Lake Como Cruise & Tour of Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio
Description
Experience Lake Como's most celebrated villages on a premium small-group tour with maximum ten guests. Board a private boat reserved exclusively for your group and cruise to Varenna and Bellagio—two timeless lakeside villages known for colorful architecture, stone pathways, and mountain views. In Varenna, explore Villa Monastero, a historic estate famous for its botanical gardens along the waterfront. Walk beneath ancient trees, enjoy lake views from terraced paths, and discover one of Italy's most elegant properties. After free time for lunch, cross to Bellagio. Explore quiet alleys, local shops, and scenic viewpoints with your expert guide. Throughout the day, your professional guide shares stories and insider knowledge via whisper audio system, ensuring every guest hears clearly. Villa Monastero admission, private boat transport, and expert guidance are included. This is Lake Como as it was meant to be discovered: thoughtfully paced, beautifully presented, and genuinely memorable.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Meet your guide at Piazza Cavour 26, Como. After a short briefing, aboard and begin your journey. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
Enjoy a panoramic cruise aboard a private boat reserved exclusively for your group, passing mountain landscapes, elegant villas, and colorful villages while your guide introduces Lake Como’s history and culture.
Visit Varenna and Villa Monastero, a graceful lakeside estate famous for its terraced botanical gardens, exotic plants, and elegant architectural details. We’ll walk along its panoramic promenade that follows the water’s edge, passing cypress-lined pathways, marble balustrades, and quiet corners perfect for photos. It’s a slow, beautiful moment to simply breathe in Lake Como.
Cross the lake to Bellagio. We will use the public ferry for this 20 min. transfer
Enjoy free time for lunch in Bellagio at your own expense. Your guide will recommend selected local restaurants and make the reservation for you.
Experience the charm of Bellagio in a concise one-hour guided tour. This tour offers a quick yet enriching exploration of Bellagio's picturesque streets, stunning lakeside views, and vibrant floral displays. You'll wander through the historical heart of the town, discovering hidden gems and iconic spots such as the bustling Piazza San Giacomo and the serene lakeside promenade.
Free time.
Board the boat for the tranquil journey back to Como, watching the afternoon light shimmer on the lake and mountains—a calm ending to a beautiful day.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Please note: Due to the very high operational costs, a minimum number of 4 participants is required for the tour to operate. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you the day before the tour, an alternative tour or date will be offered, or a full refund provided.
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended. Flip-flops, open sandals, and smooth-soled shoes are not advised.
- Active boat tour — not suitable for anyone with mobility, balance, cardiovascular, or back issues.
Reviews(304)
- Tour guide (Enrico)was awesome - some steep climbs -beautiful, scenic boat ride and sites - highly recommend
The team was fantastic! Initially, the wind was not cooperating so we had to pivot and take the ferry out for a portion of the travel. However, our guide, Ricardo, traveled with us and gave us information on attractions up the lake. He was a wealth of knowledge and made the ferry ride go quickly. As soon as we were able, we disembarked and enjoyed the rest of the trip on the 10-person private boat. The views were incredible! We had time to visit both Veranna and Bellagio. No complaints. Worth every penny. Note - there is walking involved. If you are unsteady on your feet or unable to easily climb steps, I’d recommend another tour.
Thank you very much for your fantastic review. We are glad that, despite the wind at the beginning, the alternative ferry transfer worked well and that Ricardo was able to make that part of the journey interesting and enjoyable. We always try to adapt the itinerary in the safest and best possible way, and we are happy that you could still enjoy the private boat experience, Varenna, and Bellagio. Thank you also for mentioning the walking involved. It is useful information for future guests. It was a pleasure having you with us on Lake Como, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
In 11 hours, the only thing to do is wait for the boat, travel, and walk around aimlessly to return in an hour at each place. Explanations 0. The communicator
Teresita, this review is about a different operator. 11-hour duration, Spanish-speaking guide, guests left alone at stops — none of these match our tour. Milan coach day-trip, multilingual tour? Our tour runs 7–8 hours from Como, in English, with the guide always present. Reported to Tripadvisor.
Beautiful place and tour guide Michelle was fantastic unfortunately rain all day but we have a lot of fun
Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you still had a wonderful time despite the rain—it sounds like you made the most of every moment. Your enthusiasm truly brightens even the greyest days! ☀️💦🌿 Wishing you clear skies and smooth travels ahead! 🛥️🛍️🌤️
A fabulous experience The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable friendly and went above and beyond to make sure our tour was exceptional I would not hesitate to recommend this tour and the tour guide to anyone who may be considering taking the tour It was conducted in a most professional manner and with exceptional knowledge of the subject The tour guide also provided extra information to make our stay in Como even more enjoyable
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear you had such a fabulous experience and that everything exceeded your expectations. It’s especially rewarding to know that the attention to detail and professionalism made your time on Lake Como truly special. Your recommendation means a lot — we hope your memories of the lake stay bright for years to come. 🌅🛶✨ Wishing you many more beautiful adventures ahead!
Francesca was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. Beautiful views and crisp day. Relaxed pace. Toured Lenno instead of Varenna
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful views and the relaxed pace of the day. Even with the itinerary change, it’s wonderful to know you had a memorable experience exploring Lenno and its charm. Wishing you many more days filled with stunning scenery and great adventures! 🌿🛶✨
Ricardo was an amazing guide. Highly recommend. He was very knowledgeable about the history and answered all of our questions. The ferry was a great chance to take pictures as well.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the insights shared throughout the day. It’s wonderful that you also made the most of the ferry ride to capture Lake Como’s stunning views. Wishing you many more picture-perfect moments on your future travels! 📸🌿🚤
Guide was incredibly knowledgeable in archetecture, history, archeology and changing local customs. Fabulous
Thank you so much for your outstanding feedback! We’re delighted to hear how much you appreciated the depth of insight into architecture, history, archaeology, and local traditions. It’s wonderful to know the experience left such a strong impression. Wishing you many more journeys filled with discovery and delight! 🌿🏞️📚
Everything was superb from the meeting in the square to getting back to Como. Our guide spoke perfect English and had individual headsets so we could hear him well. He was so knowledgable and shared so much info. Agreed a few minutes it felt like we were out touring with friends. Recommend this tour so much!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that every part of your day — from the warm welcome in the square to your return to Como — was seamless and enjoyable. It’s great to know you appreciated the clear communication and friendly atmosphere throughout the experience. Wishing you many more unforgettable adventures ahead! 🌅🛳️✨
Our guide was wonderful- she was ftom Milan and was very kind and lively and gave us lots of good information. I loved visiting the villa and having a fabulous lunch!
Thank you for your lovely review! It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the day, especially the villa visit and that memorable lunch. We’re so glad the guide’s energy and insights made your experience even more special. Wishing you many more delightful adventures ahead! 🌞🛥️🍋
