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Lake Como: Villa Balbianello & Bellagio by private Boat & Ferry

4.8 Great 147 reviews
|
7h–8h
|
English
Free cancellation · up to 24 hours before Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
147 reviews
5
128
4
12
3
3
2
2
1
2
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Guidekin's take

Shared visit to villa gardens in our Boat Tours comparison.

Trade-off: English only; needs five to run; interiors excluded.

Last checked: September 26, 2026. Commissions never affect our verdicts.

Overview

Guidekin summary

A day on a Venetian boat from Como, reserved for the group, with a guided walk in the Villa del Balbianello gardens and film locations, then a ferry to Bellagio. Garden entry, ferries and a guide for at most ten are included; lunch and the villa interiors are not, and it is a day on foot needing good fitness. 4.78 from 147 reviews at €345 per person.

From the guide

Depart from Como aboard a private boat reserved exclusively for your group and cruise to Villa del Balbianello. Explore its celebrated gardens with your guide, walking along elegant terraces and stone pathways with panoramic lake views. Discover the villa’s history and see filming locations featured in Star Wars and James Bond.
Continue by ferry to Bellagio, one of Lake Como’s most famous villages. Explore picturesque streets, local shops, hidden corners, and scenic viewpoints with your guide, with time to enjoy the village atmosphere.
Throughout the day, your professional guide shares the history and stories of Lake Como, while a whisper audio system ensures clear commentary for every guest.
Return from Bellagio to Como by fast ferry, completing a memorable day on the lake.

Schedule & Availability

Runs Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Departs: 10:00
Scheduled through October 2027

This tour runs Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, departing at 10:00. Scheduled through October 2027. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 26, 2026.

What's Included

Ferry tickets Lenno to Bellagio. Transportation by ferry.
Small group of max. 10 guests with a professional guide
Exceptional value for the most complete small-group experiences on Lake Como.
Admissions to Villa del Balbianello gardens.
Ferry tickets Bellagio - Como. Transportation by fast ferry.
Transportation from Como to Villa del Balbianello by venetian boat.

What's Not Included

Lunch and drinks (own expense; approx. 1h)
Private tour. This is a shared small-group tour (max 10 guests).
Villa del Balbianello interiors (due to time constraints)

Itinerary

Piazza Cavour Stop 1
Your tour begins at Piazza Cavour, Como's iconic lakefront square, where your guide and our boat will be waiting. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
15 min
Lake Como Stop 2
Depart from Como and enjoy a panoramic cruise aboard a private boat reserved exclusively for your group. Glide along the western shore of Lake Como, admiring picturesque villages, elegant villas, and mountain scenery while your guide shares stories about the lake’s history and culture.
1h
Villa Del Balbianello Stop 3
Visit the world-famous Villa del Balbianello gardens with your guide, exploring elegant terraces, sculptures, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking Lake Como. Hear stories of the villa’s explorers, unique history, and cinematic appearances. After, we will reach Lonno's ferry station and cross to Bellagio (20 min ride). Please note: the interior rooms are not included in this visit due to time limitations.
2h
Admission included
Bellagio Stop 4
Enjoy free time for lunch (at own expense). Your guide will recommend authentic lakeside restaurants to taste regional dishes such as risotto al pesce persico or fresh lake fish. Stroll along the charming promenade or relax by the water before continuing the day.
1h
Bellagio Stop 5
Continue with a pleasant walking tour through the town’s charming alleys, boutique shops, and scenic lakeside corners. Your guide will share stories about Bellagio’s noble past, architecture, and local traditions. You’ll also have some free time to explore, shop, or relax.
45 min
Lake Como Stop 6
Relax on the return journey to Como. Enjoy the calm atmosphere of the late afternoon on the lake as your guide offers final insights and recommendations for the rest of your stay. We always book the fast ferry (1h ride).
1h

Departure & Return

Start point

Please go to the center of Piazza Cavour and face the lake. On your right-hand side, you will see a bright yellow building next to a pink one. There is number 26, someone from the staff will be waiting for you Use the second photo in the gallery for guidance. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

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End point

Please go to the center of Piazza Cavour and face the lake. On your right-hand side, you will see a bright yellow building next to a pink one. There is number 26, someone from the staff will be waiting for you Use the second photo in the gallery for guidance. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Additional Information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • This is a **guided tour**, not just a boat ride. During the ride from Como to Villa del Balbianello, you will see the main highlights of the lake from the boat. If you are looking for a tour where you simply sit on the boat the whole time, this is not the right tour for you. You should look for a different boat-only experience. Our tour is for guests who want to visit and discover Lake Como, not just pass by it.
  • Please note: Due to the high operational costs, a minimum number of 5 participants is required for the guided tour to operate. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you the day before the tour, an alternative tour or date will be offered, or a full refund provided.
  • Not suitable for anyone with mobility, balance, cardiovascular, or back issues. We walk.
  • Comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip are recommended. Flip-flops, open sandals, and smooth-soled shoes are not advised.
  • Absolutely not suitable for anyone with knee or back issues. The villages around Lake Como are built on steep terrain with uneven, sloped streets—good physical condition is essential.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund

Compared with other Boat Tours

TourPriceDurationRatingGroup
This tour · #58 of 67€3457h–8h4.78 (147)shared
Lake Como Private Boat Tour from Bellagio with a Local€320 per group1h5.0 (364)private
Lake Como Authentic Private Lounge Cruise with Open Bar€300 per group1h4.98 (410)private
Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise€13910h4.96 (1545)shared

Ranked #58 of 67 in Boat Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €45 to €1200, median €148; typical length 2h. 48 of 67 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Compare all 67 Boat Tours

From € 345 / person