Private Boat Tour from Varenna: Lake Como Villas by Powerboat

One hour on the water sees five landmark villas and the village where three branches of the lake meet.

A private powerboat tour from Varenna on Lake Como lasting one hour, with two captains who speak English, Spanish, French, German and Italian. The boat passes Villa Balbianello (the Star Wars and James Bond filming location), Villa Melzi Gardens (one of Italy's finest botanical parks), Villa Monastero with its two-kilometre garden, Bellagio village, and Punta Spartivento where the lake divides into three arms. Bottled water, snacks, Wi-Fi and Italian Prosecco for adults are included. The tour operates year-round and suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour on Lake Como

• Depart from Varenna by powerboat
• Sail past Villa Cipressi and Instagram spot
• Pass Villa Monastero and its gardens
• View Villa Balbianello and movie sets
• Admire Villa Melzi Gardens from lake
• See Villa Carlotta and azalea gardens
• Pass Belle Epoque residences and Grand Hotel Tremezzo
• View Villa Serbelloni and park
• Pass Villa Margherita Ricordi and Grand Hotel Cadenabbia
• See village church and Villa La Placida gardens
• Pass Punta Spartivento lake tip
• View Bellagio village and promenade

The experience

The tour departs from Varenna in a comfortable powerboat captained by Hellen and Vol, who navigate the lake's most photographed estates and gardens. You pass Villa Balbianello first (the promontory villa used as a set for Casino Royale and Star Wars), then sail past Villa Monastero, whose gardens stretch two kilometres along the shore with a museum inside. Villa Melzi Gardens, one of Italy's finest botanical parks and home to the Duke of Lodi's neoclassical villa, unfolds from the water with views the shore cannot match.

The route also takes in Villa Carlotta with its famous azalea gardens, the Belle Époque villas and Grand Hotel Tremezzo (where Taylor Swift stayed), Villa Serbelloni and its park, and Villa Margherita Ricordi where Verdi composed La Traviata. The boat reaches Punta Spartivento, the rocky point that divides Lake Como into three branches, before passing Bellagio's waterfront promenade and narrow streets. The captains speak five languages between them and can answer questions about the estates, the lake's history and the villages as you pass.

Bottled water, soft drinks, snacks and Italian Prosecco (for passengers 18 and over) are served aboard. Wi-Fi is available. The one-hour duration is allocated to passing the attractions. The boat does not stop for entry to the villas or gardens, which are viewed from the water. You can book a one-hour tour, a two-hour tour, or the one-hour option for groups of four or more.

What’s included

• Private powerboat with two captains.
• bottled water and soft drinks.
• Italian Prosecco for adults 18 and over.
• snacks.
• Wi-Fi.
• commentary in English, Spanish, French, German or Italian.

Options for this experience

3 options

One-hour private boat tourUp to 4 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 10 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 18:30Length: 1 hour

Additional hour for groups of more than 4 peopleUp to 7 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 10 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 18:30

Private boat tour lasting 2 hoursUp to 7 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · 8 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 17:30Length: 2 hours

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Thursday and Sunday10 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 18:30

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German and Italian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mylariosaurus

Is this one for you?Book the one-hour tour if you want the main villas and Bellagio in a single morning or afternoon. The two-hour option gives you time to linger at each stop and explore the smaller estates and villages the shorter route passes more quickly.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Villa Balbianello and why is it famous?

Villa Balbianello is a lakeside estate on a promontory near Lenno that served as a filming location for the James Bond film Casino Royale and the Star Wars franchise. The boat passes close enough to see its park and buildings from the water.

Can I get off the boat to explore the villas and gardens?

No. The tour is a boat-based viewing of the villas and gardens from the water. The one-hour duration covers passing the attractions. The boat does not dock for entry to any of them.

Is alcohol included, and are there age restrictions?

Italian Prosecco is included for passengers aged 18 and over. Bottled water, soft drinks and snacks are available for all ages.

How long is the tour, and can I book a longer version?

The standard tour lasts one hour. A two-hour private boat tour is also available if you want more time on the water, and a one-hour option is offered for groups of four or more passengers.