2 Hours Private Wooden Boat Tour on Lake Como 10 pax

If you’re considering a private boat ride on Lake Como, this 2-hour journey aboard the Navicella del Lario offers a distinctive way to see Italy’s most celebrated lake. Built as a traditional Venetian taxi and meticulously renovated in 2021, this vessel combines old-world charm with modern comforts. It’s designed for small groups—up to ten people—who want a taste of luxury while exploring iconic sights and hidden corners of Lake Como.

What I really appreciate about this experience is the luxury and intimacy it promises. First, the boat’s wood and leather interior feel both elegant and cozy, making you feel like a guest rather than a tourist. Second, the chance to customize your route with your captain means you can focus on what interests you most—whether that’s the stunning villas, tranquil valleys, or celebrity homes like George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra.

A potential drawback is that, as some reviews point out, this isn’t a guided tour in the traditional sense. While you’ll get some commentary on key sights, it’s more about the experience of being on the water than a detailed narrative about each location. If you’re after a narrated historical overview, this might not be the best fit. But if you love the idea of drifting across Lake Como in style and customizing your voyage, this offers excellent value.

Key points / Takeaways

• Luxury Experience: The boat’s restored interior offers a high-end feel, suitable for special occasions or those who appreciate comfort.
• Customizable Route: The captain is at your service to tailor the trip, making it a personal journey focused on your interests.
• Iconic Sights: Pass by famed villas like Villa Olmo and Villa Erba, as well as celebrity homes and scenic spots.
• Authentic Feel: The vintage Venetian taxi design adds a touch of history and authenticity to your lake adventure.
• Great for Small Groups: With a capacity of up to ten, it’s ideal for families, friends, or small celebrations.
• Limited Guided Commentary: Expect minimal narration; the focus is on the experience of being on Lake Como rather than detailed storytelling.

Exploring Lake Como from the Water: A Practical Breakdown

If you’re like me, you want a mix of comfort, stunning scenery, and a sense of privacy. This private boat tour on Lake Como delivers just that. It’s an excellent way to avoid the crowded boat tours that chase the biggest sights in a rush. Instead, you get a tailored experience aboard a beautifully restored vessel that’s more a floating lounge than a generic ferry.

The Vessel: A Restored Venetian Taxi

The Navicella del Lario feels like a piece of Italy’s boating heritage. Built in the style of a Venetian gondola taxi but functioning as a modern luxury boat, it’s entirely renovated to meet contemporary standards. The wood accents and leather seats exude a timeless charm, while features like sun awnings and weather protection ensure you stay comfortable regardless of the lake’s mood. You’ll find on board fresh water and drinks, adding to the feeling of indulgence.

The Itinerary: An Insider’s Tour of the Lake

Your journey begins at the tourist jetty in Como, a convenient starting point. The boat departs from Lungo Lario Trieste and begins by passing Lake Como’s central sights. One of the highlights is the Life Electric installation by Daniel Libeskind, which you’ll see as the boat glides past the breakwater. This modern sculpture contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape, offering a taste of contemporary art amid historic scenery.

Next, you’ll cruise past the elegant Villa Olmo, a neoclassical mansion built by the Odescalchi family. Its grand facade and lakeside gardens are among Lake Como’s most photographed sights. Moving on, the boat takes you towards Cernobbio, often called the “Paris of the Lario” thanks to its luxury hotels and villas lining the shoreline.

Continuing toward Villa Erba, you’ll admire its impressive architecture—built between 1894 and 1898 on a project by architects Angelo Savoldi and Giovan Battista Borsani. This villa was once the summer home of pharmaceutical heir Luigi Erba, and today, it remains an important historic landmark.

From there, the route takes you towards Moltrasio and Laglio, where the water-level views of George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra are a highlight. Many travelers find this glimpse into celebrity life a fun bonus, especially since Clooney’s villa is one of the most recognizable on the lake.

The highlight for many is the Isola Comacina, a tiny island renowned for its fireworks displays that recall a historical fire. The boat circles the island, giving travelers a chance to snap photos of this enchanting spot. The return leg offers a look at more villas on the east shore, completing a full-circle experience.

The Experience: What To Expect

While some reviews mention limited commentary—calling it more about the ride than a narrated tour—the boat’s relaxed pace and personal nature make up for it. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking scenery, with the lake’s steep hills and lush villas providing a constantly changing backdrop. The captain is available to fulfill specific requests, whether that’s taking photos, stopping for a quick swim, or lingering near a favorite villa.

The two-hour duration is a good length. It’s enough time to see a good mix of highlights without feeling rushed. Plus, the price at roughly $965 for up to ten people translates to around $97 each, which could be considered a fair deal for a private, luxury experience—especially if you value exclusivity and comfort over a crowded, fixed-route tour.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re seeking a luxurious, private cruise with the flexibility to customize your route, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for small groups celebrating a special occasion, families wanting a relaxed outing, or couples seeking an intimate way to enjoy Lake Como. If your priority is detailed commentary about each villa or historical context, you might find this tour somewhat light on facts. But for those who simply want to soak in the views on a beautifully restored vessel, it’s hard to beat.

Price and Booking Considerations

The cost of about $965 per group makes this experience a bit of an investment. However, considering it’s a private tour for up to ten people, it can be quite good value if shared among friends or family. Bookings are typically made about two weeks in advance, so plan ahead, especially in summer months.

Who This Tour Is Not For

If you’re after a heavily narrated, comprehensive historical tour, this might not satisfy. Similarly, if you’re traveling solo or with just one partner, the price could feel steep unless you’re comfortable sharing the experience with others or splitting costs.

Final Thoughts

This private wooden boat trip offers a combination of elegance, flexibility, and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat for those wanting a personalized Lake Como experience. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, quiet luxury, and the freedom to shape their journey. While it might not satisfy those craving detailed storytelling or vigorous sightseeing, it’s perfect for a relaxed day of stunning views and memorable moments.

If you’re looking for a special way to see Lake Como with those closest to you, this voyage delivers quiet luxury, spectacular scenery, and the chance to create your own lake story.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
You get exclusive use of the boat, access to its luxury interior, sun awnings, weather cover, fresh water, and other drinks. Commentary is minimal but available upon request.

Can I customize the route?
Yes, the captain is at your disposal to tailor the trip, focusing on sights that interest you most, from villas to scenic spots like Isola Comacina.

Is the boat suitable for bad weather?
Yes, the boat is equipped with covers in case the weather turns. The tour is dependent on good weather, and if canceled, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

How many people can join?
Up to 10 guests comfortably fit on the vessel for a private experience.

When should I book?
Most travelers book about 14 days in advance, especially in peak summer months when demand is high.

Is this experience good value?
Considering the privacy, luxury, and flexibility, many find it worth the price—especially if shared among a group, making it an elegant, memorable way to experience Lake Como.

This private boat tour is a charming, comfortable way to see Lake Como’s most famous sights while enjoying a touch of sophistication. It’s a choice that favors those with a taste for quiet elegance, personalized service, and spectacular scenery—making it a memorable slice of Italy’s lakeside life.