Lake Como: Private Boat Tour with Villas & Flexible Pickup

Summary

Private boat ride reveals Lake Como’s villa secrets, gardens and celebrity homes with flexible starting points

You’ll glide across Lake Como on a private boat tour with flexible pickup points near Como town. See historic villas like Erba and Fontanelle up close, hear local stories from your guide, and catch glimpses of famous homes along the shoreline. Expect moments of calm between lively villages—plus bottled water and WiFi onboard for comfort.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the water smelled — sort of fresh but with this faint trace of old wood from the docks in Como town. Our guide, Matteo, handed me a bottle of water (which I clutched too tightly — nerves maybe?) and we set off. The engine was quieter than I expected. We drifted by these pastel villages that looked almost painted on, and Matteo pointed out Villa Troubetzkoy. He told us about the Russian prince who apparently liked to blow up rocks to build faster — “Turbascogli,” he said, grinning at my attempt to repeat it.

I didn’t expect to feel so small next to those old villas. Villa Erba just kind of appeared behind some trees, all closed up except for special events — Matteo said you can only really see it properly from the lake. There was a moment when we passed Laglio and he slowed down so we could spot George Clooney’s place (I tried not to stare but honestly… I stared). The sun flickered through the leaves along the shore; it was warmer than I thought it would be for spring. You could smell someone grilling fish somewhere close by Blevio — or maybe that was just my imagination running wild again.

We talked about how most people never see these spots from this angle — like Villa Fontanelle with its long garden stretching right into the lake. Matteo shared little bits about each place: who built them, who partied there (apparently Versace liked tennis), who lives there now. Sometimes he’d pause mid-story if another boat came by or a duck got too close, which made it feel less like a tour and more like hanging out with someone who actually grew up here.

The tour ended before I wanted it to. We docked back in Como town (though you can start in Cernobbio or Blevio if you want — wish I’d known that earlier). My hands still smelled faintly of lake water hours later. Even now, sometimes I catch myself thinking about those quiet stretches between villas where everything felt slow and light — like time paused for a bit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour on Lake Como

• Start tour in Como town
• View villages and old villas
• Pass Villa Troubetzkoy
• Pass Villa Erba
• Pass Artaria family villa
• See George Clooney's Villa Oleandra
• Pass Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Blevio
• Pass Villa Taverna in Perlasca
• Pass Villa Fontanelle
• Pass Villa d'Este in Cernobbio
• Pass Villa Olmo in Como

Top questions

Can I start the Lake Como boat tour in Bellagio or Varenna?

No, pickups in Bellagio or Varenna aren’t available for one-hour tours due to distance from Como town.

Which villas will I see during the private boat tour?

You’ll see several notable villas including Villa Troubetzkoy, Villa Erba, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s house), Villa Fontanelle, Villa d’Este, and Villa Olmo.

Is there a restroom available on board?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board during the tour.

Are infants allowed on the Lake Como boat tour?

Yes, infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap for safety reasons.

Is WiFi provided during the Lake Como private boat trip?

Yes, complimentary WiFi is available on board throughout your trip.

Can service animals join this Lake Como boat experience?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during your tour.

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

The duration can vary; one-hour tours are available with flexible pickup points near Como town such as Cernobbio or Blevio.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water to keep you refreshed while cruising past villas and villages; complimentary WiFi so you can share photos in real time; restroom access onboard; plus flexible pickup options from nearby towns like Cernobbio or Blevio when booking shorter tours—all led by a local guide sharing stories as you go.