3 Hours Private Cruise on Lake Como Motorboat Cranchi

Lake Como in a New Light: Our Honest Take on the 3-Hour Private Motorboat Cruise

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Lake Como from the water, this private cruise on a Cranchi motorboat could be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and descriptions suggest it’s a well-loved way to see the lake’s most iconic sights comfortably and in style. It’s an experience that promises both breathtaking views and personalized attention, with an added bonus of a chilled bottle of prosecco.

What we really like about this tour is how flexible it seems—you can customize your route a bit and enjoy the scenery with a knowledgeable captain at the helm. Plus, it hits many of the key highlights that make Lake Como special, from famous villas to charming villages. On the flip side, the price might be a consideration for some, as it’s a bit on the higher end at over a thousand dollars for a group. Still, for a private experience with a small group of up to seven people, many seem to find it worthwhile, especially if you’re after a special, personalized lake adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic outings, appreciate comfort, and want to see Lake Como’s most famous sights without the hassle of arranging multiple stops or tours. It’s ideal if you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a luxurious way to take in the lake’s beauty at your own pace. Families or groups of friends who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and relaxation will also find this cruise hits the mark.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience: Only your group participates, making it intimate and flexible.
• Expert guidance: The captain is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive.
• Iconic sights covered: From Villa Olmo to George Clooney’s Villa Olendra, the route hits all the highlight spots.
• Beautiful scenery and cultural landmarks: Expect stunning villas, medieval villages, and even a swim stop.
• Comfort and convenience: The Cranchi motorboat comfortably fits up to 7 people, and the tour lasts around 3 hours.
• Good value for the experience: While the price is notable, many reviews suggest it’s worth it for the private, customizable tour.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect on the Water

Starting Point: Como

Your journey begins at Lungo Lario Trieste in Como, a lively town with a charming waterfront. The captain will meet you here, and after a quick briefing, you’ll set off. Leaving the port, you’ll pass the electrical installation on the breakwater and glide past the seaplane hangar, giving a glimpse of the lake’s bustling activity. Villa Olmo, one of the lake’s most recognizable mansions, is the first major sight, and it’s worth noting that your stop here is free of charge—even if you only get a quick view.

Cruising North: Cernobbio and Moltrasio

Next, the boat heads toward Cernobbio, a charming town famous for Villa d’Este—a name that’s synonymous with luxury—and Villa Erba, known for hosting exhibitions and movies, including Hollywood productions. The fact that these stops are just for viewing means you’ll enjoy ample time to soak in the scenery without feeling rushed.

Further along, the boat takes you to Moltrasio, where you’ll get a glimpse of Villa Versace. From the water, these villas look impressive, and while you won’t go ashore, their grandeur is obvious. The highlight here is simply the luxury visible from the lake—an experience that many reviews find quite memorable.

The Clooney and Comacina Island Moments

A key highlight is Laglio, home of George Clooney’s Villa Olendra. The chance to see a celebrity residence from the water adds a fun twist to the tour. After that, you’ll reach Isola Comacina, the only island on Lake Como, where you might take a quick swim. This stop offers a refreshing break and a different perspective of the lake’s natural beauty.

Exploring the Garden of the Lake: Villa del Balbianello

The boat then moves to Villa del Balbianello, famous for its appearance in “Star Wars” and its stunning gardens. Many travelers highlight this as a must-see, and from the water, you get a fantastic view of its terraced gardens and historic architecture.

Further Villas and Scenic Views

Continuing south, the boat passes Villa del Balbiano, which has been featured in “House of Gucci” and “Casino Royale,” adding a cinematic flair to the tour. Then, the Gulf of Lenno, often called the Gulf of Venus, offers another picturesque scene.

From there, the boat heads toward Pognana Lario, offering a view of the western shoreline, and then crosses the lake to admire the Nesso ravine with its waterfall and Civenna bridge—an internationally popular spot for photos and nature lovers.

The Eastern Bank and Torno

As the tour winds down, you’ll pass by the lakeside village of Torno, famous for its legends and the Plinian villa. The area around it offers wonderful lakeside scenery, and the boat’s proximity to the hotel Il Sereno adds a touch of luxury.

Returning to Como

The journey ends back at the starting point, completing a well-rounded tour that showcases the best of Lake Como from the water.

What It’s Like on the Boat

You’ll be on a Cranchi motorboat, which is described as comfortable and capable of accommodating up to 7 people. The boat’s size and amenities mean you’ll have space to relax, chat with your companions, or simply take in the views. Many reviews praise the boat for its safety and comfort, and the fact that the captain is described as friendly and knowledgeable makes the journey pleasant.

The tour lasts about 3 hours, which is a good length to see numerous sights without feeling rushed. During this time, you’ll get plenty of opportunities to take photos, enjoy the scenery, and even have a glass of prosecco—an indulgence many find adds to the enjoyment.

The flexibility of this experience was highlighted by one reviewer who said, “everything was flexible, we were able to customize the day.” That suggests the captain might be open to minor adjustments, which can be a real plus if you have specific interests or want to focus more on certain sights.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At just over a thousand dollars, this tour isn’t exactly cheap, but for a private, tailor-made experience, many travelers consider it fair. It’s worth noting that this price covers the entire group, up to 7 people, so it’s effectively a shared cost among friends or family, making it more reasonable per person.

Given the inclusion of a knowledgeable guide, a luxury boat, and the chance to see numerous iconic spots all in one go, many find it offers good value—especially if you’re after a more exclusive, relaxed way to explore Lake Como. The reviews reinforce this, with comments like “exactly what we wanted” and “we loved his tour of this magical lake,” indicating high satisfaction.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private cruise suits travelers who are after a personalized, luxury experience with flexible timing and stops. It’s perfect for those who want to see the main sights without rushing, enjoy a safe and comfortable boat ride, and have a few drinks as they soak in the scenery.

While families with older children could enjoy the scenery and boat ride, it’s not specifically tailored for kids, and the tour’s focus is on sightseeing and relaxation rather than activities for children. If you’re celebrating a special occasion or want to avoid crowded tours, this private option offers a nice touch of exclusivity.

FAQs

• How long does the tour last?
  It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you enough time to see many sights without feeling rushed.

• What is included in the price?
  The cost covers the private boat and the services of the captain. A bottle of frozen prosecco is also included for your enjoyment.

• Can I customize the route?
  The reviews suggest the experience is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences, at least to some extent.

• Is this tour suitable for groups?
  Yes, it’s designed for groups of up to 7 people, making it ideal for families, friends, or small parties.

• What are the main sights I will see?
  You’ll get views of Villa Olmo, Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, Villa Versace, George Clooney’s Villa Olendra, Villa del Balbianello, Villa del Balbiano, and other charming villages and natural sights.

• Are there swimming stops?
  Yes, at the Isola Comacina, there’s an opportunity for a quick swim, which many travelers appreciate.

• What is the meeting point?
  The tour starts at Lungo Lario Trieste, 28 in Como, and ends back there as well.

• Is there a cancellation policy?
  Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled later, the full amount won’t be refunded.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, flexible way to explore Lake Como with a small group, this private cruise offers a compelling mix of sights, comfort, and personalized service. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, many reviews suggest it’s worth the splurge if you enjoy tailored experiences and stunning vistas. You’ll get to see some of Italy’s most famous villas and picturesque villages from a perspective that’s hard to match on land.

It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate a bit of elegance, want a memorable photo collection, and enjoy the idea of cruising the lake with a friendly guide who knows the area well. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a relaxed day on the water, this tour could be the highlight of your Lake Como visit.

Remember: Book well in advance, as this experience is quite popular, often booked 168 days ahead. Be prepared for good weather, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and spectacular views this beautiful lake has to offer.

Sources: Viator – Dade Tour Lake Como