Villa Balbianello Gardens and Scenic Lake Como Private Boat Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Villa Del Balbianello

   Step ashore at Lake Como’s most iconic landmark. Perched on a wooded peninsula in Lenno, the 18th-century Villa del Balbianello is famed for its terraced gardens, panoramic lake views, and starring role in Star Wars: Episode II and Casino Royale. Owned and preserved by FAI (the Italian National Trust), the villa offers cinematic views, sculpted hedges, climbing wisteria, and the elegant Loggia Durini all best approached from the water. Your stop includes: Duration of garden visit varies depending on the selected tour option Garden entrance ticket not included, tickets can be purchased on site upon arrival Direct arrival by boat at the villa’s private dock, allowing you to skip the queue and access the gardens immediately after disembarking Please note: Garden access only (interiors require a separate FAI guided tour). Villa open seasonally. Comfortable walking shoes recommended due to sloping paths.

   60 minutes here · Admission not included

2. Villa Sola Busca - complesso

   Villa Sola Busca, also known as Villa La Quieta, is an elegant 18th-century villa located in Tremezzo on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and overlooking the lake, the villa is celebrated for its neoclassical architecture and richly decorated interiors. Historically a residence of noble families, Villa Sola Busca has hosted famous guests, including poets and philosophers. Today, it stands as a symbol of Lake Como's aristocratic charm and cultural heritage.

   Pass by without stopping

3. Chiesa di San Lorenzo a Tremezzo

   The Church of San Lorenzo in Tremezzo is a beautiful 18th–19th century church overlooking Lake Como. Blending neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles, it features a striking façade, frescoes by Luigi Tagliaferri, and historic altars. The church stands in a scenic square, offering peaceful lake views.

   Pass by without stopping

4. Parco Civico Teresio Olivelli

   Parco Teresio Olivelli is a charming lakeside park located in Tremezzo, on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy. Known for its peaceful atmosphere, the park features lush gardens, tall trees, a historic fountain, and beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for relaxing walks, picnics, and outdoor activities, offering both locals and visitors a tranquil escape in a picturesque setting.

   Pass by without stopping

5. Villa Carlotta

   Villa Carlotta is a historic villa located in Tremezzina on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy. Constructed in 1690 by Milanese banker Giorgio Clerici, the villa was later owned by Giovanni Battista Sommariva, who enriched it with masterpieces by artists such as Antonio Canova, Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Francesco Hayez. In 1843, Princess Marianne of Nassau gifted the villa to her daughter, Charlotte of Prussia, on the occasion of her marriage to Prince George II of Saxe-Meiningen. The Duke, a botany enthusiast, transformed the surrounding park into a romantic landscape garden.

   Pass by without stopping

6. Parco di Villa Serbelloni

   Villa Serbelloni is a historic villa located in Bellagio, Italy, on the shores of Lake Como. Originally built in the 15th century on the site of a 14th-century castle, the villa has undergone several reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. In 1788, it was acquired by Count Alessandro Serbelloni, who enriched the property with 17th- and 18th-century artworks and decorative elements.

   Pass by without stopping

7. I Giardini Di Villa Melzi

   Villa Melzi is a neoclassical villa located in Bellagio, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy. Commissioned by Francesco Melzi d’Eril, Vice President of the Italian Republic under Napoleon, the villa was designed by architect Giocondo Albertolli and constructed between 1808 and 1810.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Villa del Balbiano - Complesso Architettonico di Ossuccio (ante 1778)

   Villa Balbiano is a historic 16th-century palazzo located in Ossuccio on Lake Como, Italy. Originally owned by the noble Giovio family, it was sold in 1596 to Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, who initiated significant renovations based on designs by architect Pellegrino Tibaldi. The villa reached its peak during the 18th century under Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini, who transformed it into a cultural hub for intellectuals and artists.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Isola Comacina

   Isola Comacina is the only island on Lake Como, located near the village of Ossuccio in Tremezzina. Spanning approximately 6 hectares, it is renowned for its lush Mediterranean vegetation, including olive groves, linden trees, and laurel bushes, thriving in the mild climate of the Zoca de l’Oli bay. Historically, the island played a significant role from Roman times through the Middle Ages. In 1169, it was destroyed by forces from Como and Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, leading to its abandonment for centuries . Archaeological excavations have uncovered several early medieval structures, including the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which stands on the island today.

   Pass by without stopping

10. Villa Maresi di Griante

    Villa Maresi is a distinctive Neo-Gothic villa located in Griante, on the western shore of Lake Como, Italy. Constructed between 1895 and 1905, it was commissioned by industrialist Pompeo Maresi and designed by architect Giacomo Mantegazza, who studied English Gothic Revival architecture in Britain to inform the design. The villa was built on the ruins of a 16th-century medieval castle that was part of the Franco-Hispanic fortifications dating back to the war that ended in 1529. Mantegazza preserved the castle's fortified appearance, incorporating crenellated walls, a central keep, watchtowers, and a lakeside bastion with a turret.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Options you can book

• 1h Boat- 1h Balbianello Garden

  Pickup included

• 2h Boat- 2h Balbianello Garden

  Pickup included

• 1h Boat- 2h Balbianello Garden

  Pickup included

• 2h Boat- 1h Balbianello Garden

  Pickup included

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

en, it

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Lake45

Know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos