Spend a focused half-day at Villa Carlotta’s sculpture-filled rooms and terraced gardens, then relax on a private, open-top watertaxi along Lake Como’s iconic western shore. Perfect for travelers who want art, botany, and shoreline views in one outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off a low-slung open-top watertaxi and the lake immediately rearranges your pace: wind across the water, villas leaning toward the shore as if to listen. The guided visit to Villa Carlotta begins in a cool gallery where 19th-century sculpture by Canova keeps quiet company with painted canvases; then the path opens into terraces of camellias and azaleas that drop toward the lake. After the garden, the private watertaxi glides south from Tremezzo past pine-clad slopes and marble-fronted villas, rounds the weathered outline of Isola Comacina, and cruises beneath Bellagio’s promontory.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires walking on paved garden paths and climbing stairs.
Wildlife
History
Villa Carlotta developed from a 17th–18th century residence into a celebrated 19th-century garden and art house, housing notable sculpture and botanical collections.
Conservation
Stick to marked paths in the gardens and avoid feeding wildlife; Villa Carlotta and lakeside communities manage visitor impact to protect plant collections and shoreline habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Dress in layers
Lake breezes on the watertaxi can be cool even on warm days—bring a light windbreaker.
Secure gear on deck
The open-top watertaxi exposes cameras and phones to spray—use a wrist strap or dry bag.
Plan Bellagio time
If you want to explore Bellagio, let the guide know in advance to disembark there; otherwise the group returns to Tremezzo.
Comfortable footwear
Villa Carlotta’s gardens include graded terraces and stone steps—sturdy shoes improve comfort.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provide stability on terraced paths and stone steps inside the gardens.
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Open-deck cruising and garden exposure make sun protection important.
summer
Light windbreaker
Blocks lake spray and wind that can be cool on the watertaxi.
spring
Small daypack or dry pouch
Keeps water, documents, and a camera secure while you move between boat and villa.