Menaggio, a picturescent town on the banks of Lake Como, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the area’s renowned villas from the comfort of a private boat. This exclusive 2-hour tour whisks guests away on a journey through the heart of Central Lake Como, showcasing iconic landmarks like Villa Carlotta and Villa La Cassinella. With a seasoned captain at the helm, travelers can sit back and soak in the breathtaking scenery, delving into the rich history and captivating charm that make this region a coveted destination. But the true allure of this experience lies in the chance to uncover the hidden gems that lie beyond the typical tourist trail.
Key Points

- A 2-hour private boat tour exploring the villas and towns along the central shores of Lake Como, departing from Menaggio.
- Highlights include guided visits to Villa Carlotta and photo stops at Villa La Cassinella and Villa Melzi Garden.
- The tour features a luxury wooden boat with modern amenities, providing an authentic and comfortable experience.
- Convenient pick-up service from various locations along Lake Como, including Bellagio and Varenna.
- The tour has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on customer reviews praising the scenic views and knowledgeable captain.
Tour Overview

The Menaggio: Villas of Central Lake Como Private Boat Tour is a 2-hour excursion that takes visitors on an immersive journey through the stunning landscapes of Lake Como’s central region.
Priced at $777.31 per group (up to 4 participants), this wheelchair-accessible tour departs and returns to Menaggio. Conducted in English, the experience allows guests to explore renowned villas, picturesque towns, and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights include guided tours of Villa Carlotta, photo stops at Villa La Cassinella and Villa Melzi Garden, and boat cruises past the charming villages of Bellagio and Isola Comacina.
Travelers can take advantage of the tour’s flexible cancellation policy, with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Menaggio.
Itinerary Highlights

This captivating private boat tour offers an array of enchanting highlights, beginning with a guided visit to the exquisite Villa Carlotta, where guests can admire its lush gardens and stunning lakefront vistas.
From there, the journey continues with a 10-minute stop at the impressive Villa del Balbianello, famously featured in films like Star Wars. Participants will then have the chance to capture stunning photos during a 5-minute sightseeing stop at the opulent Villa La Cassinella.
Next, the tour explores the picturesque Isola Comacina, followed by a 10-minute photo stop at the serene Villa Melzi Garden.
The grand finale includes a 10-minute boat cruise and photo opportunity in the charming town of Bellagio.
Boat Details

Fully restored in 2024, the luxury wooden boat used for this tour was originally built in 1969 by the renowned Cadenazzi Aldo boatyard, a famous shipbuilder on Lake Como.
Boasting a classic design and impeccable craftsmanship, this vessel offers a truly authentic experience on the serene waters of the central part of the lake.
Equipped with all the modern amenities, the boat provides a comfortable and private setting for guests to admire the stunning villas and picturesque towns along the shoreline.
With a dedicated captain at the helm, this tour ensures a seamless and enjoyable journey, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the beauty and history of this iconic Italian destination.
Tour Experience

Guests aboard the luxury wooden boat are treated to scenic views of the renowned villas lining the central shores of Lake Como, including the iconic Villa Balbianello featured in the Star Wars films. The tour explores famous towns like Bellagio and Varenna, offering photo opportunities at key sights. The experience is further enhanced by the convenient pick-up service from various locations on Lake Como.
| Highlight | Duration |
|---|---|
| Villa Carlotta | 5 minutes |
| Villa del Balbianello | 10 minutes |
| Villa La Cassinella | 5 minutes |
| Isola Comacina | 10 minutes |
This immersive, private boat tour provides an exclusive and memorable way to discover the captivating villas and charming towns that make Central Lake Como a true gem.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyParticipant Information

Visitors are encouraged to bring a sun hat and sunscreen, and to have a copy of their ID card on hand for the tour.
The luxury wooden boat, fully restored in 2024, provides an exclusive and memorable experience as guests discover the captivating villas and charming towns of Central Lake Como.
During the 2-hour private boat tour, you will have the opportunity to explore iconic sites like Villa Balbianello, Villa Melzi, and the picturesque town of Bellagio.
With a knowledgeable captain at the helm, travelers can relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery while learning about the rich history and architecture of the region.
Pick-up Locations

The tour includes pick-up from various locations on Lake Como, allowing participants to conveniently join the excursion.
Guests can choose to be picked up from:
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Menaggio’s central square, a charming lakeside town known for its historic architecture and bustling promenade.
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Varenna, a picturesque village renowned for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning views of the lake.
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Bellagio, the ‘Pearl of Lake Como,’ where the tour boat will make a photo stop during the excursion.
This flexible pick-up arrangement ensures a seamless start to the Villas of Central Lake Como Private Boat Tour, enabling travelers to easily access the tour from their preferred location along the lake.
Customer Reviews

Travelers’ overwhelmingly positive reviews underscored the tour’s exceptional quality, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 3 evaluations. Customers praised the boat’s beauty, the tour’s overall experience, and the captain’s performance. One reviewer highlighted the "stunning views of the villas" and the "knowledgeable and friendly captain." Another emphasized the "well-organized and smooth" tour, noting that it exceeded their expectations. Guests also appreciated the convenience of the pick-up service from various locations on Lake Como.
| Aspect | Rating |
|---|---|
| Boat | 5/5 |
| Tour | 4/5 |
| Captain | 5/5 |
The consistently high ratings across multiple categories, such as the boat, tour, and captain, demonstrate the tour’s exceptional value and customer satisfaction.
Booking Information
To book the Menaggio: Villas of Central Lake Como Private Boat Tour, customers can choose from a range of options starting at $777.31 per group (up to 4 participants) for the 2-hour experience.
The tour’s accessibility is highlighted, as it’s wheelchair-friendly, and the cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The booking process is straightforward:
- Select the preferred tour date and time.
- Provide the necessary personal and contact information.
- Secure the booking by making the full payment.
Once the booking is confirmed, customers can look forward to a scenic cruise along the central Lake Como, exploring iconic villas and charming towns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Bathroom Available on the Boat?
The boat has a private bathroom on board, allowing passengers to use the facilities during the tour. This provides a comfortable and convenient experience while exploring the scenic vistas of the central Lake Como region.
Can the Boat Accommodate a Group Larger Than 4 People?
The boat can accommodate groups up to 4 participants. For larger groups, a separate boat or tour may be required. Customers should check with the tour operator to confirm the maximum group size and any additional options available.
Does the Tour Include Any Food or Drinks?
The tour does not include any food or drinks. It is a private boat tour focused on sightseeing and exploring the villas and towns around Lake Como. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments.
Can I Take Video or Photos During the Tour?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take video and photos during the tour. However, they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the tour operator or at the sites visited.
How Much Time Is Spent at Each Villa and Location?
The tour spends 5 minutes at Villa Carlotta, 10 minutes at Villa del Balbianello, 5 minutes at Villa La Cassinella, 10 minutes at Isola Comacina, 10 minutes at Villa Melzi Garden, and 10 minutes cruising around Bellagio.
Recap
The Villas of Central Lake Como Private Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the enchanting beauty of Menaggio.
Guests will embark on a luxurious 2-hour journey, exploring iconic villas, including a guided visit to Villa Carlotta, and enjoying breathtaking views and the charm of Lake Como’s picturesque towns.
With a dedicated captain and a beautifully restored wooden boat, this tour provides a seamless and personalized experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
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