Lake Como: Private Boat Tour with Captain & Villa Stops

Lake Como’s villas gardens & villages by private boat tour

You’ll drift across Lake Como on a private boat tour with your own captain, stopping at grand villas like Balbianello and Carlotta, feeling sun and breeze as you go. Expect laughter over local stories, glimpses of village life in Bellagio or Menaggio, and quiet moments where it’s just you and the lake’s shifting light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour on Lake Como

• Board exclusive Trimarchi 57S boat
• Pass by Villa d'Este in Cernobbio
• View Nesso Ravine canyon and waterfalls
• Pass by Villa del Balbianello in Tremezzina
• Pass by Villa Carlotta and gardens
• Pass by Bellagio town and lakefront
• Pass by Varenna and Menaggio towns
• Enjoy sun and lake breeze onboard

The experience

I’ll be honest. We almost missed the dock in Cernobbio because I got distracted by a dog wearing sunglasses (still not sure if that’s normal here). Our captain, Luca, just waved us over with this easy grin and said something in Italian that made everyone laugh, even though I only caught “tranquillo.” Right from the start, it felt less like a formal tour and more like we were tagging along with someone who actually lives on Lake Como. The boat, a Trimarchi 57S, looked sleek but not intimidating. Also, there was bottled water waiting for us, which I didn’t realize I’d appreciate until about ten minutes later when the sun hit full strength.

We glided past Villa d’Este first. The smell of wet stone and garden flowers hit me before I even noticed the statues peeking out from behind hedges. Luca pointed out how the light shifts on the water near Nesso Ravine. He called it “the lake’s secret mood ring” (I liked that). We slowed down to watch spray from the waterfall catch in the wind. It felt cool against my face. There was a moment where everyone just went quiet, except for a couple of ducks arguing nearby. Not sure why that sticks with me.

I tried to pronounce “Balbianello” properly when we pulled up near the villa: Li laughed so hard she almost dropped her phone. Apparently, my accent is hopeless. We didn’t go inside (Luca said you need extra time and tickets for that), but even from the water you could see why filmmakers love it here. Later, in Bellagio, we wandered up these steep cobbled lanes while old men argued about football outside a café. My calves complained but my eyes didn’t mind at all. We could’ve stopped in Varenna or Menaggio too if we’d booked longer, next time maybe.

What’s included

Your day includes a private Trimarchi 57S boat ride across Lake Como with a trusted captain at the helm, bottled still water to keep you cool under the sun, and all fuel covered so you don’t have to think about logistics. Just soak up each villa view and lakeside breeze as you go.

Options for this experience

5 options

Guide in English or Italian9 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00

Guide in English or Italian7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Guide in English or Italian5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:00

See 2 more options

Guide in English or Italian09:00, 14:00 and 15:00

Guide in English or Italian09:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 18:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Floating dock in front of the Bar Lario Ristorante, Lungo Lario Trieste n. 26 22100, Como”

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 yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Altea

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Top questions

What languages is the guide 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. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

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

You can choose your duration. Visiting places like Villa del Balbianello or Carlotta is recommended for tours lasting at least 4 hours.

Is entry to Villa del Balbianello included?

No, entry tickets to Villa del Balbianello are not included in the price of the boat tour.

Does the boat tour include stops at Bellagio?

Yes, you can stop at Bellagio during your Lake Como private boat tour if your booking allows enough time.

Is fuel included in the Lake Como private boat tour?

Yes, fuel is included in your private boat tour package.

Are drinks provided during the boat trip?

Bottled still water is included on board during your Lake Como private boat tour.

Can infants join this Lake Como boat trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the journey.

Is this Lake Como private boat tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The experience is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with spinal injuries or certain health conditions.