Lake Como cruise from Bellagio: Villa Balbianello guided tour

Sail past five grand villas, then walk through the one that starred in James Bond

A two-hour tour from Bellagio combines a one-hour cruise down Lake Como with a guided visit to Villa Balbianello, the lakeside mansion built on a promontory and used as a film set for Casino Royale and Star Wars. You'll pass Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta and other 19th-century estates on the water, then explore the villa's gardens and interior with an English-speaking guide before the option to lunch in Lenno.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Como cruise and Villa Balbianello tour

• Board boat in Bellagio
• Cruise through Lake Como center
• Admire 19th-century villas and mansions
• Arrive at Villa Balbianello
• Explore Villa Balbianello gardens and terraces
• Join 1-hour guided villa tour

The experience

The tour starts with a one-hour cruise from Bellagio through the heart of Lake Como. You'll sail past five named villas (Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, Villa La Cassinella and Villa Balbianello) each one a 19th-century noble mansion rising from the shoreline. The boat also passes the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Isola Comacina, with views across all three branches of the lake and the alpine peaks beyond. The cruise ends at Villa Balbianello, where you step off the boat.

Villa Balbianello sits on a suggestive promontory and has been used as a set for Casino Royale and Star Wars Episode II. After boarding, you'll have time to photograph the Loggia and the villa's charming terraces before joining a one-hour guided tour of the interior. The guide, who speaks English, walks you through the rooms and explains the architecture, history and culture of the estate. Count and explorer Guido Monzino was the last private owner. Once the tour ends, you're free to explore the gardens on your own or head to one of the lakeside restaurants in Lenno for lunch. Public boats run frequently back to Bellagio if you want to return the same day.

What’s included

• Entrance to Villa del Balbianello gardens and guided interior tour.
• one-hour cruise from Bellagio through Lake Como.
• English-speaking guide throughout.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and WednesdayDeparts at 10:30

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Taste & Travel Italy

Is this one for you?Two hours total leaves room for lunch in Lenno or a longer afternoon on the lake, but not enough to combine with other major stops on the same day. The fixed schedule works best if you're based in Bellagio or staying nearby.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English 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. No refund if you cancel.

What villas do you see on the Lake Como cruise from Bellagio?

The cruise passes five named villas: Villa Serbelloni, Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, Villa La Cassinella and Villa Balbianello. You'll also see the Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Isola Comacina as you sail through the center of the lake.

Why is Villa Balbianello famous?

Villa Balbianello has been used as a film set for Casino Royale (James Bond 007) and Star Wars Episode II. It sits on a promontory overlooking the lake and was the home of Count and explorer Guido Monzino, who was the last private owner.

How do you get back to Bellagio after the tour ends at Villa Balbianello?

Public boats run frequently from Lenno back to Bellagio. You can catch one after lunch or after exploring the villa's gardens and terraces on your own.

What's included in the two-hour tour?

The tour includes the one-hour cruise from Bellagio, entrance to Villa Balbianello's gardens, and a one-hour guided tour of the villa interior with an English-speaking guide. Lunch and the return boat ticket are not included but are available separately.