Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna

If you’re considering a romantic evening on Lake Como, a cruise and dinner package from Varenna offers a charming way to soak in the scenery. We haven’t personally taken this exact tour, but after looking into it thoroughly, it seems like a lovely way to see the lake from the water, enjoy some good food, and maybe even capture that perfect sunset shot.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of natural beauty and culinary delight—cruising past lakeside villas and then settling into a cozy lakeside restaurant for a four-course meal. The view of the Rhaetian Alps at sunset creates a breathtaking backdrop. We also appreciate that there’s a vegetarian option available, making it accessible for different dietary needs.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the cost is quite steep at over $700 per person, which might seem high for a three-hour experience. Plus, the reviews suggest that the cruise itself could be hit-or-miss depending on the guide and weather, so it’s not necessarily a guaranteed magical moment.

This tour looks best suited for those who want a romantic, picture-perfect evening—ideal for couples or travelers celebrating a special occasion—and are comfortable with the price point and timing constraints.

Key Points

• Beautiful views of Lake Como, villas, and the Alps from the water.
• Includes a four-course dinner with wine, offering good value for a lakeside meal.
• Informative narration by the captain adds context to the sights.
• Timing is key — the cruise begins at 6:30 pm, right around sunset.
• Limited duration—about 3 hours total, so it’s a short but memorable experience.
• Not ideal for late-night travelers—last ferries and boats leave by 11 pm.

What to Expect from the Experience

This tour kicks off at the Varenna dock, where you’ll meet your group and board a sightseeing boat for a sunset cruise lasting about an hour. The boat is noted to be quite nice and comfortable, with the captain sharing stories about Lake Como along the way.

You’ll pass by some of the most famous lakeside landmarks, such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and Villa Melzi. The captain’s commentary is often highlighted as a positive aspect, with reviews describing guides as informative and engaging. One reviewer even mentioned that their guide had a good sense of humor, making the cruise enjoyable.

The scenery during this cruise is truly striking. Expect to see lush, forested hills stretching down to calm waters, with the Italian Alps looming in the background. As the sun dips and the sky turns hues of orange and pink, you’ll get a chance to take some stunning photos or just soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Some guests, like one reviewer, appreciated how the boat’s driver added humor to the ride, making the experience feel relaxed and friendly.

After the cruise, you’ll disembark in Varenna and walk to a nearby lakeside restaurant. There’s a welcome glass of wine, and the dinner begins with an appetizer, followed by a first course, main, and dessert. The menu changes seasonally but typically features local ingredients like salted beef from Valtellina, risotto, truffle-stuffed chicken, and sweet Italian treats.

The dinner is praised for being delicious and well-presented, with many reviewers commenting positively on the food quality. The restaurant’s location is convenient, close to the ferry dock and water taxis, making it easy to continue your evening or head back to your accommodation.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

The Sunset Cruise

The main highlight here is the one-hour boat ride that covers some of Lake Como’s most notable villas and scenic spots. The captain’s narration adds value, as you learn about the history and stories behind the landmarks. For example, villas like Villa del Balbianello are famous for their architecture and historical significance, and seeing them from the water offers a perspective you simply can’t get from land.

The Lakeside Dinner

Once back onshore, you’ll walk to the restaurant, which is described as lakeside and cozy, perfect for a romantic dinner. The four-course menu showcases regional dishes, and vegetarian options are always available if you specify in advance. The menu from recent reviews featured dishes like risotto with Taleggio cheese, truffle-stuffed chicken, and a sweet finish, giving you a genuine taste of local flavors.

Overall Experience

While the itinerary seems straightforward, the timing is key—the cruise begins promptly at 6:30 pm, so arriving early is recommended. The entire experience lasts about three hours, making it a nice, manageable evening activity.

The Realities from Reviews

Looking at actual guest feedback, opinions are mixed but generally positive. Some travelers found the guide’s narration very informative and the sights stunning, describing the dinner as “delicious” and the setting as “wonderful.” One reviewer said, “Very enjoyable. Beautiful sights, good guide, well done,” highlighting the tour’s strengths.

On the flip side, some found the cruise somewhat lacking in length and felt the guide’s narration could be rushed or hard to follow if they spoke too fast. For example, one guest mentioned, “Lucca the boat captain spoke so fast he was incomprehensible,” though they still appreciated the dinner.

Cost-wise, many felt the experience was good value for the quality of the food and the scenery, but others questioned whether the price matches the overall experience, especially considering the short duration and variable guide quality.

The Practical Details

• Price: $721.41 per person—this includes the boat cruise, four-course dinner, and wine. It’s a premium price, but considering the dinner alone, it might be a fair deal if you value the experience.
• Duration: About 3 hours, starting at 6:30 pm and ending in the restaurant afterward.
• Meeting Point: Riva dei Marmisti, Varenna. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
• Transport: No hotel pickup or drop-off included. You’ll need to reach Varenna yourself, and the dinner’s location is close to ferry docks and water taxis.
• Accessibility: The tour is suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the timing and walking involved after the cruise.
• Weather: The experience is weather-dependent — bad weather could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise and dinner are ideal for romantic couples looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a peaceful evening on Lake Como. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a quick but atmospheric way to experience the lake’s beauty and indulge in regional cuisine. Keep in mind the cost, and that it’s best if your accommodation is in Varenna or along the eastern part of the lake, where transportation back is straightforward.

If you’re someone who values informative guides, beautiful scenery, and good food, this tour will likely satisfy. However, if you prefer longer cruises, a more relaxed pace, or a smaller budget, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the experience is primarily a scenic cruise and dinner, which could be enjoyable for older children or teenagers who appreciate scenery and good food. However, it’s best suited for adults.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. The tour confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, and spots are limited, especially during peak seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Last-minute cancellations are not refundable.

What should I wear?
Smart casual is suitable. Bring layers in case it gets cooler at sunset or after dark.

Is there a vegetarian menu?
Yes, vegetarian options are always available, and you should advise at the time of booking if needed.

What if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How late can I stay in Varenna after dinner?
Most boats and ferries back to Bellagio and Cadenabbia leave no later than 11 pm, so plan your evening accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna offers a charming way to spend an evening, especially if you’re after a romantic setting, scenic views, and regional food. It’s not the cheapest experience, but for many, the stunning backdrop and well-curated dinner make it worth the splurge. Just remember that the cruise length and guide quality might vary, so approach it with flexible expectations.

If you’re in Varenna or nearby and want an evening that blends scenic beauty with good food, this experience is worth considering. For those seeking a longer, more relaxed cruise or a more budget-friendly option, there are other ways to explore Lake Como, but few will match the intimacy and atmosphere of this sunset cruise and lakeside dinner.

Hope this helps you decide if this experience fits your Lake Como adventure. Feel free to reach out if you want tips on other activities around the lake or how to plan your day!