Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour on Lake Como by boat
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the soul of Lake Como on a small-group journey for those who appreciate nature, history, and timeless beauty. Departing from Como, cruise across the lake aboard a brand-new 10-passenger boat specially designed for guided tours, as reflections of mountains, villas, and villages unfold in harmony. Visit the legendary Villa del Balbianello, exploring its terraced gardens surrounded by cypress trees and breathtaking views. (Interiors not included due to time limits.) Enjoy free time for lunch with recommendations for lakeside restaurants serving authentic dishes. Continue to Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como,” and visit the Villa Melzi gardens, a peaceful retreat of elegant paths and sculptures. Stroll through Bellagio’s alleys and boutique shops before returning to Como as the lake glows in the afternoon light.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Guests must arrange their own transportation to and from the meeting point at Como’s Piazza Cavour.
This tour is not suitable for guests staying in Bellagio or Lenno. Please consider other options that better match your location.
If you have trouble walking, do not book this FULL-DAY tour! Thank you.
Please note: Due to the high operational costs, a minimum number of participants is required for the tour to operate. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you in advance to offer an alternative tour or date. This situation is very rare and has occurred only a few times in recent years. In the unlikely event of a technical issue with the boat, an alternative tour or date will also be offered, or a full refund provided.
Absolutely not suitable for anyone with knee or back issues. The villages around Lake Como are built on steep terrain with uneven, sloped streets—good physical condition is essential. Please do not book if you're not prepared for this.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Professional guide. This tour is conducted in English only.
Two villages. Two villa gardens. One unforgettable day on the lake.
Admissions to Villa del Balbianello gardens & Villa Melzi gardens.
Whisper audio system to clearly hear your guide throughout the tour.
Small group of max. 10 guests.
Transportation by private boat reserved exclusively for your group.
Lunch is not included, offering you flexibility; we can reserve a table if desired.
Villa del Balbianello & Villa Melzi interiors are NOT included (due to time constraints).
Pick-up or drop-off, guests must reach the meeting point at Piazza Cavour, Como, on their own.
What To Expect
Piazza Cavour
Please arrive 15+ minutes before the scheduled departure time to meet your guide and prepare for the day's adventure.
Como
Depart from Como and enjoy a panoramic cruise aboard a private boat reserved exclusively for your group. Glide along the western shore of Lake Como, admiring picturesque villages, elegant villas, and mountain scenery while your guide shares stories about the lake’s history and culture.
Options
English tour by private boat
Reviews
135 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Lake Como
Janet C,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A wonderful day from start to finish thanks to our friendly and knowledgeable guide. It was great not have to worry about ferry schedules and timing! She took care of everything so all of us on the tour ( a small group of 6) had to do was enjoy. It was even a sunny day perfect for taking in the beauty of the lake. We got in the queue early so we could all be on the side of the boat to see the villas and grand hotels on route to Lenno (our guide’s tip.) The Villa Balbianello was spectacular. Then on to Bellagio for a late lunch on our own and a walking tour of the town. It’s a full day and well worth it. If you are going to Lake Como and this is you first visit, I highly recommend booking this tour. I have high standards and this met all my expectations.
Great service from guide, who is professional, knowledgeable.
jie a,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The tour guide is very professional and knowledgeable. We went to two beautiful places which we enjoyed so much.
The ride on Lake Como and...
Amy K,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The ride on Lake Como and the views of the mountains and surrounding towns and villas are absolutely stunning. Villa del Balbianello in itself is an incredible place. Our guard Ricardo was a wealth of information and very helpful. I would recommend staying in Como if doing this tour. We started and finished our day in Milan and it was a very long day.
It was such an amazing...
Jose G,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was such an amazing experience. My wife and I had so much fun on this and we really enjoyed all of the iconic locations. I highly recommend it!
Wonderful
Kristen G,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. Our guide was so informative and knowledgeable. Extremely personable and we learned so much.
Excellent tour. Very...
James H,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Very scenic. Ricardo was great. Very informative info. Just a lot of walking uphill if the boat to the Villa is not running.
Poor
elvislI1295FZ,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We booked this trip expecting a boat to hold up to 14 people as listed on the advert. However when we arrived we were put on a public taxi boat which had windows that had minimal visibility. Along with the general public, we had another tour sharing this boat. The second tour operator sat next to my partner and I. While on the boat telling us to be quiet while she talks through her microphone to the headsets of her tour. A little shocked at this, we purposely spoke louder. After she was so rude. At our first stop off we soon found that the rest of our tour also felt that we would have a smaller chartered boat just for our own tour rather than taking a public transport after paying £200 per person.
Fun day
Douglas E,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00The use of the ferries can make it tricky if a strike occurs like when our tour was scheduled. It caused some delays and headaches for not only the tur company but members of our group traveling into Como.
Excellent 8 hour tour with Bianca
richardmast100,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Bianca was a wonderful tour guide: very pleasant personality and extremely knowledgeable about the entire area and art history. The walking tour of Lenno and Bellagio were excellent. Villa Del Balbienello is beautiful. Be aware that there is a lot of “extreme” walking; the tour is not for the faint of heart; it’s rigorous, but still great fun. Lunch is at a place they recommend and the view is great and food was ok, but it would have been nicer to select our own place to eat. All in all, a great 8 hours.
Beautiful!!!
Belen F,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was amazing!!! As a star wars fan, it definitely lived up to the expectations. Also a lot of shopping and great food options. Will come back and do this tour again. Francesca was an amazing Tour guide. She gave us all the history, spoke to her about our trips, and even helped me find a taxi to get to the train station in time!! Cannot recommend this enough
From €375.00
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Operated by Lake Como Explorer