Bergamo might be famous for its medieval upper town, but the region around Bergamo is also a fantastic place to enjoy boat tours and cruises. With lakes like Como offering stunning vistas, elegant villas, and a touch of Italian dolce vita, taking to the water is a must. We particularly love the Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour for its personalized luxury and the chance to explore Lake Como in style. The Sunset Shared Boat Tour is ideal for a romantic, budget-friendly experience, while the Cruise and Dinner combines sightseeing with a delicious meal. Each offers a different window into the beauty of Lake Como, and all are worth considering depending on your interests.
In this guide, we highlight three distinct boat experiences: a private, customizable tour on a Venetian style boat, an intimate sunset cruise with aperitif, and an elegant dinner cruise. Whether you want complete privacy, a quick scenic ride, or a romantic dinner on the water, there’s a good option for you.
1. Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour up to 10 pax
This luxury private tour lets you glide across Lake Como in a beautifully restored Venetian-style wooden boat. Perfect for couples, families, or small groups of up to 10 people, this experience is all about comfort, style, and flexibility. The tour lasts around 4 hours, during which you can customize your route to include the most picturesque spots — from the colorful villages of Varenna and Menaggio to the lush gardens of Villa Cipressi.
What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch. The boat is operated with the highest standards of safety, offering a relaxing yet luxurious environment. The itinerary is flexible, allowing you to choose stops at places like Villa Cipressi or stroll along Varenna’s lovers’ walk, all while enjoying the sounds of the lake and the panoramic views. Excellent reviews highlight the knowledgeability of the guide and the unforgettable scenery. One traveler called it an “excellent tour of villas and towns with Jacopo, who knew a lot about everything.”
Bottom line: For those seeking a luxurious, private experience, this tour offers a unique way to experience Lake Como’s most stunning sights without the crowds. It’s especially suited for special occasions or travelers who want to indulge in comfort.
2. Sunset Shared Boat Tour with Aperitif from Varenna – Bellagio
If you’re after a romantic evening cruise, this sunset shared tour is a fantastic choice. Departing from either Varenna or Bellagio, you’ll sail on a classic Venetian Taxi, enjoying views of the villages of Tremezzo, Lenno, Villa del Balbianello, and more. The hour-long ride is short but packed with scenery, including some of the most iconic villas along the lake.
This tour is especially known for its relaxed atmosphere. A bottle of Prosecco and water for the group add a celebratory touch, and an audio guide in seven languages enriches your experience with stories about the villas and local history. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want to soak in the lake’s beauty at sunset. Reviews mention the friendly guide Alessandro and the chance to meet other travelers, making it a sociable, low-cost way to enjoy Lake Como.
The tour’s value is excellent for the price—around $127 per person—and it offers a memorable, picturesque experience without breaking the bank. Keep in mind it’s a shared experience, so if you want total privacy, this might not be ideal.
Bottom line: Ideal for couples or small groups wanting a romantic, scenic experience at sunset, this tour combines affordability and beauty with a lively atmosphere.
3. Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna
For a truly special evening, the Cruise and Dinner combines sightseeing with gourmet dining. Starting from Varenna, you’ll spend about 3 hours on the water, cruising past quiet bays and villas while the captain shares stories about Lake Como’s famous landmarks. As the sun dips behind the Rhaetian Alps, you’ll enjoy a four-course dinner at a lakeside restaurant, complete with wine—vegetarian options are available.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of scenic cruising and fine dining. Guests often describe the experience as romantic, especially with the sunset views and starry sky. The cruise offers an authentic way to see the lake from the water’s perspective, and the dinner provides a relaxed, intimate atmosphere.
While the price is higher at around $721 per person, it’s a full evening of luxury that appeals to travelers celebrating a special occasion. Some reviews mention the pleasant humor of the captain and the beautiful scenery even if the weather is not perfect.
Bottom line: Best suited for romantic couples or special celebrations, this tour offers a memorable night out on Lake Como with a scenic cruise and a delicious meal.
How to Choose the Right Boat Experience
Selecting between these options depends on your budget, timeframe, and interests. If you want a private and luxurious cruise, the Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour is unmatched—perfect for anniversaries or family gatherings. For a budget-friendly, romantic sunset experience, the Shared Sunset Tour offers great scenery and social vibe without a hefty price tag. If you’re celebrating a special night or want a gourmet experience, the Dinner Cruise combines stunning views with fine cuisine, though at a higher cost.
Consider the logistics: the private tour is flexible and customizable, while the sunset and dinner cruises are scheduled experiences from Varenna or Bellagio. Think about your time availability and whether you prefer a shorter scenic ride or a longer, more luxurious outing.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and enjoy the best seats or private options.
Final Thoughts
Bergamo’s proximity to Lake Como makes it an excellent base for exploring the lake by boat. Whether you’re after a private, luxury experience, a romantic sunset cruise, or dinner with a view, the options above cover a range of preferences and budgets. A private Venetian wooden boat tour offers the most personalized touch, while the shared sunset cruise is perfect for those wanting a quick, memorable outing. Those celebrating something special might prefer the dinner cruise, which combines scenery with fine food.
No matter which you choose, booking ahead and planning according to your interests will ensure a memorable experience. Lake Como’s beauty on the water is one of the best ways to appreciate its charm—so set aside time to enjoy it.
