Lake Como: Private Boat Tour with Villas & Prosecco

Summary

Private boat tour of Lake Como’s villas with prosecco and local stories

You’ll glide across Lake Como with a local captain, sipping prosecco as you pass famous villas like Balbianello and Melzi Gardens. Hear stories about movie sets and eccentric owners, stop for photos near waterfalls or islands, and soak up views of Bellagio and Varenna from the water. It’s intimate, relaxed—one of those rare days you’ll replay in your head later.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, George Clooney waves sometimes,” our captain Marco grinned as we drifted past Villa Oleandra. I don’t know if he was joking or not, but everyone on board craned their necks just in case. The morning air was a little sharp—spring on Lake Como is like that, kind of crisp and full of promise—and I could smell something green and wet coming off the water. We’d hopped on in Lenno (pickup was easy), and Marco had already handed us chilled prosecco before we even left the dock. I still remember the glass sweating in my hand while we glided by those crazy-lush gardens at Villa Melzi. It felt like being inside a postcard, but also oddly real—maybe because you could hear ducks arguing somewhere behind us.

I didn’t expect to laugh as much as we did. Marco told stories about the villas—like how Villa del Balbianello was used for Star Wars and 007—and pointed out which ones belonged to designers or Russian princes (apparently there’s one with an elevator outside just for the view). Sometimes he’d slow down so we could take photos or just sit quietly watching the light bounce off Comacina island. There was this moment near a little waterfall where everything got quiet except for the rush of water and someone’s phone camera clicking. For a second it felt like time stopped—corny, but true.

We passed through Bellagio and Varenna too, their pastel houses stacked up against the mountains like they were holding each other up. The villages looked sleepy from the water, but you could see people waving from balconies or walking tiny dogs along the shore. At some point I tried to say “Grazie mille” to Marco’s friend who helped us tie up at Cernobbio—I probably butchered it because he laughed and patted my shoulder anyway. There’s something about being on a boat here that makes you feel both very small and very lucky at the same time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour of Lake Como

• Depart from pick-up location
• Pass by Villa La Punta and Villa Oleandra
• Admire magnificent waterfall
• View Villa del Balbianello and gardens
• See Villa del Balbiano filming location
• Admire Comacina island
• Pass by Gianni Versace's holiday home
• View Villa d'Este luxury hotel
• Explore Cernobbio village scenery
• See Belvio with external elevator
• Pass Villa Erba and museum
• View Mandarin Oriental and Villa Roccabruna
• Admire Torno town and surroundings
• Pass Villa Pliniana
• See Villa Melzi Gardens and fountain
• View Tremezzo villas and Grand Hotel

Top questions

Is pickup included for all towns around Lake Como?

Pickup is free in Argegno, Lenno, Laglio, and Lezzeno; other locations cost €100 extra.

How long does the private boat tour last?

You can choose between 2-, 3-, 4-, or 8-hour packages depending on your preference.

What will I see during the Lake Como private boat tour?

You’ll see historic villas (like Villa del Balbianello), waterfalls, Comacina island, Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna, and more—depending on your route.

Is prosecco included on this Lake Como boat trip?

Yes, water and one bottle of prosecco are included; other drinks are available upon request.

Is this private boat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Can infants join this Lake Como private boat tour?

Yes, infants can join; they must sit on an adult’s lap or ride in a stroller/pram.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near pickup points around Lake Como.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup in Argegno, Lenno, Laglio or Lezzeno (with paid options elsewhere), all navigation aboard a heated private boat with a closable roof if needed for weather comfort; you’ll have bottled water plus a bottle of prosecco to share as you cruise past famous villas and villages along Lake Como’s shores before returning to your starting point.