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Lake Como Private Boat Tour: Villas, Gardens & Bellagio

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Free cancellationTravelers' pickLikely to sell out

1/35

Duration4h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · IT

Mobile ticketAccepted

Bellagio’s villas, secret coves and gardens by private boat on Lake Como

You’ll board your own private boat from Varenna and glide across Lake Como’s quieter waters with a local guide. Explore grand villas, stroll through Bellagio’s lively streets, sip prosecco on deck, and catch glimpses of secret gardens along the way. It’s less about checking sights off a list—and more about those small moments you’ll remember later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Depart from Varenna promenade
Admire walk of the lovers
Pass Villa Cipressi and gardens
View Villa and Botanical Garden
Head to Punta Spartivento viewpoint
Stop at Bellagio village
Admire Villa Serbelloni Park
Pass Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
See English gardens of Villa Melzi
Reach Tremezzo village
Admire Villa Carlotta and gardens
View eclectic style building
Pass Gulf of Venus and Villa Balbianello
See Villa la Cassinella gardens
Pass historic Villa in Ossuccio
View Ossuccio village and bell tower
Pass Comacina island
Admire Villa Oleandra in Laglio
Cross to Nesso village
View Nesso ravine waterfall
Pass Civera bridge
Meet Lezzeno village
Return to Varenna meeting point

The Experience

I didn’t really know what to expect when we stepped onto the boat in Varenna—honestly, I was mostly just excited to get off my feet. The lake was quieter than I imagined, with just the soft slap of water against the hull and that faint smell of wet stone you only get near old villages. Our guide, Luca (who grew up here), waved at someone fishing from a tiny dock and told us about the “walk of lovers”—a little path hugging the water where couples sneak kisses. We drifted past Villa Cipressi’s gardens; honestly, I’m not a plant person but even I could tell those terraces were something special. The air felt cooler under the cypress trees.

After that we headed toward Bellagio—everyone calls it the ‘pearl’ but it just felt lively to me. Cobbled streets, people waving from balconies, some guy playing accordion near the shore (not kidding). Luca let us hop off for a bit since we’d booked the 4-hour tour. I got lost in those narrow alleys for ten minutes before finding a bakery selling these tiny lemon pastries—still think about them sometimes. Back on board, prosecco appeared out of nowhere (included!) and we sipped as we passed Villa Melzi Gardens. The light on the water turned gold for a minute or two—I tried to take a photo but it didn’t really catch it.

The west side of Lake Como felt different somehow—more dramatic cliffs and these wild gardens tumbling down toward the shore. We cruised past Villa Carlotta and then slowed at Villa del Balbianello (apparently you can go inside if you pre-book tickets). The gardens looked straight out of a movie—I guess they actually filmed one here? Luca laughed when I mispronounced “Balbianello”—I probably butchered it. Somewhere near Ossuccio he pointed out Comacina Island where locals swim in summer. Didn’t see anyone brave enough that day though; maybe next time.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding in Varenna with all navigation led by a local guide.
bottled water, soda/pop for everyone plus prosecco for adults are served onboard.
stops at iconic sites like Bellagio or villa gardens if you choose longer options.
return to your starting point after exploring Lake Como’s shores together.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Nautica Garage Custom Park