2 Hours Private Wooden Boat Tour on Lake Como 10 pax

Taking to Lake Como on a private wooden boat offers a unique way to see this stunning Italian lake, with elegant views and personalized service. The 2-hour private tour aboard the Navicella del Lario is designed for small groups—up to 10 people—who want to indulge in a touch of luxury while discovering the area’s most iconic sights. This experience is a blend of scenic sightseeing, comfort, and a bit of exclusivity, making it a popular choice for visitors seeking a memorable day on the water.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the boat itself: a beautifully renovated Venetian taxi from 2021, finished with wood and leather interiors that evoke timeless elegance. The captain’s attentive service and the quiet, intimate setting mean you can truly relax and take in the views, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a peaceful escape. However, potential travelers should keep in mind that, from some reviews, the experience is more about the scenery and boat ride than a detailed commentary or guided tour. For those curious about detailed historical insights or in-depth narration, this might feel a little light.

This tour is ideal for those who value luxury, privacy, and spectacular vistas. If you’re looking for a romantic outing, a special celebration, or just an authentic way to experience Lake Como with a smaller crowd, this could be a perfect fit. Just remember, it’s a short, 2-hour experience—so it’s best suited for travelers wanting a snapshot of Como’s highlights rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Key Points

• Luxurious Boat: The Navicella del Lario is a renovated Venetian taxi with a stylish interior, perfect for a plush experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: The route covers major sights like Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, Villa Erba, and even Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s home.
• Personalized Service: The captain is attentive and willing to accommodate requests, making the experience feel tailored.
• Spectacular Views: You’ll pass by iconic villas, scenic valleys, and the famous Isola Comacina, with options for optional weather protection like sun awnings.
• Limited Commentary: The experience is primarily about the ride and scenery; very little detailed narration is provided.
• Value for Money: At nearly $1,000 for a group of up to 10, it’s a premium experience, but many find the exclusive setting and private access worth the cost.

An In-Depth Look at the Lake Como Private Boat Experience

The Boat: Style and Comfort Matter

This tour’s standout feature is the Navicella del Lario, a boat that looks as good as it sounds. Entirely revamped in 2021, it’s a vessel that combines elegance with practical comfort. Its classic Venetian design makes it perfect for those who appreciate craftsmanship, and the wood and leather interior adds a touch of old-world charm. The boat includes sun awnings and weather covers, so if the sky turns grey, you’re still protected—an important detail if you’re splitting hairs over weather.

On board, plenty of fresh water and drinks are available, which adds a nice touch of hospitality, especially on warmer days. The boat can seat up to 11 passengers comfortably, which means your group can spread out and enjoy the scenery without feeling crowded. This size also makes it easier for the captain to navigate smaller, scenic spots that larger vessels might not access.

The Route: Covering Lake Como’s Highlights

The itinerary kicks off from Como’s Lungo Lario Trieste jetty, providing a scenic departure point. The tour then travels along the western shore, passing some of the most recognizable sights.

Stop 1: Lake Como — the starting point, giving travelers their first glimpse of the lake’s calm waters and stunning backdrop.

Stop 2: Life Electric — passing Daniel Libeskind’s modern sculpture, offering a contrast to the historic villas and a touch of contemporary art.

Stop 3: Villa Olmo — an impressive neoclassical villa built by the Odescalchi family, often admired for its grand façade and lush gardens, visible from the water.

Stop 4: Cernobbio — dubbed the “Paris of the Lario” for its luxury villas and elegant atmosphere, a favorite for those seeking glamour and charm.

Stop 5: Villa Erba — an architectural masterpiece built between 1894 and 1898, originally commissioned by Luigi Erba, a pharmaceutical industrialist, now hosting events and exhibitions.

Stops 6 & 7: Moltrasio and Laglio — home to the famous Villa Oleandra, George Clooney’s retreat, which many travelers find exciting to see from the water.

Stop 8: Isola Comacina — a small island with a storied past, especially known for spectacular fireworks displays during celebrations, adding a touch of drama to the trip.

Return to Como — passing along the eastern shore, lined with more villas, making for a scenic finale.

The Experience: What Travelers Can Expect

While reviews suggest the tour is not heavily narrated, most passengers appreciate the stunning vistas and the chance to see famous villas, some of which are hidden behind lush gardens. The speed and comfort of the boat make traveling between spots relaxed, and the private nature of the tour means you can request stops or photo opportunities along the way.

A review from a guest noted, “Very descriptive and attentive, would highly recommend,” highlighting that guides are attentive to guest needs, even if they don’t provide detailed historical commentary. Others mentioned how the size of the boat was perfect for the group, making the experience intimate and easy to enjoy.

Practical Considerations

Pricing at around $965.76 for up to 10 people positions this as a luxurious but worthwhile expense for those craving exclusivity and comfort. The value here depends on what you’re after—if you want a private, stylish way to see Lake Como’s highlights with some flexibility, this ticks the box.

The tour is booked an average of 14 days in advance—better to plan ahead if you’re set on a specific date. The 2-hour duration offers a snapshot of the lake’s highlights without feeling rushed, though some might wish for more time to explore or relax.

Review Insights and Guest Feedback

While the majority of reviews praise the stunning scenery and good value for money, some guests felt the experience lacked deep narration or detailed commentary—“It is a boat ride, not a tour with a lot of knowledge shared,” as one reviewer put it. Conversely, others found the size and comfort of the boat ideal, especially for capturing photos of villas and natural scenery.

A guest who called it “amazing and impressive” appreciated the descriptive nature and attentiveness of the crew, making the journey enjoyable. Another who said they “had so much fun” described the simple setup and beautiful views, confirming this experience is more about the scenery and atmosphere than a guided historical narrative.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Right Lake Como Experience for You?

This private wooden boat tour is perfect for travelers who value privacy, elegance, and scenic beauty over detailed commentary. You’ll love the luxurious boat, the chance to see iconic villas, and the flexibility that comes with a private experience. It’s an excellent choice for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in a peaceful, scenic cruise.

That said, if you’re expecting an educational tour with in-depth explanations, this might feel somewhat light on narration. The value here lies in the comfort, exclusivity, and beautiful vistas rather than a guided story of Lake Como’s history.

The price point reflects the level of luxury and privacy, making it a worthwhile splurge for those wanting a memorable, upscale experience. Planning ahead is essential, especially during peak seasons, and be prepared for weather considerations given the limited weather protection.

In short, this tour offers a charming, stylish way to experience Lake Como—best suited for those who want to enjoy the lake’s beauty with a small, private group and don’t mind a brief, scenic snapshot rather than an all-day exploration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the tour involves a boat ride which might not be ideal for very young children or those with certain mobility issues.

What is included in the boat?
The boat is equipped with sun awnings, weather covers, fresh water, and other drinks, making it comfortable regardless of the weather.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Private tours can be organized on request, and the captain is at your disposal to accommodate specific interests or stops.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Lungo Lario Trieste in Como and concludes at the same point, offering a circular route with scenic stops along the way.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about two weeks in advance, so planning early is recommended during busy periods.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.

Are drinks included?
Yes, on the boat you’ll find fresh water and other drinks available during the trip.

Is there commentary during the tour?
There is very little commentary, so if you’re expecting an educational narration, you might want to supplement this experience with a guided tour.

Can I bring my pet?
Service animals are allowed, but dogs are not permitted on board.

This private wooden boat tour on Lake Como offers a refined way to see some of Italy’s most enchanting lakeside scenery, with enough flexibility and comfort to satisfy most discerning travelers. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a peaceful escape, it provides a memorable glimpse of the lake’s captivating beauty.