Experience on Lake Como and in the city

Experience on Lake Como and in the City: A Complete Review

If you’re considering a quick introduction to Lake Como and Como city itself, this 2-hour combined tour offers a balanced mix of land and water exploration. Offered by Gimbus, this experience promises a glimpse of the city’s historic sites and the stunning scenery of Lake Como, all wrapped into a compact, easy-to-follow itinerary. It’s especially appealing if you’re short on time but want to soak in the essentials of Como, from its charming streets to its famous lakeside villas.

What we really appreciate about this tour is the multilingual audio guide, which makes the experience accessible to a diverse range of travelers. Plus, the use of a modern electric golf cart makes city touring feel fun and eco-friendly. Then, shifting to a Venetian taxi boat provides a fantastic water-based perspective of Lake Como’s beauty.

However, some travelers have found the audio content somewhat shallow, mainly focusing on celebrity sightings rather than deep historical insights. If you’re a history buff or a culture enthusiast, that might be a consideration. Nonetheless, this tour tends to suit those looking for a relaxed, scenic overview rather than an in-depth archaeological or historical journey. It’s especially ideal for first-timers or visitors who want a comfortable, guided overview with minimal hassle.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines land and water for a well-rounded glimpse of Como.
• Multilingual Audio Guides: Available in seven languages, making it accessible.
• Short & Sweet: Total duration of around 2 hours, perfect for tight schedules.
• Authentic Views: Offers stunning perspectives of lakeside villas and city landmarks.
• Group Size: Limited to 7 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Price Point: At $84.15, it offers good value for a guided overview with transportation included.

A Deep Dive into the Lake Como and Como City Tour

Starting Point: Piazza Roma

The tour kicks off from Piazza Roma, right in the heart of Como’s historic center. Here, you’ll find yourself close to the Duomo and lakefront, setting a scenic tone for what’s to come. The meeting point is conveniently near public transportation, making it an easy start for most travelers.

Exploring Como on a Golf Cart

The first phase involves a ride aboard a modern electric golf cart. This isn’t just a fun way to get around; it’s a practical way to cover more ground comfortably. The use of an audio guide in seven languages allows you to listen to tidbits about the city’s history, architecture, and notable sites as you glide past landmarks.

Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with some describing the driver as “kind, nice, and prepared,” which adds a personal touch to the journey. The city stops include:

• Piazza Roma (starting point, free, 5 mins)
• Monumento Ai Caduti—a significant WWI memorial where you can reflect on Como’s historical contributions (5 mins)
• Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia—a stadium in a picturesque location; passing by gives you a sense of local life
• Yacht Club Como M.I.La. C.V.C.—a hub for nautical enthusiasts, offering a glimpse of Como’s vibrant boating scene
• Aero Club – Como—the world’s oldest hydro flying club, still active today, adds a touch of historical aviation charm (5 mins)
• Piazza Alessandro Volta—a bustling square honoring the city’s famous scientist, ideal for photo ops (3 mins)
• Porta Torre—a medieval fortress symbolizing Como’s defensive past, standing 40 meters tall (3 mins)
• Casa del Fascio—an architectural highlight of Italian rationalism, appreciated by architecture buffs

Transition to Water

After exploring the city on land, the tour ends on Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, where you disembark the golf cart and board a Venetian taxi boat. This shift from land to water is one of the highlights, offering a unique perspective of Lake Como’s lakeside villas and scenic villages from the water.

Lake Como Water Tour

The boat ride lasts approximately 45 minutes, during which the guide’s commentary, available in six languages, shares interesting facts about the villas and villages along the shoreline. The boat glides past Villa Olmo, a prominent lakeside estate frequently featured in travel photos, and Villa Pizzo, a private residence with impressive views.

Travelers have noted the stunning vistas from the water, with some describing it as a “fantastic experience,” especially when viewing the luxurious villas and picturesque villages like Cernobbio and Torno. The boat ride is a gentle, relaxing way to appreciate Lake Como’s natural beauty without the need for strenuous walks or hikes.

Highlights of the Villas and Villages

The tour passes by some of Lake Como’s most famed residences, including Villa Olmo, Villa d’Este, and Villa Oleandra (George Clooney’s residence). While visiting these private villas isn’t part of the tour, passing by them provides a sense of the luxury lifestyle associated with Lake Como.

End of Tour

The boat ride concludes back at Piazza Matteotti, where your golf cart experience ends. The convenience of ending at the same point you started means less hassle and more time to explore on your own if you wish.

What Travelers Say: Honest Opinions and Insights

Reviews offer a mixed but generally positive picture. Many find the guides friendly and knowledgeable, with some noting that the driver was especially personable and well-prepared. One reviewer mentioned the experience as “comfortable, fun, and a perfect way to discover Como,” emphasizing the enjoyable ride and scenic views.

However, some guests expressed disappointment with the audio guide’s content, describing it as shallow and heavily focused on celebrities rather than historical or cultural depth. One guest noted, “the audio content is shallow & lacks intelligent information, primarily focusing on celebrity name dropping.” This indicates that if you’re seeking a deeply informative historical tour, this might not fully satisfy your curiosity.

Another major point raised was the clustering of visitors during peak times, and the suggestion that doing this tour during the week might help avoid crowds, especially around the lakeshore. Group size is limited to 7 travelers, which can enhance the feeling of intimacy but also means booking ahead is sensible.

Practical Aspects

The price of $84.15 per person is fair considering the included transportation and guided commentary. While not a cheap option, the combination of city and lake views in a short period offers reasonable value, especially for first-time visitors wanting an overview without stress.

The tour’s duration of 2 hours makes it a good choice for travelers with limited time but who still want a taste of Como’s charm. The minimal walking and the comfortable electric vehicle make it accessible even for families with children aged 6 and above.

Additional Considerations

Guests should note that entrance to monuments isn’t included, so if you want to explore places like the Duomo or Villa Olmo, you’ll need to purchase tickets separately. Also, tips aren’t included, so consider tipping guides if you feel they added value.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience suits travelers seeking a light, scenic overview of Como city and Lake Como’s shoreline. It’s ideal for newcomers, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable, guided tour that covers the highlights without being overly detailed or physically demanding. If you value stunning vistas, friendly guides, and a relaxed pace, this tour checks many of those boxes.

However, if you’re craving deep historical knowledge, or wish to visit specific villas and sites, you might find this tour somewhat superficial. It’s best viewed as an introductory experience rather than an exhaustive exploration.

Final Words

For a short but sweet glimpse of Como and Lake Como, this tour offers a practical and enjoyable way to see both the city’s highlights and the lakeside’s most iconic villas. The combination of land and water provides diverse perspectives, and the multilingual audio guides make it accessible to a broad audience.

The personalized group size and the scenic boat ride are definite pluses, although some may wish for a bit more depth in the commentary. For those seeking a relaxed, scenic introduction to this beautiful region, it offers notable value at a reasonable price, particularly if booked during weekdays to avoid crowds.

This experience fits well with travelers who prioritize ease, comfort, and picturesque views over exhaustive historical detail. It’s a hassle-free way to tick Como off your list while soaking in some of Italy’s most famous lakeside scenery.

FAQ

• How long does the entire tour last?
  Approximately 2 hours, including both the land and water portions.

• What languages are the audio guides available in?
  Seven languages: Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins at Piazza Roma and ends at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, both in Como.

• Is transportation included?
  Yes, the tour includes a ride in a modern electric golf cart and a Venetian taxi boat.

• Can children participate?
  Yes, most travelers aged 6 and above can join, provided they are comfortable with the ride.

• Are tickets to monuments included?
  No, entrance fees to monuments are not included.

• What if I want a private experience?
  The group size is limited to 7 travelers, making it relatively intimate, but it’s not explicitly private.

• Is the tour suitable during peak tourist season?
  It can be busy, especially on weekends, so booking during weekdays might enhance the experience.

• Is there a refund policy?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

• What should I bring?
  A sense of curiosity, comfortable clothes, and perhaps a camera, but no special gear is required.

To sum it up, this two-hour Como city and lake tour offers a pleasant and scenic overview that combines practicality with beautiful views. It’s best suited for those wanting a relaxed, guided introduction and comfortable transportation, with the memorable backdrop of Lake Como’s lakeside splendor.