Lake Como Cruise: Bellagio & Varenna by Tender Yacht

Bellagio gardens, Varenna colors and lakeside villas from the water

You’ll cruise Lake Como by tender yacht with a local captain sharing stories as you pass iconic villas and villages like Bellagio and Varenna. Sip Prosecco on deck, feel the wind in your hair, and get dropped off back in Como after exploring gardens, old bridges, and secret corners only locals seem to know about.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Como cruise with Bellagio and Varenna

• Meet at Como pier Lario bar
• Depart harbor, view electric monument and breakwater
• Pass seaplane hangar and Villa Olmo
• Pass Tavernola, Cernobbio, Villa Erba, and Punta Pizzo
• Pass Moltrasio, Carate Urio, and Villa Oleandra
• Pass island, Gulf of Sala Comacina, and Villa Barbiano
• Visit Villa del Balbianello and coast Gulf of Venus
• Stop 50 minutes to visit Bellagio and Villa Melzi
• Pass Bellagio tip and enter Lecco branch
• Sail to Varenna, admire village from boat
• Depart for Como via Lezzeno and Nesso
• Visit Orrido di Nesso and Roman bridge
• Pass Villa Pliniana and Grand Hotel Il Sereno
• Pass Mandarin Oriental and Villa Troubetzkoy
• Return to Como for drop off

The experience

“You see that one?” Luca shouted over the engine, pointing at a villa with these absurdly perfect cypress trees lining the shore. I was still trying to balance my glass of Prosecco when he started telling us about George Clooney’s place: apparently it’s just up ahead in Laglio. I’d never imagined Lake Como would smell so green, like wet wood and distant jasmine, or that the light would bounce off the water in this almost metallic way. The stereo was playing some old Italian pop song, not too loud, just enough to mix with the slap of waves against the hull.

We’d left Como pier earlier than I’m used to being awake on holiday (Luca joked that Italians only get up early for coffee or boats), but honestly, watching the city shrink behind us was worth it. Passing Villa Olmo and then that wild Dolce & Gabbana story. I think half our group missed it because we were distracted by the seaplanes taking off. There’s something about seeing those grand villas from the lake that makes them feel less like museums and more like someone’s actual home. Maybe it’s just how Luca talks about them. He knows every bit of gossip and history, switching between English and French depending on who asked.

I didn’t expect to love Bellagio as much as I did. We had about 50 minutes there: enough time for a quick espresso in the square and to wander through those narrow alleys that somehow always lead uphill. The air felt cooler here, maybe because of all the gardens around Villa Melzi (Napoleon lived there? Still can’t quite picture it). After Bellagio we crossed over towards Varenna. Honestly, I could have stayed on deck forever just watching those pastel houses appear around each bend. There was a moment near Villa del Balbianello where everyone went quiet at once, even Luca, just soaking up that view.

The ride back was slower, maybe on purpose. We passed Nesso with its Roman bridge (looked older than time itself) and Luca told us ghost stories about Villa Pliniana. Someone laughed when he tried translating “Orrido di Nesso” into English, it loses something in translation, you know? By then my hair smelled like lake water and sunblock, which is probably how summer should smell anyway. I still think about that stretch past Lezzeno where everything felt suspended for a minute.

What’s included

• Your day includes sailing from Como aboard a stylish tender yacht with bottled water and Italian Prosecco served along the way.
• you’ll enjoy stops at Bellagio for wandering or coffee breaks before heading toward Varenna and returning along scenic shores, plus stories from your local captain throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00 and 15:00

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Senior (71 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (1 to 6 years) · Infant (under 1)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meeting at the jetty in front of BAR LARIO, The speedboat has on the side the code : The Black Pearl”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by The Black Pearl

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (1 to 6 years); Infant (under 1).

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 24h before the start.

How long is the Lake Como cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 4 hours from departure at Como pier to drop-off back in Como.

Is there a stop in Bellagio during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have about 50 minutes to visit Bellagio before continuing to Varenna.

What type of boat is used for this Lake Como cruise?

The tour uses a 9.15m Invictus 280SX tender yacht designed by C. Large.

Are drinks included during the cruise?

Bottled water and Italian Prosecco are included onboard for guests.

Is there a restroom available on board?

Yes, there is a comfortable dressing room with toilet and sink on board.

Who leads the tour?

Your captain Luca guides the tour, sharing stories in English, Italian or French.

Does this day trip include pickup?

No hotel pickup. You meet directly at Como pier near Lario bar for departure.