Lake Como Sightseeing Cruise on Wooden Boat
Pass grand villas and estates with an audio guide and small group on a handcrafted Venetian vessel
For centuries, Lake Como has served as a private retreat for celebrities and noble families living in grand villas carved into the hillsides. Seeing the shoreline from the water provides a perspective that you can't get on the crowded lakeside roads. This shared cruise carries you on a handcrafted Venetian taxi boat while an audio guide reveals the history of the passing estates. Plus, enjoy an included hot drink in winter! Step aboard to experience the lake just like the rich and famous.
What You Get With This Tour
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Experience front-row villa views
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Local English-speaking captain
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Multilingual audio guide
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Hostess on board
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Lake Como boat cruise
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Hot drink in winter
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Small group experience
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Villa entry tickets
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Food and drinks
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Captain tips
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Live guide
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at Gimbus, Via Fratelli Cairoli 21, Como
Start your tour at a small office in Como, with “front door” access to the lake. Follow a representative from the team to the pier, and step onto a smooth wooden boat before beginning your memorable cruise. -
2
Cruise past Villa Olmo on Como’s waterfront
First, float by Villa Olmo, an 18th-century masterpiece featuring a massive column-lined facade and extensive lakeside gardens. Learn how this huge villa functioned as a prestigious retreat for emperors and world leaders throughout history. -
3
Pass Cernobbio town’s grand villas and hotel façades
Next, glide past Cernobbio where historic estates and hotels line the water like lakefront castles. Your audio guide reveals the secrets behind every ornate gate and marble terrace. You will learn about the noble guests who have visited these massive retreats for centuries. -
4
Spot Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s lakeside home
Then, cruise past Villa Oleandra in Laglio, the famous estate owned by George Clooney. Your audio guide shares stories about the star-studded parties and paparazzi sightings that made this village famous. You will get a clear view of the gardens and the stone bridge. -
5
Sail by small town of Torno’s steep lanes and modern lakefront hotels
After that, cruise past Torno, a village where stone houses climb a steep 45-degree incline from the harbor. You will see the twelfth-century Romanesque bell tower of San Giovanni and the sleek, modern facades of contemporary five-star hotels along the shoreline. -
6
Sail by the small town of Torno’s modern lakefront hotels
After that, cruise past Torno, a village where stone houses climb a steep 45-degree incline from the harbor. You will see the twelfth-century Romanesque bell tower of San Giovanni and the sleek, modern facades of contemporary five-star hotels along the shoreline. -
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Your tour ends at Piazza Matteotti Giacomo, Como
Finally, your boat returns to the dock near Piazza Matteotti Giacomo where your lake excursion concludes. After disembarking, you will be ideally located to explore the nearby shops or walk into the heart of the city.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what’s included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Weather advisory: This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Minimum participants: This tour runs with minimum number of 4 guests. If the minimum is not met, you’ll be offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.
Not recommended: This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Age requirement: Children must be 3 years old and up, to join the tour.
Check-in: Please arrive 25 minutes before the start of the activity at the office on Via Fratelli Cairoli 21, Como, so staff can escort you to the pier. Boarding ends 15 minutes prior departure of the boat. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.
Your 1h 15m tour includes:
Local English-speaking captain
Audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Russian
Hostess on board
1-hour boat tour on Lake Como
Hot drink in winter
Blanket upon request
Maximum group size of 10
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Comfortable shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Weather-appropriate layers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, families are welcome, but children under 3 are not allowed. This is a calm sightseeing cruise, so it suits kids who can sit comfortably on a boat.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns, keep in mind there is walking to the pier and boarding the boat.
Does this tour run if it rains or the weather is bad?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is there a minimum number of guests?
Yes. The tour runs only when the minimum of 4 guests is reached. If the minimum is not met, you’ll be offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.
Do we ever exit the boat?
No, this boat cruise takes place entirely on the water.
