Boat tour on Lake Como 2 hours

Explore Lake Como with a 2-Hour Private Boat Tour on a Comfortable Bertram 31

A 2-hour boat tour on Lake Como offers a flexible and personalized experience, departing from a location of your choice. Priced at $694.09 per group (up to 8 people), this private adventure provides an intimate way to discover some of the most beautiful sights on the lake. The tour is highly booked, averaging 67 days in advance, which shows its popularity among travelers seeking an exclusive, customizable experience.

Led by Captain Alessandro, an experienced guide proud of his local knowledge, this trip focuses on visiting villas, scenic villages, and historic sites. The boat itself is designed for comfort with large sunbathing areas, a covered space for shade, a cabin for changing, and amenities like an electric toilet and two single beds. It’s perfect for families or groups of friends wanting a relaxing yet informative cruise.

While this tour offers plenty of highlights, note that the itinerary adapts to your preferences, allowing stops at various points of interest or swimming opportunities. The most appealing aspect is the fully customizable nature of the trip, making each outing unique. However, since the boat departs from a location of your choosing, travelers should plan ahead to coordinate logistics.

Key Points

• Private, customizable 2-hour boat tour on Lake Como with a maximum of 8 people
• Led by Captain Alessandro, known for his local knowledge and friendly approach
• Visit iconic sites such as Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa d’Este, and Villa Balbianello
• Stops include Orrido di Nesso, Cernobbio, Como, Isola Comacina, Blevio, Laglio, and more
• The boat features large sunbathing areas, a covered zone, a cabin, and amenities
• Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance

The Comfort and Style of the Bertram 31 Boat

The boat used for this tour is a Bertram 31, renowned for its comfort and stability on the water. Its spacious layout makes it suitable for relaxed sightseeing and socializing. Passengers enjoy ample sunbathing areas to soak in the views or relax during the cruise. During hotter hours, the covered area provides a shaded spot to stay cool.

Inside the boat, travelers find a cozy cabin for changing clothes, alongside an electric toilet for convenience. The two single beds offer additional space if needed, making the boat ideal for a laid-back day on the lake. The design ensures comfort without sacrificing ease of access, and the modern amenities contribute to a smooth experience.

The boat’s layout and onboard features are praised for enhancing the overall trip, making it enjoyable for families or groups of friends. The professional crew attends to safety and comfort, ensuring a relaxing day on Lake Como.

Captain Alessandro: Knowledgeable and Friendly

Captain Alessandro stands out as a key part of this experience. His local expertise and pride in his home shine through during the tour. He guides guests through the most scenic parts of the lake, explaining the history and stories behind each villa and village.

Guests appreciate Alessandro’s proud storytelling and his readiness to stop for a swim or a drink, adding a personal touch to the journey. His safe navigation and attentiveness to the group’s needs contribute to a worry-free experience. The friendly atmosphere created by Alessandro makes the entire cruise feel less like a tour and more like a day with a knowledgeable friend.

Visiting Orrido di Nesso: The Waterfall and Small Village

The first stop on the tour is Orrido di Nesso, a charming small village between Como and Bellagio. Here, two streams converge, creating a 200-meter waterfall that flows into Lake Como. The admission is free, and visitors can enjoy a brief 10-minute visit to observe this natural feature.

This spot offers a picturesque view of a peaceful village setting combined with the impressive waterfall. It provides a quick but memorable glimpse of Lake Como’s natural beauty, perfect for photos or a moment of serenity before continuing the cruise.

Discovering Villa Pliniana and Villa Erba at Cernobbio

The tour includes stops at two of Lake Como’s most distinguished villas: Villa Pliniana and Villa Erba.

Villa Pliniana is a historic villa inspired by the naturalists Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger. While the tour doesn’t include an admission, viewing this luxurious 16th-century mansion from the water offers a sense of its grandeur and significance.

Next, at Cernobbio, travelers see Villa Erba, built in the early 1900s by the noble Erba family. Surrounded by a vast park, the villa now functions as an exhibition center. Adjacent to it is Villa d’Este, a famous 5-star hotel that exudes classic Italian elegance. While these villas aren’t open for touring, their exteriors are breathtaking and provide perfect photo opportunities.

The 10-minute stops at Cernobbio allow for a quick appreciation of its luxurious architecture and lakeside charm.

Exploring Como, the Main City on Lake Como

Como serves as the natural starting point for many visitors exploring Lake Como, and this tour makes a brief 10-minute visit to the city. Known for its historic streets and views from Brunate, Como offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

On the water, the narrow streets of Como’s historic center are visible, along with walks along the lake’s edge. The viewpoint from Brunate, accessible by funicular, provides a panoramic perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains, though this is outside the boat stop itself.

While only a short visit, viewing Como from the water highlights its role as the main hub and one of the most recognizable spots on Lake Como.

Visiting Isola Comacina: The Lake’s Only Island

One of the tour’s highlights is a 20-minute stop at Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como. Located off Ossuccio, this island has a history of resistance during the Lombard invasion and remains a notable historical site.

Though the tour doesn’t include entry to the island’s buildings, the stop offers a chance to see the island’s natural beauty and historical significance from the water. It’s an interesting spot for photographs and a quick exploration of Lake Como’s unique geography.

Small Villages of Blevio, Torno, and Laglio

The tour also covers Blevio and Torno, two small villages on the western side of the lake. Blevio’s banks are lined with historic villas serving as residences, hotels, or private properties.

Torno remains less touristy than Bellagio and Varenna, making it appealing for those seeking a more authentic local experience. The 10-minute stops allow for quick glimpses of these peaceful lakeside communities.

Similarly, Laglio, along with Moltrasio and Carate Urio, features various villas and gardens visible from the water. These spots are ideal for relaxing and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Lake Como away from more crowded areas.

Visiting Villa del Balbianello: The Iconic Lakeside Villa

The final highlight is Villa Balbianello, renowned for its spectacular architecture and breathtaking lake views. Once home to cardinals and noble families, the villa is now managed by the FAI and accessible every day except Mondays and Wednesdays.

Guests can visit on foot from Lenno, or by shuttle or private boat. The villa has gained fame from being featured in Star Wars and Casino Royale films, adding to its allure. The 10-minute stop offers an opportunity to admire its beautiful gardens and architecture, although entry tickets are not included in the tour.

This stop is a visual feast and a perfect end to the cruise, providing a memorable photo moment and a sense of Lake Como’s grandeur.

Practical Details and Booking Insights

This private tour guarantees exclusivity, with only your group participating. The tour confirmation is immediate, and service animals are allowed. Since the tour departs from a location of your choosing, transportation logistics are flexible.

The tour costs $694.09 for up to 8 guests, making it an affordable option for groups seeking a personalized experience. Most travelers book about two months in advance, highlighting the tour’s popularity.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours beforehand, giving flexibility if plans change. The tour includes all transportation within the 2-hour duration, making it a convenient way to see Lake Como’s highlights efficiently.

Final Thoughts on the Lake Como Private Boat Experience

This 2-hour private boat tour offers a luxurious and flexible way to explore Lake Como’s most iconic sights. The comfortable Bertram 31 boat, combined with the expert guidance of Captain Alessandro, ensures a relaxing and informative experience.

While the tour emphasizes customization and scenic beauty, it’s most suited for those who want to see a variety of villas, villages, and historic sites without long stops. The short duration makes it a perfect addition to a day of exploring or a relaxing afternoon on the water.

This tour balances comfort and exclusivity, making it an excellent choice for families, friends, or couples wanting a personalized taste of Lake Como’s charm. The stunning views, knowledgeable guide, and customizable itinerary make it a memorable way to discover Italy’s beloved lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of $694.09?
The price covers the private boat, the guided experience led by Captain Alessandro, and all onboard amenities for your group of up to 8 people.

Can I customize the stops during the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully customizable, allowing you to choose which sites to visit or focus on specific interests like villas, villages, or swimming.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the boat is comfortable and has amenities like a cabin and electric toilet, making it suitable for families.

How long in advance should I book?
Most bookings occur about 67 days ahead, so early planning is recommended to secure your preferred date.

Are there any additional costs for visiting villas or sites?
No, the stops at villas like Villa Pliniana or Villa Balbianello are viewed from the water and do not include entrance fees.

What are the main highlights of the tour?
Highlights include Orrido di Nesso waterfall, Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Como city, Isola Comacina, and Villa Balbianello.

Is the boat accessible for those with mobility issues?
The information provided does not specify accessibility features; it’s best to inquire directly with the provider.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

What makes this tour stand out from others on Lake Como?
The tour’s private, customizable nature, combined with the comfortable boat and knowledgeable captain, makes it a flexible and enjoyable way to experience Lake Como.

Is transportation to the departure point included?
The tour departs from a place of your choosing, so transportation arrangements should be made separately if needed.