Tour Details
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Villa Carlotta
- Villa Balbianello
- Bellagio
Photos & Highlights
- Experience Lake Como in ultimate luxury with a private boat and a hassle-free, professionally planned itinerary
- Visit the most exclusive and breathtaking villas, such as Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, while soaking in the fresh lake air and expert insights
Select a date
Tour Description
Enjoy Lake Como in total luxury with this full-day VIP experience from start to finish. Cruise across the lake on a luxury Italian speedboat, exploring the most beautiful lakeside towns and villas, including Bellagio, Cernobbio, and Tremezzo.
Along the way, you will explore iconic landmarks like the gardens of Villa Balbianello, a famous Hollywood film location, and the elegant Villa Carlotta, home to breathtaking gardens and art. With a local expert guiding the way, learn about Como’s rich history—from its Roman trade roots to its rise as a celebrity retreat—while enjoying a stress-free, curated experience.
Meet Your Expert
Giacomo has a degree in Preservation of Cultural Heritage with a specialization in Medieval Art. After an internship at Handel House Museum in London UK, he returned to Italy working as a professional translator. Since 2005 is a professional tour guide in Milano. Deeply in love with his city he likes to unveil her secret charm. He enjoys uncovering hidden stories of the most important monuments, to understand why figures from the past built them and how they looked at them. He loves to share lesser-known spots even locals do not know and is always looking for new places for the best gelato, food and drinks.
Your journey begins in Cernobbio, a little town of pastel villas on the shimmering lake, where you will meet your expert guide and board your private luxury Italian speedboat, reserved just for you—no crowded ferries, no waiting in lines.
Cruising along the lake like a movie star, you will admire the dramatic green hills, picturesque towns, and some of Como’s most exclusive villas, including Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, and Villa Oleandra. You will stop for a guided visit to the gardens of Villa Balbianello, known for having been the background of famous films.
You will disembark in Bellagio, where you’ll have free time to wander the charming streets, and enjoy a handpicked local restaurant away from tourist traps.
Next, you will visit Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, getting a glimpse into Como’s aristocratic past in the stunning botanical gardens and neoclassical art.
- You want a stress-free, VIP experience with all logistics handled, from private transportation to an expertly curated itinerary.
- You want to avoid crowded public boats and enjoy an exclusive luxury speedboat, allowing for flexibility and comfort.
- You’re unsure where to go and want expert guidance to show you the best of Lake Como without missing hidden gems.
- You love special, one-of-a-kind experiences and want to visit iconic villas, private gardens, and scenic towns at your own pace.
This tour includes a private Italian speedboat for 3 hours, entry tickets to Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta, and an expert local guide for the entire day.
Transportation
This tour does not include any private transportation from hotels or surrounding towns. However, we’re happy to provide a personalized quote if you need a car service—just share your address when booking.
- We are staying in the Como City Center. Can we start the tour from here? Yes! If you're staying in Como, the guide can meet you at a boat dock in Como instead of Cernobbio, and we’ll start the tour from there. Just leave us a note at checkout.
- We are staying in an hotel in the Lake Area, but not in the Como City Center. Can we be picked up from our hotel? We try to accommodate as many pickups as possible, but additional costs may apply depending on your location. Please reach out to us or leave a note at checkout, and we’ll provide a custom quote to best accommodate your request.
Venues
- Cernobbio – A charming lakeside town known for its stunning villas and upscale atmosphere.
- Villa Balbianello – A famous lakeside estate with terraced gardens and an iconic Hollywood film backdrop.
- Bellagio – The "Pearl of Lake Como," with charming streets, boutique shops, and breathtaking lake views.
- Villa Carlotta – A grand 17th-century villa with beautiful gardens and remarkable art collections.
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How far is Lake Como from Milan?
Lake Como is approximately 1.5 hours from Milan by private car. The tour includes private, air-conditioned transportation for a comfortable and direct journey to and from the lake. -
How long is this experience? Can we shorten the tour?
This tour lasts a full day, but we are happy to customize the itinerary to fit your schedule. If you prefer a shorter experience, simply let us know at checkout, and we can adjust the tour, including the 3-hour private boat ride and stop in Bellagio, to meet your preferences. -
Where will we eat? Is lunch included?
Lunch will be in Bellagio, where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. While lunch is not included, your guide will offer recommendations for local restaurants, and then give you privacy to enjoy your meal independently. - Can we book this tour if we are a group of more than four? This tour has a very limited maximum capacity due to the availability of larger boats. However, we are happy to consider and provide a custom quote for bigger groups on a case-by-case basis. Please leave us a note at checkout, and we will do our best to accommodate your group.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This Lake Como itinerary involves significant movement, and a long day across multiple transportation methods, making it a challenging experience for those with mobility issues. While some accessible options exist, they come with limitations. Private accessible boats are available but can be difficult to confirm, and a small degree of mobility (such as the ability to take a few assisted steps) is necessary for boarding. Villa Balbianello has steep gravel paths and a difficult-to-access dock. Bellagio’s medieval streets are uneven, though its dock is accessible. Villa Carlotta is partially accessible. Public boats are generally accessible, but limitations may still apply.
If you have mobility concerns and are considering this tour, we encourage you to contact us to discuss possible modifications. However, please keep in mind that this remains a demanding itinerary and may not be suitable for everyone.
If you have mobility concerns and are considering this tour, we encourage you to contact us to discuss possible modifications. However, please keep in mind that this remains a demanding itinerary and may not be suitable for everyone.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
