Rent a boat on Lake Como for a 6-hour tour and enjoy a full-day cruise along the western branch of the lake. Sail past charming lakeside villages and historic villas, reaching Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, with multiple stops along the way. Take your time to explore picturesque towns, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board or at a local restaurant, and capture unforgettable photos of Lake Como’s most iconic sights. This tour is designed for those who want a complete and immersive experience, combining sightseeing, relaxation, and local flavors.
Tour Details
Starting from Como, the journey follows the coast past the historic estates of Cernobbio and Moltrasio, the charm of Carate Urio, and George Clooney’s villa in Laglio. After Isola Comacina, you will admire Villa del Balbianello (Star Wars and 007 location) and Tremezzo, home to the majestic Villa Sola Cabiati. The tour features two stops to explore vibrant Varenna and legendary Bellagio, with the opportunity to stop for lunch at one of the lake’s wonderful waterfront restaurants. The return trip takes you past the iconic Nesso waterfall and the romantic shores of Blevio and Torno.
Below you’ll find descriptions of the places we pass by during the cruise — perfect for photos, with optional stops on request.
Villa Olmo, Volta Monument, the Cathedral
Before getting offboard, you will be able to admire the beauty of Como center, with the exquisite Villa Olmo, the Volta monument and on the background the cathedral.
Villa d’Este, Villa Erba
On the way back, the last village before getting back to Como is Cernobbio, which has always been a famous holidays destination. Villa d’Este is the symbol of Cernobbio: it is a 16th century villa, now one of the most important 5-star hotel in Como and in Italy. A few hundred meters after, you encounter Villa Erba, which is a very beautiful building sorrounded by a huge park.
Villa Oleandra (George Clooney house), Villa Fontanelle
These three little villages have a huge concentration of 18th and 19th century villas, which can be spotted only from the lake by boat. The most famous is Villa Oleandra, now known for being George Clooney house in Como as his usual summer retreat. Villa Fontanelle is another very famous and beautiful estate (it was once Versace’s villa).
The only island of the lake
The island of Lake Como is rich of history and legends. This is one of the most quiet spot on the lake.
The villa of the movie Star Wars and Casino Royale
Villa Balbianello is one of the most beautiful spots on lake Como. The venue has become recently famous for the shots of Star Wars Episode II and James Bond Casino Royale.
Opposite to Bellagio, it is famous for the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlotta
Tremezzo is a small little village which overlooks Bellagio. It has a nice lakeshore walk and a very nice view on the central park of the lake. Tremezzo is famous for two big villas, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, a nice 5 star luxury hotel, and Villa Carlotta, a villa open to public, with one of the most beautiful garden of all Italy.
Menaggio: A charming village in the heart of the lake.
Menaggio enchants visitors with its elegant flowered promenade, offering some of the most spectacular and open views of Lake Como. The heart of the village harmoniously blends medieval history with a vibrant atmosphere, creating a corner of rare beauty and relaxation.
A little village with pastel-colored houses
Varenna is a charming village on the banks of the Lecco branch, characterized by the typical pastel-colored houses and by the network of narrow streets that descend steeply towards the lake.
The most famous village of Lake Como, in the center of the lake
The most famous village in Lake Como, it is located exactly in the center of the lake and divides the east from the west branch. Bellagio is characterized by narrow stepped alleys, passages and arcades, local craft shops. Two famous villas, open to public are located here, Villa Melzi and Villa Serbelloni.
The Waterfall and the village
The hallmark of Nesso is the Orrido, the waterfall that forms the backdrop to one of the most romantic corners of the lake.
Villa Troubetzkoy, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Villa, Villa Pliniana
Blevio and Torno are the first villages after Como town. The shores are spotted with a multitude of villas from different ages. Among the most important, Villa Troubetzkoy; Villa Roccabruna, once a villa of a famous opera singer from the 19th century, recentently bought by luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel chain. Villa Pliniana, one of the oldest villas in Como, that hosted numerous historical personalities.
