Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch reservation is included, but meals and drinks at the restaurant are paid separately.

Are the boats wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility details vary; please contact the operator directly to confirm arrangements.

Can I choose the boat type when booking?

Yes, you can select between the E26 Classic and Venetian Limousine during the booking process.

Is the villa visit fully private?

Yes, the guided tour of Villa Balbianello is exclusively private, separate from public group tours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour duration is approximately 6 hours, with flexible start times based on your chosen pickup location.

Are beverages included on the boat?

Water and prosecco are provided onboard for your enjoyment during the cruise.

Luxurious Private Boat Tour and Villa Balbianello Experience on Lake Como | Sightseeing Tour | Guided Tour

Lake Como, located in the heart of Lombardia, Italy, offers some of the most breathtaking natural and architectural sights in Europe. This exclusive private boat tour combines the serenity of gliding across crystal-clear waters with an immersive visit to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: Villa Balbianello. A day on Lake Como promises romance, history, and refined indulgence all wrapped into one unforgettable adventure. Your journey begins as you board your private boat, choosing between the sleek E26 Classic or the elegant Venetian Limousine — each vessel radiates its own understated charm and promises a smooth, stylish visit across the lake. As you cruise, soak in panoramic views of notable villas, manicured gardens, and charming lakeside towns like Bellagio and Varenna, whose colorful facades perch on hillsides rising dramatically from the water. The centerpiece of this voyage is the exclusive private guided tour of Villa Balbianello, perched on a promontory overlooking Lake Como’s shimmering surface. Unlike other visits that rush groups through, this private access allows you to linger inside the historic rooms and gardens at your own pace. Step inside the explorer Guido Monzino’s former home and marvel at his extensive collection of artifacts, maps, and expedition memorabilia. The villa’s architecture and meticulously maintained gardens frame iconic lake views and whisper stories of Italy’s aristocratic and artistic past. After absorbing the villa’s elegance and history, your day continues with a carefully selected lunch at a picturesque lakeside restaurant. Here, you’ll savor authentic Italian cuisine — fresh, regional ingredients expertly crafted into gourmet dishes — all accompanied by the tranquil backdrop of the lake and distant Alpine peaks. This luxurious experience is enhanced by thoughtful inclusions: a private English-speaking captain to navigate the waters, reserved lunch seating, and refreshments including water and prosecco aboard your boat. Pickup and drop-off from convenient lake locations ensure effortless logistics. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or seeking a refined escape, this boat tour and villa visit offer a unique way to encounter Lake Como. It’s a rare opportunity to combine iconic scenery, rich heritage, and leisure into one seamless day out. For travelers staying in Como — the nearest city — this tour unlocks a side of the lake’s charm that’s typically reserved for insiders and connoisseurs of Italian culture and luxury.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness required; suitable for all ages and abilities.

Wildlife

Swans gliding on the lake
Local species of freshwater fish visible in clear waters

History

Villa Balbianello was the home of explorer Guido Monzino, who furnished it with artifacts from his expeditions, adding a unique historical layer to its Italian elegance.

Conservation

Lake Como emphasizes preserving water quality and villa gardens through strict environmental guidelines to protect its delicate ecosystem.

Lake Como Experiences is a Como, Lombardia–based tour operator offering private and small-group experiences on and around Lake Como. The company organizes guided walking tours in towns like Bellagio and Como, culinary and market tours, hands-on cooking classes, and a range of private boat cruises aboard classic wooden boats and iconic Riva models. Guided tours include Bellagio walking tours with visits to the Villa Melzi gardens, Greenway hikes with stops at Villa Balbianello, and Como food tours that visit the local market and artisan producers. Boat options span 2–6 hour cruises on Riva Aquarama, Riva Tritone, E26 Classic and other classic wooden boats, with choices such as sunset aperitivo cruises, private dinner cruises, and exclusive visits to Villa Balbianello and Villa Carlotta. Many boat tours include an experienced captain and optional Prosecco on board. Lake Como Experiences emphasizes local knowledge and personalized itineraries, running small-group and private trips that highlight history, gardens, film locations, and regional cuisine. The operator also offers custom private tours tailored to guest interests, from hiking the Greenway to curated wine tastings and lake-view cooking classes. Featured on The Adventure Collective, Lake Como Experiences serves visitors seeking authentic, convenient Lake Como sightseeing and culinary experiences. Availability, durations, and specific inclusions vary by tour; travelers should review each trip description for details and booking information. Bookings are available year-round subject to seasonal schedules and availability; guests can choose private or small-group formats and select durations from short half-day walks to multi-hour private boat cruises for exact pricing.

Base locationComo, Lombardia

Tours offered23+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace