Lake Como: Private Speedboat Tour with Villas & Prosecco

Summary

Lake Como by speedboat drifting past villas gardens and old villages

You’ll feel Lake Como shift from movie-set glamour to quiet village life as you zip by villas, gardens, and old bell towers on your private speedboat tour. There’s prosecco on board, time for a swim if you want it, plus stories from your local guide that make every stop feel personal. It’s more than just scenery — it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the fizz of the engine under my feet as we pushed off from Argegno — not loud, just a low hum that made me grin. Our guide Paolo handed us cold bottles of water (and later, prosecco — but I’ll get to that) and pointed out the film sets along the shore. He had this way of mixing local gossip with history; apparently George Clooney’s villa is somewhere nearby, though he wouldn’t say exactly where. The air smelled like lakewater and sunscreen, with that hint of pine you only get in northern Italy.

We sped north, wind tangling my hair and making it hard to hear each other unless we leaned in close. Comacina Island came up fast — tiny but with stories stacked on top of each other. Paolo told us about the June fireworks and the old fire legend; I tried to imagine what it must look like at night. A couple of us jumped in for a swim between the island and shore (the water was colder than I expected), while others just dangled their hands over the side. Later, passing Villa del Balbianello, I recognized it from Star Wars before Paolo even said anything — kind of surreal seeing it in real life after all those movies.

After that, everything blurred into little moments: pastel houses in Menaggio glowing against the hills; Bellagio’s tip splitting the lake like a postcard; Varenna’s faded pinks and yellows pressed right up against the water. We stopped for prosecco near Villa Melzi Gardens — honestly, I’m not usually a fan at noon but something about sitting there with bubbles in hand made sense. Paolo laughed when I tried to pronounce “Tremezzo” properly (I didn’t even come close). The sun kept shifting behind clouds so one minute everything sparkled and then next it went soft and quiet.

I still think about that view from Nesso’s old Roman bridge — just stone and green cliffs dropping straight down to blue water. On the way back we passed Lezzano where someone waved at us from a fishing boat, no idea who they were but it felt friendly anyway. The tour ended before I was ready for it to be over; maybe that’s how you know you actually relaxed for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private speedboat tour on Lake Como

• Start from Argegno village
• Head north on the lake
• Visit Comacina island and swim canal
• Admire medieval bell tower
• See Villa del Balbiano and Villa La Cassinella
• Visit Villa Balbianello and gardens
• Admire Gulf of Lenno
• Explore Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta
• Visit Menaggio lakeside
• Cross lake towards Bellagio
• Touch Bellagio and Spartivento tip
• Head to Varenna village
• See Villa Monastero and botanical gardens
• Admire Villa Cipressi terraces
• Return to Bellagio for village visit
• Visit Villa Melzi gardens
• Pass fishing village Lezzano
• Reach Nesso ravine and Roman bridge
• Return and drop off at Argegno

Top questions

How long is the private speedboat tour on Lake Como?

You can choose between 1 to 4 hours for your private speedboat tour around Lake Como.

Does the Lake Como speedboat tour include drinks?

Yes, bottled water, soft drinks, and prosecco are included with an open bar formula during your tour.

Where does the Lake Como speedboat tour start?

The tour starts from Argegno, a small village located in the middle of Lake Como’s first basin.

Can you swim during the Lake Como speedboat tour?

Yes, there is a safe bathing canal near Comacina Island where guests can swim if they wish.

Are Villa Melzi Gardens or Villa del Balbianello included?

You will see both Villa Melzi Gardens and Villa del Balbianello from the boat; entry requires separate booking if you wish to visit inside.

Is pickup included for this Lake Como boat tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Argegno for departure.

Is this private speedboat tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the ride.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during this Lake Como speedboat experience.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water, soft drinks, and prosecco served with an open bar formula while cruising by iconic villas and villages on Lake Como. A knowledgeable local guide leads your private group from Argegno along a flexible route with stops for swimming or photos whenever you feel like it — just ask as you go.