Lake Como stands out as one of Italy’s most photogenic corners, with its shimmering waters, dramatic mountain backdrop, and a string of charming villages and villas. What makes it ideal for full-day tours? It’s the combination of stunning scenery, historic villas, and quaint towns all packed into a manageable area. Navigating on your own can be tricky — ferries and winding roads aren’t always straightforward, and that’s where a guided tour can transform your experience. We love tours like the Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour for its seamless mix of boat rides, walking tours, and insider knowledge that saves you hours of planning.
Some tours focus on exploring famous villas, such as Villa Balbianello, or charming towns like Bellagio and Varenna. Others offer luxury private boat experiences or small-group adventures with personalized attention. Whether you’re after a quick overview or an indulgent day on the water, Lake Como has a tour for you. Below, we’ve broken down twelve of the best options — each with its own unique appeal.
1. Lake Como Highlights – Villa Balbianello & Bellagio exclusive full-day tour
This small group tour (max 8 people) takes the hassle out of exploring Lake Como’s top sights. Starting from Como’s Piazza Cavour, you’ll cruise via hydrofoil to Villa Balbianello for a guided tour of its beautiful gardens and terraces. It’s an ideal way to skip the confusing detours and focus on the highlights, such as the lakeshore villas and Bellagio’s scenic center. The guide handles all transportation, including public ferries, making sure you spend more time enjoying and less time figuring out logistics. Guests rave about the depth of knowledge, with reviews praising the guide’s local expertise and the stunning gardens of Villa Balbianello. If you value small groups and a curated experience, this tour offers excellent value at around $296 per person for 8 hours of sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a curated, hassle-free day with expert guidance and a focus on the iconic villas and villages.
2. Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour on Lake Como
This tour prioritizes comfort and efficiency with prebooked ferry tickets, allowing you to skip long lines and delays. Starting at Piazza Cavour, you’ll take a fast ferry to Lenno to visit Villa Balbianello, famously featured in James Bond and Star Wars films. After a guided tour of the villa’s history and film appearances, you’ll head to Bellagio for a leisurely lunch (own expense) and a short walking tour. The small group size (up to 14) helps you enjoy a more personalized experience, and the emphasis on hassle-free travel makes it suitable for those who dislike navigating busy ferry queues. Reviewers highlight the guide’s knowledge and the ease of prebooked tickets as major positives.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a smooth, organized day with plenty of time at the villa and town.
3. Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour
This immersive experience combines walking tours of Bellagio and Varenna with tasting stops and private boat rides. You’ll explore the gardens of Villa Balbianello and Villa Melzi, sample local olive oil at a castle overlook, and enjoy a pasta lunch at a traditional restaurant. The highlight is the private cruise in a Venetian water taxi, which offers a different perspective of the lakeside villas from the water. Perfect for food lovers and those seeking a more intimate, personalized day. Guests often mention how the mix of sightseeing and tasting makes the day feel balanced and indulgent. The tour runs approximately 7 hours, with a price tag of about $592 per person.
Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors wanting a deeper experience, combining luxury villas, local flavors, and private boat rides.
4. Bellagio & Varenna Full-day Tour on Lake Como
This classic tour covers two of Lake Como’s most iconic towns, with guided walking tours of both. Starting from Como’s Piazza Cavour, you’ll take a fast ferry to Varenna, known for its romantic alleys and old churches. After an hour exploring Varenna, a ferry whisks you to Bellagio, the “Pearl of Lake Como,” where you’ll enjoy a traditional Italian lunch (own expense). The guide emphasizes sightseeing, local stories, and scenic waterway views. Reviewers appreciate the smooth ferry rides, the guide’s local knowledge, and the opportunity to see both towns in one day. Priced at around $260 per person, it’s a good pick for those who want a comprehensive, relaxed day with plenty of photo ops.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a balanced mix of walking, ferry rides, and free time.
5. Lake Como – Varenna & Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour (max 8 p)
This intimate tour offers tailored attention as you visit Bellagio and Varenna with guided walking tours and scenic boat transfers. Starting at Piazza Cavour, you’ll cruise by hydrofoil to Bellagio for a walk through its historic streets, then cross to Varenna for another stroll before taking a ferry to see the lakeshore villas from the water. The small group (up to 8) ensures a personal experience, with insightful commentary from your guide. Guests note how smoothly the guide manages boat schedules and the relaxed pace makes it easy to enjoy each town’s charm. Price is about $291 per person for an 8-hour day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a personalized, less crowded experience with flexible sightseeing.
6. Lake Como Boat Tours: options from 1 hour to a Full Day
If a boat ride is your highlight, this flexible tour offers options from just 1 hour to an entire day. The tours include stops at Villa Trubetskoy, Villa Pliniana, and scenic views of the towns of Torno, Nesso, and Bellagio. Guests love the storytelling about legends and local stories, as well as the chance to photograph grand villas and dramatic waterfalls like Nesso’s Ravine. The 1-hour option is great for a quick splash of scenery, while longer trips include stops and more in-depth exploration. The boats are modern, comfortable, and run by knowledgeable guides.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a customizable boat experience with story-driven commentary.
7. Full-Day Grand Tour, private speedboat at Lake Como
For those who want to cruise in style, this private speedboat tour offers 6 to 8 hours of exploring Lake Como’s highlights. You’ll visit Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and see villas like Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s retreat). The tour includes stops for drinks, snacks, and optional lakeside dining. Your guide and captain tailor the route to your interests, making this an exclusive, luxurious experience. Reviewers mention how the guide, Paolo, is attentive and passionate about the area. At around $2,372 for up to 8 people, it’s a splurge, but the flexibility and privacy make it worth considering.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups seeking a bespoke, high-end day with total control over itinerary and pace.
8. Full-Day Small-Group Bellagio and Villa Balbianello Tour with Lunch
This small-group tour (up to 10 people) combines walking tours, a lakeside hilltop lunch, and a guided visit to Villa Balbianello. You’ll explore Bellagio’s charming streets, visit the Basilica di San Giacomo, and enjoy a scenic boat ride to Villa Balbianello, where entry is included. The included lunch at a hilltop restaurant offers views of the lake, and the intimate size of the group leads to a relaxed, personal experience. Guests praise the guide’s local knowledge and the quality of the included meal. Price is roughly $350 per person for an 8-hour day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a combination of authentic town exploration, villa visits, and a delicious meal in a small group setting.
9. Private Full-Day Stresa and Borromean Islands Tour from Como
This fully private luxury tour takes you from Como to Lake Maggiore for a customized day visiting Stresa and the Borromean Islands. With a private driver and English-speaking guide in a Mercedes van, you’ll explore islands like Isola Madre, Isola Bella, and the Fishermen’s Island. The tour includes optional shopping at Fox Town or relaxing in picturesque towns. It’s perfect for those who prefer exclusivity and tailored experiences, with reviews praising the guide’s local knowledge and attentive service. The cost is higher at about $1,274 per group, but it’s the one to book if privacy and custom routes are your priorities.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, luxurious day with flexible stops and personalized attention.
10. Lake Como Full Day Private Boat Tour
This private 8-hour boat tour offers the freedom to customize your day. Starting with a scenic cruise, you’ll choose between visiting Bellagio or Varenna and enjoy time to walk, shop, or relax. The tour includes stops at Villa del Balbianello or other villas, plus a lakeside lunch (not included). Guests appreciate the flexibility to craft their perfect day on the water, as well as the guide’s local insights. The price is around $2,208 for up to 7 people, making it ideal for groups seeking exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want ultimate flexibility and privacy with a personalized itinerary.
11. Full Day Lake Como
This private car-based tour offers a customized itinerary to explore Lake Como at your own pace. The driver takes you to key spots like Villa D’Este, Villa Carlotta, and other scenic highlights. The advantage? You avoid public transport and have the freedom to choose stops based on your interests. It’s well-suited for travelers with specific sights in mind or those who prefer a relaxed, private experience. Reviews highlight how helpful and accommodating the driver is, maximizing the limited time. At about $677, it’s an efficient way to see multiple villas and towns without the hassle of navigating on your own.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting a flexible, private tour tailored to their preferences.
12. Lake Como, Villa Carlotta, Bellagio – Full day
This tour combines a cruise, Villa Carlotta, and Bellagio, with about 2 hours at each stop. Arriving in Como by train, you’ll enjoy a cruise on Lake Como, then visit Villa Carlotta’s gardens, and finally explore Bellagio’s charming streets. The focus here is on scenic relaxation and sightseeing at a reasonable price of $233 per person, suitable for those on a budget or with limited time. Reviewers mention Annalisa’s excellent guidance and the stunning views.
Bottom Line: Good for budget-conscious travelers who want a comprehensive yet affordable day.
How to Choose the Perfect Lake Como Full-Day Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, physical activity level, and what sights matter most. For a luxury experience, the Full-Day Private Speedboat or the Private Boat Tour offer unmatched flexibility. If you prefer small groups and local insight, the Bellagio & Villa Balbianello Tour excels, especially with included meals. Budget travelers will appreciate the full-day sightseeing that combines boat rides with scenic stops at a reasonable cost. For families or couples seeking a relaxed but comprehensive day, the Lake Como Highlights provides a balanced mix of scenery and guided visits.
Lake Como’s collection of half- and full-day tours offers a variety of ways to experience this stunning lake. Whether you prefer a private boat, a small-group walking tour, or a luxury villa visit, you’ll find options tailored to your interests and budget. For first-timers, a classic tour like the Bellagio & Varenna Full-day Tour provides a solid introduction, while seasoned travelers may lean toward the full-day private boat experience for ultimate flexibility.
Finally, remember that booking early, especially during peak seasons, guarantees you a spot in these popular tours. With so many options, you’re sure to find a full-day adventure that leaves you with lasting memories of Lake Como’s timeless beauty.
