Lake Como: Shared Boat Tour with Prosecco & Historic Villas

Summary

Lake Como boat ride with prosecco, villa views and lakeside stories

You’ll board a small boat in Como and glide past legendary villas like Olmo and d’Este while your local skipper shares stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Sip prosecco, snack on regional bites, and soak up views only seen from the lake itself. This is Lake Como at its most relaxed — just you, good company, and those quietly unforgettable moments on the water.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the little boat at Como’s harbor, shoes squeaking on the deck, and I could already smell the lake — that mix of cool water and something green, maybe cypress. Our skipper, Marco (who had this easy way of telling stories), waved us in. There were just a handful of us, so it felt more like joining friends than being herded around. The engine hummed to life and we glided out, leaving behind the city’s chatter for the hush of open water.

The first basin of Lake Como is dotted with these villas — Villa Olmo was the first one Marco pointed out, its neoclassical lines almost glowing against the hills. He told us about old parties there (I tried to imagine candlelight flickering in those windows). Every few minutes another villa appeared: d’Este with its gardens spilling down to the shore; Cademartori tucked behind trees; Le Fontanelle where Versace used to throw wild gatherings. I kept craning my neck trying to catch every detail but honestly, sometimes I just watched the sunlight flicker off the ripples instead. You know how you think you’ll remember every fact but end up remembering a feeling instead?

At some point Marco handed out glasses of prosecco — cold enough that condensation ran down my fingers — and a plate with little local snacks I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say one in Italian). We drifted near Blevio and Cernobbio; someone pointed at Mandarin Oriental’s floating pool and we all agreed it looked surreal. There was this quiet moment as we passed Parco Mosaici di Blevio where even Marco stopped talking. Just birdsong and the soft slap of water against hull.

I didn’t expect to feel so… light? Maybe it was the prosecco or maybe just being on Lake Como with strangers who felt like friends for an hour. The tour ended too soon for me — I still think about that view back toward Como as we turned around, sun low over the mountains, everyone silent for a second before someone broke into laughter again. Not sure any photo really catches it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Shared boat tour with villa views

• Board shared boat on Lake Como
• Sail through first basin waters
• Admire Villa Olmo and Villa d'Este
• Listen to skipper's stories and history
• Enjoy prosecco aperitif and snacks
• Take photos of lake and villas
• Experience intimate small group tour

Top questions

How long does the Lake Como shared boat tour last?

The shared boat tour lasts approximately one hour on Lake Como.

Is prosecco included during the Lake Como boat ride?

Yes, prosecco is served onboard along with typical local snacks during the tour.

Which villas will we see during this Lake Como boat trip?

You’ll pass by historic villas such as Villa Olmo, Villa d’Este, Villa Cademartori, Villa Le Fontanelle, Villa Pizzo, Villa Erba, among others.

Does this Lake Como tour include a guide?

Yes, an Italian-English speaking guide (the skipper) accompanies you throughout the trip.

Where does the Lake Como shared boat tour depart from?

The tour departs from Como city harbor on Lake Como’s eastern shore.

Are drinks other than prosecco available onboard?

Coke, lemon soda, and water are also available during the cruise.

Is this Lake Como boat tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are infants allowed on this shared boat tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during the journey.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Como harbor with a small group for a guided cruise past historic villas like Olmo and d’Este; enjoy glasses of prosecco plus Coke or lemon soda alongside local snacks as your Italian-English skipper shares stories before returning to port after about an hour on Lake Como.