Lake Como Sailing: Private Skipper, Villas & Italian Aperitif
The Villas Look Different From a Sailboat
You spend a few hours on the water seeing Lake Como's famous villas from the perspective that actually shows them off — Villa Melzi and Villa del Balbianello both look their best from the lake. The boat includes prosecco and Italian snacks, optional swimming in quiet spots, and a private skipper who handles all the sailing. You book a time, show up, and the rest is already arranged.
Step-by-step itinerary
Sail Lake Como and view villas
- Board 38-foot boat with private skipper
- Observe Villa Melzi from the lake
- Observe Villa del Balbianello from the lake
- Relax while sailing and enjoy prosecco
- Taste typical Italian foods on board
- Optional swim in exclusive lake spots
- Experience sailing with music or silence
The Experience
So you're standing on the deck and the skipper's already pointing out Villa del Balbianello — the one that's been in movies — and you realize the postcard view you've seen a hundred times is actually just the land version. From the water, everything shifts. The gardens at Villa Melzi drop right down to the shore, the stone facades catch the light differently, and there's this moment where you stop taking photos and just watch. The 38-foot boat moves quiet enough that you hear the water, the sails doing their thing, no engine noise unless you want it.
The skipper handles the sailing — you're not crewing, you're just there — and after maybe twenty minutes of drifting past the main villas, someone brings out prosecco and a small spread of Italian foods. Cheese, cured meat, bread, the kind of thing that tastes better on the water than it ever does on land. If the lake's calm and you want to swim, the skipper knows the exclusive spots where you can actually get in without the crowds from the towns. Most people do it. The water's cold enough to wake you up but not so cold you regret it.
The whole thing runs a few hours, which is long enough to feel like you've actually been somewhere but short enough that you're not sitting around waiting for the day to end. Life jackets are there for kids, restrooms are on board, and the boat handles all fitness levels — you're sitting or standing as you like. If you've got small children, they can stay in a stroller on deck. Service animals come too. The price locks in before you board, so there's no negotiation at the end, and the skipper's been doing this long enough that the boat feels safe even if you've never sailed before.
What’s included
- Your day on the water includes a private 38-foot sailboat with a dedicated skipper, prosecco and Italian snacks served on board, use of the onboard restroom, and the option to stop for swimming in exclusive lake spots.
- Life jackets are provided for children.
- All fees and taxes are included in the price.
Operated by Bellagio Yacht Experience
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Lake Como's famous villas the way they're actually meant to be seen — from the water — without arranging a boat, a skipper, or figuring out where to swim; the private boat and included food mean you show up and the rest is handled.
Traveler reviews
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How long is the sailing experience?
The tour runs for several hours. The exact duration depends on conditions and your preferences, but it's structured as a half-day experience.
Is the boat suitable for children?
Yes. Infants can stay in a stroller on deck, and life jackets are available for children. The boat is suitable for all fitness levels.
What's included in the price?
Prosecco, Italian snacks, all fees and taxes, and use of the restroom on board. Swimming stops are optional and included if you want them.
Can we swim during the tour?
Yes, if conditions allow. The skipper knows exclusive spots on Lake Como where you can swim, and it's optional — you decide if you want to stop.
Do I need sailing experience?
No. The skipper handles all the sailing. You're a passenger on a private boat, not part of the crew.
What if I have a service animal?
Service animals are allowed on board.
Is there a restroom on the boat?
Yes, there's a restroom available for passengers during the tour.
What's the best time to book this?
Lake Como is pleasant year-round, but spring through early autumn offers the warmest water and most stable sailing conditions.
Lake Como Sailing: Private Skipper, Villas & Italian Aperitif
3h · EN · IT
from € 749 per group
★★★★★★★★★★4.88101 reviews








