Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como
Lake Como, Italy

Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise

Outty Ranking 55 4.7 · 3 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $55

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

55/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise worth booking?

Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise is a 3-hour experience in Lake Como, Italy, from $55 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 3 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
55 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (3)
Duration
3 hours
From
$55 per person

During this half day tour, you will take a guided tour to Villa Carlotta and its amazing art collection including beautiful sculptures by Canova, followed by a walk in the colorful and astounding botanical gardens of the

What you get

    About this experience

    During this half day tour, you will take a guided tour to Villa Carlotta and its amazing art collection including beautiful sculptures by Canova, followed by a walk in the colorful and astounding botanical gardens of the villa. You will then take a 1 hour cruise on a private open-top Venetian watertaxi, which will give you the chance to relax admiring the spectacular mountains and the stunning villas. Accompanied by an English speaking guide, we will tour the coast from Tremezzo down to Lenno, admire Villa del Balbianello from the water and circumnavigate Island Comacina. Then we will slowly cruise along the opposite coast to reach the botanical gardens of Villa Melzi and finally Bellagio. Those who wish to, will get off at this renowed village to spend the afternoon, while the rest of the group will be lead back to Tremezzo.

    What's included

    Included

    • 1 h private open top Venetian watertaxi cruise
    • Tickets to Villa Carlotta
    • Licensed English speaking tour guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Villa Carlotta

      During this half day small group tour, you will take a guided tour to Villa Carlotta and its amazing art collection including beautiful sculptures by Canova, followed by a walk in the colorful and astounding botanical gardens of the villa.

      90 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Villa Del Balbianello

      You will then take a 1 hour cruise on a private open-top Venetian watertaxi, which will give you the chance to relax admiring the spectacular mountains and the stunning villas. Accompanied by an English speaking guide, we will tour the coast from Tremezzo down to Lenno to admire Villa del Balbianello from the water and circumnavigate Isola Comacina.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Isola Comacina

      You will circumnavigate the island

      Pass by without stopping

    4. I Giardini Di Villa Melzi

      During the open top watertaxi cruise you will admire the coast south of Bellagio and Villa Melzi with its amazing botanical gardens from the water

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Bellagio

      During the watertaxi cruise you will admire all the coast that from Lezzeno reaches Bellagio from the south. Those who wish to, will get off at this renowed village to spend the afternoon, while the rest of the group will be lead back to Tremezzo.

      5 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Lake Como

    Meeting point at the benches across the road from the ticket office. Look for a person holding a LAKE COMO FOR YOU sign!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Meeting point at the benches across the road from the ticket office. Look for a person holding a LAKE COMO FOR YOU sign!

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 11 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Lake Como For You

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • We are following Italy's Covid rules as they change.

    Photos

    Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 2Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 3Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 4Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 5Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 6Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise in Lake Como, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    3 verified traveler reviews for Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Jayne_M · September 2024

    Art history

    We had our tour in the pouring rain so not the best. Our guide and boat captain were knowledgeable and kind. We learned a lot and enjoyed our time.

    via Viator

    perfectday85 · September 2021

    Wonderful experience

    It was a wonderful experience on this special tour in Lake Como. Tour guide Margaret was very attentive and the tour was very informative. We really had a wonderful time at Carlotta. The water cruise afterward was also the highlight of the tour. Since we were the only couple on this tour, it felt like a private tour in the end. Highly recommend this to those who are 1st timer in Lake Como. A great way to get to know more about history and background of the city.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $55 to $460
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 55

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)84
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)13
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lake Como.

    How much does Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise cost?

    +

    Prices start at $55 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lake Como usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lake Como is not rushed.

    Is Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Lake Como, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise?

    +

    Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lake Como can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lake Como and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Best of Lake Como: guided visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 h private watertaxi cruise start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lake Como within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Lake Como?

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    On Outty we rank every Lake Como experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small-Group Lake Como & Lugano: 2 Countries in 1 Day, Boat Cruise, Como, Bellagio & Varenna: Small Group from Milan with Boat Cruise, Small-Group Lake Como: Bellagio, Varenna, Hidden Gorge & Boat. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Lake Como?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Lake Como?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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