Boat tour on Lake Como 1 hour

Exploring a Lake Como Boat Tour: An Honest Look at a One-Hour Experience

If you’re dreaming about the kind of leisurely, scenic boat ride that showcases Lake Como’s iconic villas and charming villages without requiring a whole day, this 1-hour boat tour might just be what you’re after. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, from what we’ve gathered, it offers a flexible way to soak in some of Lake Como’s best sights with a personalized touch.

What truly draws us in is the fully customizable itinerary — you can choose where to start, which landmarks to focus on, or even dip into the lake waters if you fancy. Plus, the boat itself sounds quite comfy, with sunbathing spots and a covered area for when the sun gets intense. But with a price tag around $359 for up to 8 people, it’s worth weighing if this experience offers enough value for your money.

One thing to consider is that at just an hour, this isn’t a comprehensive tour of the entire lake or its many highlights, but it’s a great option for a quick, relaxed taste of Lake Como’s beauty. This tour suits travelers who want a private experience with personalized touches, especially those who love stunning views, photo opportunities, and a touch of luxury without sacrificing the intimacy of a small group.

Key Points

• Customizable route gives you flexibility to focus on your preferred sights or waters.
• Comfortable boat with sunbathing areas, shade, and amenities like a cabin and toilet.
• Multiple stops at famous spots like Villa Pliniana, Orrido Di Nesso, and Isola Comacina.
• Excellent for small groups of up to 8 people, making it intimate and personalized.
• Great views and photo ops of historic villas, villages, and Lake Como’s scenic coastlines.
• Price reflects exclusivity and comfort, offering a private tour experience in a short time frame.

What to Expect from the Lake Como Boat Tour

This one-hour cruise is designed to give you a taste of Lake Como’s highlights while offering enough flexibility to tailor your experience. The boat, a Bertram 31, is described as comfortable, with ample space for relaxing and soaking up the views. It’s ideal for groups eager to enjoy a scenic ride in style, whether you’re with friends or family (children are not specifically mentioned, but the boat’s amenities suggest it’s family-friendly).

The Itinerary and Its Highlights

Starting Point and Custom Route

You’ll begin the trip from a location of your choice, which means the experience can be as flexible as your plans allow. Captain Alessandro — who’s praised for his experience and storytelling — will help craft the perfect route for your group. Whether you want to focus on historic villas, explore the quaint villages, or simply enjoy the landscape, this tour caters to your desires.

Stop 1: Orrido Di Nesso

Your first stop takes you to this tiny village famous for its breathtaking 200-meter waterfall where two streams meet Lake Como. It’s a quick 10-minute visit, with no additional admission fee, but the photo opportunities are impressive. Expect to see a picturesque setting where nature’s power meets quiet village life.

Stop 2: Villa Pliniana

Next, you’ll sail past Villa Pliniana, one of Lake Como’s most luxurious mansions. Built in the 16th century, it’s a marvel to behold from the water, with its elegant architecture and history linked to the naturalist Pliny the Elder and Younger. While the villa isn’t open to the public, viewing it from the boat alone is worth the trip, and it makes for stunning photos.

Stop 3: Cernobbio

This charming town is known for its elegance and historical appeal. The center features a quaint square and lovely waterfront. A brief 10-minute stop allows you to appreciate Cernobbio’s ambiance and maybe snap some pictures of its colorful buildings and vintage villas.

Stop 4: Como

As the main city in the area, Como’s waterfront and historic center are a highlight. A 10-minute stop here provides a chance to glimpse the city’s lively atmosphere, with views of its cathedral and bustling streets just a short walk away.

Stop 5: Isola Comacina

The only island on Lake Como, Isola Comacina is steeped in history. From the boat, you can admire its lush greenery and historical ruins. The island’s stories of invasions and rebuilding add depth to this scenic stop, making it visually and culturally interesting.

Stop 6 & 7: Blevio and Laglio

These small villages on the western shore feature historic villas and gardens. Blevio, with its residential villas and views, offers a peaceful vibe, while Laglio, on the left side of the lake, provides more stunning vistas of lakeside gardens and charming waterfronts.

Amenities and Comfort

The boat includes practical amenities like large sunbathing areas, a covered section for shade, a cabin, electric toilet, and a refrigerator. You’ll also find bottled water on board — a nice touch for staying refreshed during the cruise. These features make the hour feel more comfortable, especially if you want to relax and take in the scenery at your own pace.

The Experience and Its Pace

With an experienced captain like Alessandro, you can expect a journey that’s both scenic and informative — he’s praised for storytelling and fun facts, which add a layer of enjoyment. The boat’s small size and private setting mean you’re unlikely to feel rushed, and the flexibility lets you linger or move quickly, depending on what you want.

Pricing and Value

At roughly $359.19 per group, the tour is priced for up to 8 people, making it a decent value if you’re sharing with friends or family. Consider that the price includes a private boat, personalized route, and amenities, which could make it more worthwhile than a standard group tour.

You should also note that there’s an option for a shared tour at €50 per person, but that’s only if you’re comfortable joining a larger group. For most, the private experience offers more intimacy and customization, especially for special occasions or just a relaxed day on the lake.

While there’s an entrance fee of €12 for Villa Carlotta — not included in the tour — most stops are free or viewed from the water. This makes the overall experience relatively affordable considering the exclusivity and comfort of your private boat.

Real Traveler Feedback

The single review available is glowing: “A perfect trip around the lake. Alessandro was a wonderful guide with lots of stories and fun facts. Not to mention the Champagne and a much-needed breeze on the boat. 100% recommend!” This highlights what many travelers love — a friendly guide, stunning views, and a touch of luxury.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for small groups looking for a personalized, scenic outing. It’s perfect if you want to avoid crowded boat trips and prefer a more intimate setting. If you’re after luxury, comfort, and flexibility while exploring Lake Como’s highlights, this tour should fit the bill.

However, if you’re hoping for a comprehensive, full-day exploration, this one-hour cruise might feel a bit brief. It’s best as a sampling experience or a special treat during your stay.

FAQ

How long is the boat tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, giving you a quick yet scenic glimpse of Lake Como’s most notable sights.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the boat’s route is fully customizable based on your preferences, starting from a location of your choosing.

What amenities are included on the boat?
Amenities include a cabin, electric toilet, shower, refrigerator, sunbathing areas, shaded cover, bath towels, and bottled water.

Is the tour private or shared?
This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate unless you opt for the shared tour at extra cost.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, entrance tickets like the €12 fee for Villa Carlotta are not included. Most stops, however, are free of charge.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the boat’s amenities and relaxed pace suggest it could be suitable for families, but it’s best to check with the provider about age restrictions.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours aren’t refundable.

Who is the tour provider?
The tour is offered by Bertram sul lago, with contact details available for further inquiries.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, flexible, and scenic way to enjoy Lake Como’s beauty in a short span, this private boat tour offers a lot of appeal. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, personalized routes, and some storytelling from an experienced captain. The views of villas, quaint villages, and lush islands make it a memorable way to see the lake from a different perspective.

While the hour-long duration means it’s a quick preview rather than an exhaustive exploration, the experience’s intimate nature and customization potential make it a compelling choice. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just wanting a peaceful escape on the water, this tour can deliver a relaxing, picturesque highlight of your Lake Como trip.

In summary, this boat tour is best for small groups wanting a private, scenic, and comfortable experience with tailored stops. It’s ideal if you’re looking to capture stunning photos, learn a bit about the area, and enjoy a luxurious ride without the crowds. Just keep in mind the time constraint—this is more about a taste than a full-day adventure.