Lake Como: Private Classic Wooden Boat Tour & Prosecco

Summary

Lake Como by vintage boat past villas & villages with prosecco

You’ll board a classic wooden boat in Como for a private tour along Lake Como’s villas and villages — with heated cabin comfort if it’s chilly outside. Sip prosecco as your local captain shares stories about places like Villa d’Este and Versace’s old home. Expect laughter, lake breezes, and views you can only get from the water.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, is that really Versace’s old house?” I asked, half-laughing because our captain just nodded like it was no big deal. We’d barely left the Como jetty — the water was glassy, and even though it was late autumn there was this gentle warmth from the heated cabin. You could still smell a bit of the wood polish mixed with lake air. The boat itself — all mahogany and leather — felt like stepping into someone’s well-loved living room that just happens to float.

Our guide (he introduced himself as Marco but said we could call him whatever we liked) pointed out Villa Olmo first. He told us about the Odescalchi family and their parties back in the day, but what stuck with me was how he paused so we could hear the echo of church bells from Cernobbio. There’s something about seeing these grand places from the water — you catch glimpses through trees that you’d never spot from the road. I tried to pronounce ‘Lario’ properly; Marco grinned and corrected me gently. I probably still butchered it.

The prosecco came out somewhere near Villa d’Este — fizzy, cold, not too sweet. My hands were warm from the heater vents but my nose went a little numb when I leaned out for photos. We drifted past Villa Pizzo (Marco said only boats get this view), then slowed again by Moltrasio where he pointed to Villa le Fontanelle and quietly mentioned Gianni Versace used to swim right here in summer mornings. I don’t know why but that detail made everything feel more real somehow.

We ended up swapping stories with Marco about favorite places on Lake Como (he swears Carate Urio has the best morning light). The Bluetooth radio played some old Italian pop songs, not too loud — just enough to mix with the sound of water against wood. Even after we docked back in Como, I kept thinking about how different everything looked from out there. It’s not something you can really explain until you’ve done it yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private classic boat tour on Lake Como

• Depart from Como tourist jetty
• Pass breakwater and see Life Elettric
• Pass seaplane hangar
• Admire Villa Olmo
• Sail along Villa Erba
• Head towards Cernobbio village
• View Villa d'Este hotel and pool
• Continue to Villa Pizzo at Moltrasio
• See Villa le Fontanelle in Moltrasio
• Admire Villa Passalacqua near Moltrasio landing
• Arrive at Carate Urio

Top questions

Is this Lake Como boat tour private?

Yes, this is a private tour for your group only.

Does the boat have heating for winter tours?

Yes, both boats have heated passenger cabins for cold weather.

Are drinks included on this Lake Como boat trip?

Yes, Prosecco, bottled water, and soda are included onboard.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Como at Lungo Lario Trieste 26.

How many people can join this private boat tour?

The boat accommodates up to 11 people per group.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller onboard.

Are dogs allowed on this Lake Como private tour?

No, dogs are not allowed on board these boats.

What sights will we see during this Lake Como tour?

You’ll pass by Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, Cernobbio village, Villa d’Este, Villa Pizzo, Moltrasio village including Versace’s former home and more.

What’s included

Your day includes private use of a classic wooden boat with heated cabin if needed; complimentary Prosecco plus bottled water and soft drinks; Bluetooth radio for music; all guided commentary by your local captain; sun awnings or full cover in case of bad weather; and easy boarding at Como’s main jetty before returning after your circuit along Lake Como’s famous villas and villages.