Private Boat Tour & Villa del Balbianello Gardens - Lake Como
About This Experience
Villa del Balbianello is Lake Como's most iconic landmark - a place that has appeared on film sets, graced the covers of travel magazines, and stopped guests mid-sentence since it was first built in the 18th century. The only problem with seeing it from the shore is that the shore is never quite close enough. This private 4-hour experience combines a boat tour of the lake's most celebrated villas and villages with a guided entry into the gardens of Villa del Balbianello itself. Your captain - a native of the area and an expert guide of the lake - will bring you across the water to the villa's private dock, where garden entry tickets are fully arranged. No queuing, no logistics, no walking up from a public ferry stop. Beyond Balbianello, the route takes in Villa La Cassinella, Villa del Balbiano, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo shoreline, and Isola Comacina - all seen from the water, at a pace that lets the lake settle around you. Prosecco and soft drinks are served on board throughout.
What's Included
- Entry tickets to Villa del Balbianello gardens (fully arranged)
- Prosecco and soft drinks on board
- Water for each passenger
- English-speaking captain, native of the area
- Fuel
Not Included
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Additional food or drinks not listed
- Tips
Itinerary
Argegno - Departure Point
Meet at Argegno and begin the cruise along the western shore of Lake Como. Optional pickups available upon request.
Colonno
Cruise past the lakeside village of Colonno, enjoying views of traditional houses and the surrounding mountains.
Sala Comacina
Pass the peaceful village of Sala Comacina, facing the island and the calm central waters of the lake.
Isola Comacina
Circle Lake Como's only island, rich in history and surrounded by open water and scenic landscapes.
Villa del Balbiano
Admire a historic lakeside villa known for its grand facade, movie appearances, and prestigious events.
Villa La Cassinella
Pass the unique private villa, surrounded by quiet gardens and accessible only from the water.
Villa del Balbianello - Garden Entry
Disembark at the villa's dock and explore the famous terraced gardens, filming location for Star Wars and James Bond: Casino Royale. Entry fully arranged — no queuing required. Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Lenno
Cruise along the shoreline of Lenno, a charming lakeside town set in the heart of the bay.
Tremezzo
Continue toward Tremezzo, known for its refined villas and panoramic lake views.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Pass the legendary Grand Hotel Tremezzo, an iconic five-star hotel overlooking the central part of the lake.
Villa Carlotta
Admire Villa Carlotta from the water, renowned for its neoclassical architecture and spectacular botanical gardens.
Bellagio
Cross the lake toward Bellagio, the Pearl of Lake Como, with its colourful buildings and dramatic promontory setting.
Villa Melzi and Gardens
Cruise past the elegant gardens of Villa Melzi, stretching along Bellagio's peaceful lakeside.
Lezzeno - Return
Follow the eastern shoreline toward Lezzeno, with views of dramatic cliffs and open lake scenery, before returning to Argegno.
Photos
Book Your Experience
Starting from
April 2026
Free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival
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