From Como: Lugano, Bellagio and Como exclusive Boat Tour

Discover the Charm of Northern Italy and Swiss Elegance for $106.43

The From Como: Lugano, Bellagio, and Como exclusive Boat Tour offers a full-day adventure across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Italy and Switzerland. Priced at $106.43 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour combines scenic drives, charming towns, and relaxing boat trips. It departs from Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Como at 9:00 am, with most bookings made about 58 days in advance.

This tour is perfect for those eager to see Lugano’s lakeside elegance, Bellagio’s iconic villas, and the stunning views of Lake Como. While the journey covers two countries and three cities, it does involve some walking and a busy schedule, making it ideal for travelers comfortable with a full, active day. The tour features local guides, luxury transportation, and free time at key stops—though it’s worth noting that lunch is not included.

Key Points

• Price of $106.43 per person for an 8-hour full-day experience
• Includes scenic bus rides, boat cruises, and free time in Lugano and Bellagio
• Departure from Como at 9:00 am with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
• Passport required due to crossing the Swiss border
• Tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with most bookings made 58 days in advance
• Most travelers can participate, with group size limited to 40

Departure from Como and the Journey to Lugano

The tour begins at Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Como, where guests meet around 9:00 am. From there, a luxury coach takes travelers on a scenic drive through rolling hills and lush landscapes toward the Swiss border. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle is equipped with audio speakers and bottled water to keep everyone refreshed throughout the journey.

The first major stop is Lugano, a lakeside town blending Swiss sophistication with Italian flair. Arriving in Lugano, travelers enjoy free time for about 15 minutes to explore the quaint streets, visit boutiques, relax in lakeside cafes, or indulge in Swiss chocolates. The short duration allows a quick immersion into Lugano’s elegant ambiance, making it a great photo opportunity and cultural break.

Exploring Lugano’s Lakeside Charm

Lugano is a highlight for its refined atmosphere and breathtaking lakeside views. The 15-minute free time offers just enough opportunity to get a sense of the town’s charm—walking along the promenade, admiring the Swiss architecture, or enjoying a quick coffee or chocolate treat. Since no admission tickets are required, the focus remains on soaking in the scenery and soaking up the local vibe.

This stop is ideal for travelers who appreciate compact, picturesque towns with a relaxed pace. Keep in mind that the limited time means no extensive sightseeing, but the glimpse of Lugano’s elegance is enough to leave a lasting impression. After this, the tour continues with a scenic drive to Menaggio.

Scenic Drive to Menaggio and Lake Como Views

The journey from Lugano to Menaggio takes about one hour, passing through verdant countryside dotted with charming villages. This drive highlights the natural beauty of this region, with lush forests and rolling hills framing the roads. The drive itself is part of the experience, giving a sense of the Insubrian landscape that makes this area so visually stunning.

Once in Menaggio, guests enjoy a free hour to stroll through the town. Positioned on Lake Como’s western shore, Menaggio offers a relaxed atmosphere with quaint streets, small piazzas, and lake views. While no specific activities are scheduled here, the time is perfect for a quick walk, a coffee stop, or simply soaking in the lakefront scenery.

Crossing Lake Como to Bellagio by Boat

At the heart of the tour is the iconic boat cruise to Bellagio. Boarding a local ferry, travelers glide across Lake Como’s shimmering waters, passing luxurious villas, gardens, and vibrant villages lining the shoreline. The boat cruise lasts approximately 20 minutes, offering stunning photo opportunities and the chance to appreciate the luxurious lakeside estates from the water.

Boarding the ferry is a highlight for many, as it combines scenic water travel with the experience of crossing from one picturesque town to another. The 20-minute boat ride is included free of charge and provides a relaxed, scenic transition to Bellagio.

Free Time in Bellagio: The Pearl of the Lake

Once in Bellagio, travelers enjoy about 2 hours and 20 minutes of free time to explore this famous town at their own pace. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio offers charming alleyways, beautiful villas, gardens, and lakeside cafes**. Visitors can wander through boutique shops, admire the villas’ architecture, or relax with lunch at a lakeside trattoria.

This stop is ideal for those who appreciate romantic scenery and want to experience the essence of Lake Como. The timing allows for a leisurely walk, photos of the lakeside vistas, or a peaceful moment soaking in the atmosphere. Since no admission tickets are required, the focus remains on enjoying Bellagio’s ambiance.

Afternoon Return with a Lake Como Boat Cruise

In the afternoon, the tour continues with a public cruise back to Como, lasting approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. This enchanting boat ride offers panoramic views of historic villas, green hills, and scattered villages along the lakeshore. It’s a relaxed way to conclude the day, enjoying the changing light and the peaceful waters.

The boat cruise is included in the tour, giving travelers an opportunity to see Lake Como’s beauty from the water one last time before returning to Como. The ride is spacious, making it comfortable even for those who want to move around or take photos during the voyage.

Returning to Como and Wrapping Up the Day

The journey ends back at Hotel Barchetta Excelsior in Como in the early evening. By then, the heart is full of memories of scenic towns, boat rides, and stunning lakeside views. The day’s schedule balances organized sightseeing with enough free time to explore at leisure.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Lake Como’s highlights, Lugano’s Swiss charm, and Bellagio’s romantic atmosphere. The group size, limited to 40 travelers, ensures a comfortable environment without feeling crowded. It’s a convenient option for travelers seeking a full-day guided experience without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, bottled water, and audio speakers to enhance the experience. Lunch is not included, so travelers may want to bring snacks or plan to eat during free time. Most travelers can participate, but a passport is required as the tour crosses the Swiss border.

While reviews generally praise the scenery, guide expertise, and value, some note that time can feel rushed, especially at each stop. The boat cruise offers a less crowded experience compared to regular ferry rides, which is appreciated by many. The guide’s knowledge and passion are often highlighted, making the day both enjoyable and educational.

Final Thoughts on the Como, Lugano, and Bellagio Tour

This tour is a great choice for those wanting to see multiple scenic spots in one full day. The combination of bus rides, boat cruises, and free time at iconic locations makes for a balanced experience. The price point of $106.43 offers good value considering the included transportation and activities.

The main limitations are the short time at each stop and the necessity of walking in some areas. Travelers should be prepared for a busy day, but those who enjoy scenic drives, lake cruises, and picturesque towns will find it rewarding. This tour suits active travelers who want to see both Italy and Switzerland without the need to plan complex logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a passport required for this tour?
Yes, a passport is necessary because the tour crosses the Swiss border into Lugano.

What is included in the tour price?
The price includes transportation, boat cruises, and free time at key stops. Lunch is not included.

How long is the boat cruise from Bellagio back to Como?
The boat cruise lasts approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and offers scenic views of the lakeshore.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring passport, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and any personal items needed for a full day.

What is the tour’s departure time?
The tour departs from Hotel Barchetta Excelsior at 9:00 am daily.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 58 days in advance, but availability may vary.

Are there any accessibility considerations?
Most travelers can participate, but walking is involved during stops and at various locations.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers can choose to dine at free time in Bellagio or bring snacks.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 40 travelers for a comfortable experience.

What do reviewers say about the guide?
Reviews highlight guides as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate—particularly praising Andrea’s storytelling.

Can I expect crowded boat rides?
The private boat used during the cruise is less crowded than typical ferries, allowing more space for photos and movement.

This tour offers a rich mix of scenery, culture, and relaxation—perfect for those wanting to experience Lake Como and beyond in one well-organized day.