Slide out from Como on a classic wooden Venetian taxi and see Lake Como’s villas, gardens, and alpine foothills from the water. This private 1–4 hour hire for up to six people delivers flexible itineraries, close-up architecture, and calm coves.
Slide out from Como on a classic wooden Venetian taxi and see Lake Como’s villas, gardens, and alpine foothills from the water. This private 1–4 hour hire for up to six people delivers flexible itineraries, close-up architecture, and calm coves.
The hull cuts a slow, confident wake as you glide past villas that press their gardens to the water's edge. Wind teases the brim of your hat, the captain calls out a landmark in Italian, and the lake answers with a ripple that seems to push you forward.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by VABA Taxi Boat Tours Lake Como · Como, Lombardy
The hull cuts a slow, confident wake as you glide past villas that press their gardens to the water's edge. Wind teases the brim of your hat, the captain calls out a landmark in Italian, and the lake answers with a ripple that seems to push you forward.
Lake Como sits at the foot of the southern Alps, its three branches carved by glaciers and hemmed by steep, wooded slopes. The towns along its shores—Como, Torno, Moltrasio, Bellagio—bear layers of Roman roads, medieval lanes, and 18th–19th century villas where industrial-era magnates and artists left ornate gardens and grand façades. Boats have long been the neighborhood cars; a wooden Venetian taxi recalls that history while offering intimate access to waterfront architecture and narrow coves.
On a private 1–4 hour hire for up to six people, expect a flexible route: a pass-by of villa gardens and UNESCO-recognized landscapes, short stops for photos, and the option to linger near a lakeside café or a quiet swimming inlet. The water alternately hushes and dares you—calm in the morning, livelier in afternoon breezes.
Practical notes: bring layered clothing for drops in temperature on open water, non-slip shoes for gangways, and a refillable water bottle. Trips are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible by request, and captains typically accommodate infants on laps. Book morning slots for softer light and calmer water; afternoons are busier with ferries. Respect private property when photographing villas and follow your captain’s guidance for safe boarding and swimming.
easy.
1–4 hours.
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal mobility required for boarding but some steps may be involved
The wooden Venetian taxi accommodates up to six passengers, including infants on laps.
Yes—private hires are flexible; discuss desired stops with the captain when booking to confirm timing and feasibility.
The operator lists wheelchair access; confirm in booking notes and arrive at the designated boarding point so staff can assist.
Full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours before departure; trips may be canceled in bad weather.
Lake Como’s shoreline villas reflect centuries of trade and aristocratic retreat, with many 18th–19th century estates converted into hotels or private homes.
Boating operators are encouraged to avoid shorelines that erode easily and to minimize engine idling in protected zones to reduce wake and emissions.
VABA Taxi Boat Tours Lake Como operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.




The hull cuts a slow, confident wake as you glide past villas that press their gardens to the water's edge. Wind teases the brim of your hat, the captain calls out a landmark in Italian, and the lake answers with a ripple that seems to push you forward.
The hull cuts a slow, confident wake as you glide past villas that press their gardens to the water's edge. Wind teases the brim of your hat, the captain calls out a landmark in Italian, and the lake answers with a ripple that seems to push you forward.
Lake Como sits at the foot of the southern Alps, its three branches carved by glaciers and hemmed by steep, wooded slopes. The towns along its shores—Como, Torno, Moltrasio, Bellagio—bear layers of Roman roads, medieval lanes, and 18th–19th century villas where industrial-era magnates and artists left ornate gardens and grand façades. Boats have long been the neighborhood cars; a wooden Venetian taxi recalls that history while offering intimate access to waterfront architecture and narrow coves.
On a private 1–4 hour hire for up to six people, expect a flexible route: a pass-by of villa gardens and UNESCO-recognized landscapes, short stops for photos, and the option to linger near a lakeside café or a quiet swimming inlet. The water alternately hushes and dares you—calm in the morning, livelier in afternoon breezes.
Practical notes: bring layered clothing for drops in temperature on open water, non-slip shoes for gangways, and a refillable water bottle. Trips are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible by request, and captains typically accommodate infants on laps. Book morning slots for softer light and calmer water; afternoons are busier with ferries. Respect private property when photographing villas and follow your captain’s guidance for safe boarding and swimming.