Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 304 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat worth booking?
Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat is a 7-hour experience in Lake Como, Italy, from $591 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 304 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (304)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $591 per person
Experience Lake Como's most celebrated villages on a premium small-group tour with maximum ten guests. Board a private boat reserved exclusively for your group and cruise to Varenna and Bellagio—two timeless lakeside vil
What you get
About this experience
Experience Lake Como's most celebrated villages on a premium small-group tour with maximum ten guests. Board a private boat reserved exclusively for your group and cruise to Varenna and Bellagio—two timeless lakeside villages known for colorful architecture, stone pathways, and mountain views. In Varenna, explore Villa Monastero, a historic estate famous for its botanical gardens along the waterfront. Walk beneath ancient trees, enjoy lake views from terraced paths, and discover one of Italy's most elegant properties. After free time for lunch, cross to Bellagio. Explore quiet alleys, local shops, and scenic viewpoints with your expert guide. Throughout the day, your professional guide shares stories and insider knowledge via whisper audio system, ensuring every guest hears clearly. Villa Monastero admission, private boat transport, and expert guidance are included. This is Lake Como as it was meant to be discovered: thoughtfully paced, beautifully presented, and genuinely memorable.
What's included
Included
- Guided tour of Varenna and Bellagio.
- Transportation from Como to Varenna by venetian boat.
- Admissions to Villa Monastero in Varenna & Villa Melzi gardens in Bellagio.
- Small group of max. 10 guests with a professional guide
- Transportation from Bellagio to Como by venetian boat.
- Transportation between Varenna and Bellagio by venetian boat.
Not included
- Lunch and drinks (own expense; approx. 1h).
- Private tour. This is a shared small-group tour (max 10 guests).
What you'll see and do
Piazza Cavour
Meet your guide at Piazza Cavour 26, Como. After a short briefing, aboard and begin your journey. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.
15 minutes here
Como
Enjoy a panoramic cruise aboard a private boat reserved exclusively for your group, passing mountain landscapes, elegant villas, and colorful villages while your guide introduces Lake Como’s history and culture.
60 minutes here
Varenna
Visit Varenna and Villa Monastero, a graceful lakeside estate famous for its terraced botanical gardens, exotic plants, and elegant architectural details. We’ll walk along its panoramic promenade that follows the water’s edge, passing cypress-lined pathways, marble balustrades, and quiet corners perfect for photos. It’s a slow, beautiful moment to simply breathe in Lake Como.
120 minutes here
Bellagio
Cross the lake to Bellagio.
20 minutes here
Bellagio
Enjoy free time for lunch in Bellagio at your own expense. Your guide will recommend selected local restaurants and make the reservation for you.
60 minutes here
Bellagio
Experience the charm of Bellagio in a concise one-hour guided tour. This tour offers a quick yet enriching exploration of Bellagio's picturesque streets, stunning lakeside views, and vibrant floral displays. You'll wander through the historical heart of the town, discovering hidden gems and iconic spots such as the bustling Piazza San Giacomo and the serene lakeside promenade.
60 minutes here
I Giardini Di Villa Melzi
Visit Villa Melzi gardens.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Bellagio
Board the boat for the tranquil journey back to Como, watching the afternoon light shimmer on the lake and mountains—a calm ending to a beautiful day.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Lake Como
Go to the middle of the large square called Piazza Cavour. Face the lake. On your right-hand side, you’ll see a bright yellow building next to a pink one — that’s nr 26. A Google Maps link is provided, also you can see the 2nd photo in the gallery for reference. Please arrive 15+ minutes early.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Go to the middle of the large square called Piazza Cavour. Face the lake. On your right-hand side, you’ll see a bright yellow building next to a pink one — that’s nr 26. A Google Maps link is provided, also you can see the 2nd photo in the gallery for reference. Please arrive 15+ minutes early.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lake Como Explorer
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- This is a **guided tour**, not just a boat ride. During the ride from Como to Varenna, you will see the main highlights of the lake from the boat. After that, we visit the main attractions on the lake, walk through beautiful places, and experience the destinations properly. If you are looking for a tour where you simply sit on the boat the whole time, this is not the right tour for you. You should look for a different boat-only experience. Our tour is for guests who want to visit and discover Lake Como, not just pass by it.
- Please note: Due to the very high operational costs, a minimum number of 5 participants is required for the tour to operate. If the minimum is not reached, we will contact you the day before the tour, an alternative tour or date will be offered, or a full refund provided.
- Active boat tour — not suitable for anyone with mobility, balance, cardiovascular, or back issues.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 304 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
304 verified traveler reviews for Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
- Tour guide (Enrico)was...
- Tour guide (Enrico)was awesome - some steep climbs -beautiful, scenic boat ride and sites - highly recommend
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the boat ride, and the visit to Varenna, Villa Monastero, and Bellagio. Just one small correction—your guide was **Riccardo**, not Enrico. 😊 We'll be sure to pass your compliments on to him. Thank you for recommending our tour, and we hope to welcome you back to Lake Como in the future.
via Viator
Fantastic trip, worth every penny.
The team was fantastic! Initially, the wind was not cooperating so we had to pivot and take the ferry out for a portion of the travel. However, our guide, Ricardo, traveled with us and gave us information on attractions up the lake. He was a wealth of knowledge and made the ferry ride go quickly. As soon as we were able, we disembarked and enjoyed the rest of the trip on the 10-person private boat. The views were incredible! We had time to visit both Veranna and Bellagio. No complaints. Worth every penny. Note - there is walking involved. If you are unsteady on your feet or unable to easily climb steps, I’d recommend another tour.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your fantastic review. We are glad that, despite the wind at the beginning, the alternative ferry transfer worked well and that Ricardo was able to make that part of the journey interesting and enjoyable. We always try to adapt the itinerary in the safest and best possible way, and we are happy that you could still enjoy the private boat experience, Varenna, and Bellagio. Thank you also for mentioning the walking involved. It is useful information for future guests. It was a pleasure having you with us on Lake Como, and we hope to welcome you again in the future.
via Viator
Beautiful place and tour...
Beautiful place and tour guide Michelle was fantastic unfortunately rain all day but we have a lot of fun
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you still had a wonderful time despite the rain—it sounds like you made the most of every moment. Your enthusiasm truly brightens even the greyest days! ☀️💦🌿 Wishing you clear skies and smooth travels ahead! 🛥️🛍️🌤️
via Viator
A fabulous experience ...
A fabulous experience The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable friendly and went above and beyond to make sure our tour was exceptional I would not hesitate to recommend this tour and the tour guide to anyone who may be considering taking the tour It was conducted in a most professional manner and with exceptional knowledge of the subject The tour guide also provided extra information to make our stay in Como even more enjoyable
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad to hear you had such a fabulous experience and that everything exceeded your expectations. It’s especially rewarding to know that the attention to detail and professionalism made your time on Lake Como truly special. Your recommendation means a lot — we hope your memories of the lake stay bright for years to come. 🌅🛶✨ Wishing you many more beautiful adventures ahead!
via Viator
Francesca was a...
Francesca was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. Beautiful views and crisp day. Relaxed pace. Toured Lenno instead of Varenna
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the beautiful views and the relaxed pace of the day. Even with the itinerary change, it’s wonderful to know you had a memorable experience exploring Lenno and its charm. Wishing you many more days filled with stunning scenery and great adventures! 🌿🛶✨
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 106
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lake Como.
How much does Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat cost?
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Prices start at $591 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 Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 304 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lake Como, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat?
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Around 106 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?
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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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Lake Como: Varenna, Villa Monastero & Bellagio By Private Boat 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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