, crisp and light—and little plates of cheese and salami. I fumbled trying to say “grazie” with my mouth full; Matteo just grinned.

After that we skirted Bellagio—the houses stacked up like pastel cakes—and paused again near Villa Melzi Gardens. There was this weirdly peaceful moment where nobody talked for a bit; just wind and water and the clink of glasses. Heading back toward Tremezzo we passed Villa Carlotta’s gardens spilling color down toward the shore. I kept thinking how different everything looked from out here—like seeing Lake Como’s postcard side but also catching all these small moments you’d miss from land. Still think about that quiet stretch between Bellagio and Varenna sometimes…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour on Lake Como

• Depart from Tremezzo jetty
• Cruise past Tremezzo village and GHT
• Navigate south along Tremezzo lakefront
• Pass Mayer-Olivelli park and Villa Sola
• Reach Lenno and Gulf of Venus
• Skirt Balbianello peninsula
• View Villa del Balbianello gardens
• Pass Villa la Cassinella and Villa Balbiano
• Stop at Isola Comacina for wine and swim
• Sail towards Lezzeno and San Giovanni
• Admire Villa Melzi gardens near Bellagio
• Circumnavigate Bellagio town
• Stop near Villa Giulia gardens for aperitif and swim
• Sail between Varenna and Bellagio
• View Villa Carlotta and botanical garden
• Return to Grand Hotel Tremezzo
• Dock at Tremezzo public jetty

Top questions

How long is the Lake Como catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting and ending in Tremezzo.

Is swimming allowed during the tour?

Yes, there are stops near Isola Comacina and Bellagio where you can swim in Lake Como.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes snacks such as local cold cuts and cheeses, bottled water, and wine or non-alcoholic alternatives for minors.

Where does the tour start and end?

The catamaran departs from and returns to the public jetty in Tremezzo; no changes to start/end points are allowed.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on the catamaran.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is required.

Which villas do you see during the cruise?

You’ll pass Villa Balbianello, Villa Cassinella, Villa Balbiano, Villa Melzi Gardens, and Villa Carlotta.

Are alcoholic beverages served to all guests?

No, only travelers over 18 are served alcohol; minors receive non-alcoholic drinks instead.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the cruise, Italian snacks like cheese and cured meats served alongside local wine (with non-alcoholic options for minors), stand-up paddleboard access if you want it during swim stops, fuel surcharge covered so there are no surprises later—and yes, there’s a restroom on board too before returning to Tremezzo at the end of your Lake Como adventure.