About This Tour
There is a way of experiencing Lake Como that knows no hurry: a day that flows slowly among historic villas, waterfront villages and the authentic flavours of local cuisine. The Villas & Flavours of the Lake tour gives you four hours with the boat and the captain all to yourselves.We set sail from Varenna and, leaving Villa Cipressi and Villa Monastero behind, cross the lake towards Bellagio and the gardens of Villa Melzi. On the western shore Villa del Balbianello awaits, where we can stop to visit it (entrance ticket not included). We will continue past the elegance of Villa La Cassinella and the grandeur of Villa Balbiano, then along the Lezzeno shoreline to the spectacular Nesso Waterfall, and further south to elegant Cernobbio. On the way back we will skirt Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, and then Lenno, Tremezzo and Villa Carlotta.
At midday the choice is yours: stop to explore and stroll through the streets of one of the lake villages, or treat yourselves to lunch at one of the finest restaurants on the lake to taste its traditional dishes: La Tirlindana in Sala Comacina, the traditional Crotto del Misto, the Crotto dei Pescatori or the Aurora.
Lunch is not included in the tour price: the menu is à la carte.
The itinerary and stops are indicative: if you would like to do something different or reach a place especially dear to you, we can take you straight there, as long as the time booked allows.
Places on this tour
The stops in order, each with the captain's guide.
Tour Route
Varenna START
Picturesque fishing village with colorful houses, winding alleys, and romantic lakeside promenade.
Villa Cipressi VIEW
Elegant lakeside gardens in Varenna with terraced paths and panoramic views.
Villa Monastero VIEW
Historic villa and botanical garden in Varenna, once a Cistercian monastery.
Bellagio
The Pearl of Lake Como. Elegant town at the junction of the lake's three branches.
Villa Melzi VIEW
Neoclassical villa with stunning gardens on the Bellagio waterfront.
Villa del Balbianello VIEW
Iconic FAI villa on Lenno peninsula. Filming location for Star Wars and James Bond Casino Royale.
Star Wars attack of the Clones, James Bond Casino Royal Possibility of stopping 40 minutes (ticket not included can be purchased at the time of booking)
Villa La Cassinella VIEW
Exclusive private island villa, one of the most luxurious properties on Lake Como.
Richard Branson
Villa Balbiano VIEW
Magnificent 16th century villa featured in House of Gucci. Available for exclusive events.
In this Villa They filmed House of Gucci and celebrate very characteristic weddings
Lezzeno STOP 1min
Quiet village stretching along the eastern shore, gateway to hidden coves and grottos.
Possibility of stopping in a characteristic restaurant with typical products of Lake Como
Nesso Waterfall VIEW
Spectacular waterfall where two streams meet and plunge into Lake Como through a medieval stone bridge.
Photo stop from the boat
Isola Comacina VIEW
The only island on Lake Como. Rich in history with ancient ruins and a charming restaurant.
The only island on the lake
Lenno
Quiet village near Villa Balbianello, gateway to the Tremezzina riviera.
Tremezzo VIEW
Charming lakeside town with grand hotels, gardens, and stunning views of Bellagio.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo and its floating pool on the lake
Villa Carlotta VIEW
Botanical garden and art museum housing works by Canova and Hayez. Over 500 plant species.
Botanical garden