Experience on Lake Como and in the city

Explore Como City and Lake Como in Just Two Hours

This tour, priced at $84.15 per person, offers a quick yet comprehensive way to experience the highlights of Como city and Lake Como. It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want a curated overview of this scenic area. The journey begins in Piazza Roma and concludes at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, with transport provided by a modern electric golf cart and a Venetian taxi boat.

A key feature is the multilingual audio guide in seven languages, including Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese. This tour is suitable for most ages, with a minimum age of 6 years, and accommodates up to 7 travelers, ensuring a relaxed group setting. While the experience is praised for its interesting commentary and scenic views, some reviews note that content quality can vary.

Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours combining city and lake experiences
• Transport: Electric golf cart and Venetian taxi boat included
• Starting point: Piazza Roma, ending at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti
• Highlights: Iconic landmarks, lakeside villas, and scenic water views
• Audio guide: Available in 7 languages for rich contextual information
• Price: $84.15 per person with flexible cancellation options

Starting at Piazza Roma in Como Center

The tour kicks off at Piazza Roma, a bustling spot in the heart of Como’s historic district. This location is close to the Duomo and the lakefront, offering easy access via public transportation. The gathering point ensures smooth check-in before boarding the electric golf cart, which whisks visitors through the city’s most notable sights.

From the outset, the guides provide commentary that covers the city’s history, curiosities, and cultural highlights. The golf cart offer a comfortable, eco-friendly ride, making it easy to explore the narrow streets and charming corners without tiring. The small group size helps keep the experience intimate and engaging.

Touring Como’s Historic Center and Major Landmarks

The first stop is Piazza Roma, where the tour begins with an overview of the area’s vibrant atmosphere. Next, the Monumento Ai Caduti pays tribute to those who lost their lives in World War I, offering a moment of reflection in the middle of the city.

The pass-by stops include Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, a notable sports stadium, and the Rowing Lario G. Sinigaglia, one of the city’s key sports facilities. The Yacht Club Como M.I.La. C.V.C. highlights Como’s nautical culture, while the Aero Club stands out as the oldest certified hydro flying club in the world. These landmarks give a glimpse into Como’s diverse sporting and nautical history.

Exploring Como’s Architectural and Cultural Gems

The tour continues with visits to Piazza Alessandro Volta, a lively square named after the inventor of the electric battery, and the Porta Torre, a striking medieval tower that symbolizes Como’s defensive past. The Casa del Fascio and Teatro Sociale showcase architectural and cultural history, with the former noted for its rationalist design and the latter for its significance in northern Italy’s theatrical scene.

The Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, or Duomo di Como, offers a stunning view of the 1300s cathedral from a vantage point during the tour. The guides share insights into these structures, making the stops more than just visual experiences.

Transitioning from City to Water: Villa Views and the Boat Ride

At Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, the golf cart journey concludes, and visitors disembark to board the Venetian taxi boat. This shift from land to water provides a fresh perspective on Como’s lakeside landscape.

The boat cruise covers numerous lakeside villas and villages, starting with Villa Erba, known for hosting festivals and conferences. The boat then passes Villa Olmo, a famous lakeside villa easily accessible on foot, and Villa d’Este, renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels that has hosted many VIPs.

The scenic water route continues with Villa Pizzo, admired for its elegance and panoramic setting, followed by Villa Le Fontanelle, also called Villa Versace due to its celebrity connections.

Lakeside Villages and Iconic Villas

The boat tour offers a spectacular view of Cernobbio, a charming village known for its picturesque streets, and Villa Pliniana, famed for its beauty and mysterious aura. Passing il Sereno Hotel, a luxury five-star hotel, adds a touch of glamour to the scenery.

Further along, travelers see Torno, a village celebrated for its scenic charm, and the Mandarin Oriental hotel, a symbol of luxury on Lake Como. The boat then approaches Villa Oleandra, popularly called Villa Clooney, the residence of George Clooney—the most famous villa on Lake Como.

The cruise concludes with views of Villa Troubetzkoy, a private residence, and the Life Electric sculpture by Daniel Libeskind, dedicated to Alessandro Volta. The water journey captures the essence of Lake Como’s opulence and natural beauty.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Transport, and Group Size

This tour departs from Piazza Roma and ends at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, with all transportation included. The golf cart and Venetian taxi boat are the main modes of travel, providing a comfortable and scenic way to see both the city and the lake.

The experience is limited to a maximum of 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized feel. Meeting is straightforward, and the tour is near public transportation options, making it easy to access the starting point.

Insights into the Audio Guide and Content

The multilingual audio guide enhances the experience by sharing history, anecdotes, and cultural details in seven languages. While many reviews praise the guide for its engaging content, some note that the information can be shallow or celebrity-focused, which may not appeal to everyone seeking deeper historical insights.

The audio guide is designed to enrich the sightseeing with curiosities and interesting facts, making the tour suitable for those wanting a lively, informative commentary during their ride.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

This tour combines land and water explorations effectively, offering views of iconic villas, historic structures, and scenic lakeside villages. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, and the multilingual commentary makes it accessible to international visitors.

However, some reviews point out that the audio content could be more substantial and that the water tour may be less engaging during busy periods due to crowding or traffic restrictions. The cost is reasonable for the included transport and guided commentary but does not cover entry to monuments or food and drink.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience is ideal for visitors short on time who want a rundown of Como’s highlights. It suits those interested in scenic views, villa architecture, and the lakeside atmosphere. Families with children aged 6 and above will find it manageable, and the small group size enhances interaction.

Travelers who prioritize scenic water views and city highlights in a relaxed format will enjoy this tour. Those seeking deep historical insights or access to interior monuments may find the content somewhat limited.

Final Thoughts on the Como City and Lake Como Tour

The 2-hour Como experience offers a balanced mix of urban and lakeside sights in an accessible, engaging format. With comfortable transport, multilingual audio guides, and the chance to see iconic villas and landmarks, it provides a good introduction to this beautiful region.

While some content may feel light for those craving in-depth history, most will appreciate the scenic views and personalized approach. The tour works well for first-time visitors or those with limited time who want an easy, scenic overview of Como.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
Transport by electric golf cart and Venetian taxi boat, along with a map of the city and multilingual audio guide.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Piazza Roma and finishes at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti in Como.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 2 hours.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, with a minimum age of 6 years.

Are entrance fees to monuments included?
No, entrance fees to the various landmarks are not included.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available with a 24-hour notice.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Seven languages: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese.

How many people can join the tour?
A maximum of 7 travelers allows for an intimate experience.

What should I expect during the boat ride?
Views of lakeside villas, charming villages like Torno and Cernobbio, and landmarks such as Villa Oleandra and Villa Pliniana.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Most praise the guide for their friendly demeanor and ability to share interesting facts, though some feel the content could be deeper.

Can I customize the experience?
Additional services like custom pick-up or drop-off are not included, and the itinerary may vary due to city traffic restrictions.

What is the overall value of this tour?
It offers reasonably priced transport and commentary for a scenic and informative 2-hour experience, especially suited for first-time visitors or those with limited time.