How long is the tour?

The ASDEC Gran Tour - Southern Experience runs approximately six hours and departs from southern Lake Como meeting points.

A lakeside tasting of local specialties is included as part of the experience; confirm details and any dietary restrictions when you book.

Can I swim during the tour?

Depending on conditions and local regulations, guides may offer a short swim stop at quieter anchorages; ask at check-in.

Is the Cantiere Ernesto Riva visit hands-on?

The stop is an observational visit focused on traditional boatbuilding craft and workshop viewing, not a hands-on workshop.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?

The tour is family-friendly but involves boat boarding and short walks; consider mobility and bring appropriate footwear for docks and terraces.

ASDEC Gran Tour - Southern Lake Como: Villas, Boatbuilding & Lakeside Tasting

Q: Where do I meet the boat?

Meeting points include Cernobbio, Torno, Moltrasio, Il Sereno, Mandarin Oriental, Villa Lario, Villa d'Este, and Faggeto Lario; confirm exact pickup when booking.

Lake Como's southern arm opens like a cool blue stage beneath the green flank of the Alps, and the ASDEC Gran Tour - Southern Experience is the kind of six-hour passage that turns a shoreline into a story. Operating from southern Lake Como with meeting points at Cernobbio, Torno, Moltrasio, Il Sereno, Mandarin Oriental, Villa Lario, Villa d'Este, and Faggeto Lario, this curated boat charter pairs calm cruising with cultural stops and a lakeside tasting. The itinerary strings together the region's high notes, the manicured gardens and grand façade of Grand Hotel Villa d'Este, a working visit to Cantiere Ernesto Riva to watch traditional boatbuilding craft, and a landing at Villa del Balbianello to stroll its terraces above the water. The route follows a glacially carved basin bordered by steep wooded slopes, olive terraces, and avenues of plane and cypress, with the pointed ridges of the Lombardy Alps framing the horizon. That mix of geology and human design is what makes southern Lake Como distinct, deep water hugged by elegant villas and boatyards that keep a living maritime culture. Onboard, expect a relaxed rhythm. Time at the docks is balanced with open-water cruising, and a private tasting ashore highlights local cheeses, cured meats, and small-batch olive oil. The Cantiere Ernesto Riva stop is the trip's technical heartbeat, centuries-old joinery and varnish routines that explain why woodcraft remains central here. Photography opportunities arrive constantly, from the villa-studded shoreline to reflections of pastel facades on glassy water. This experience works for travelers who want a textured, accessible view of Lake Como. It's not a high-octane adventure but a deep local introduction, culinary notes, architectural context, and backstage access to Italian boatbuilding. Guides explain historical threads, Villa del Balbianello's 18th-century gardens and Villa d'Este's long hospitality tradition, and point out conservation efforts to protect the lake's water quality and age-old shorelines. Practical details: the tour is six hours; meeting points are in southern Lake Como (see meeting list). Bring sun protection, sturdy shoes for short landings, and a light jacket for open-water breeze. Small groups and scheduled departures make it easy to add this to a Como itinerary as a single, memorable day. For anyone who wants Lake Como beyond postcards, a day of boats, craft, and quiet tastings, the ASDEC Gran Tour is an efficient, elegant way to see it. Booking through the listed referral link secures a private or small-group vessel and often includes local-hosted tastings; confirm dietary needs in advance. Expect easy boarding from lakefront docks, and ask guides about quiet anchorages for a swim or a short guided garden walk, those small pauses often become the trip's most lasting moments. Bring a charged camera. Wear polarized sunglasses for reflections.

About Como Classic Boats

Como Classic Boats operates private boat tours on Lake Como, offering curated experiences aboard classic Riva motorboats, vintage-style Venetian limousines and charming vaporina vessels. The company provides a range of guided trips — from three-hour La Dolce Vita cruises to six-hour Wonder Lake journeys — that visit iconic lakeside villas and scenic highlights.

Each tour is led by a dedicated, expert captain who provides commentary on local history, villas and landmarks. Popular visit points listed in trip descriptions include Villa D’Este, Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s residence), Villa del Balbianello, Comacina Island and the Roman bridge at Nesso. Many experiences include complimentary Prosecco, personalized stop options and optional lakeside restaurant lunch stops for longer itineraries.

Como Classic Boats offers themed itineraries such as the 007 Tour, Romance and Sunset cruises, as well as Gran Turismo and The Village options. The fleet and trip names indicate a focus on authentic, high-quality vintage boat experiences tailored for couples, families and small groups seeking photographic scenery, private charters and cultural sightseeing.

Reservations are available for private charters of varying durations and themes, and the company emphasizes personalized service and safety. Trip summaries specify tour lengths, highlights and onboard amenities so guests can choose tours that match their interests. By combining classic boats, local expertise and curated routes, Como Classic Boats presents a direct way to explore Lake Como’s villas, villages and alpine views through private, guided boat experiences.

Booking details, availability and specific boat assignments are listed in each tour description for immediate planning.

ASDEC Gran Tour - Southern Lake Como: Villas, Boatbuilding & Lakeside Tasting

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