Our story
About Lake Como Explorer
A boutique tour operator based in Como. We run small-group boat tours, private charters and self-guided audioguides — designed by people who live and work on the lake.
Who we are
Lake Como Explorer was founded in Como in 2023 with a simple idea: a day on the lake should be planned by someone who knows it personally — its villas, its ferry rhythms, its quiet corners and its busy hours.
We keep our small-group departures capped at 10 guests, so every tour stays personal and unhurried. Tours are conducted in English, with custom tours available in French, German, Russian and Italian.
What we run today
Every experience below is live and bookable. Current prices and full itineraries are on each tour page.
| Experience | Best for |
|---|---|
| Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio & Villa Melzi Small-group boat tour · full day | A first visit — the classic villas-and-villages day |
| Villa Monastero, Varenna & Bellagio Small-group boat tour · full day | The eastern shore: Varenna’s gardens plus Bellagio |
| Lake Como from Milan Small-group boat tour · full day from Milan | Visitors based in Milan without a car |
| Lake Como Private Full-Day Tour Private charter · full day | Couples, families and small parties who want the boat to themselves |
| Como & Lugano — Two Countries in One Day Private tour · full day | Combining Lake Como with Switzerland in a single day |
| Como City Tour & Scenic Flight Guided city walk + scenic flight | Seeing Como and the lake from above |
| Como audioguide routes (4 itineraries) Self-guided · your own pace | Independent explorers on foot |
| Como & Lugano Audioguide Self-guided · two cities | An independent day trip across the border |
Why days with us feel different
Local knowledge
Our team lives on the lake. Itineraries are built around real ferry times, the light, and how the crowds actually move.
Small by design
Small-group departures are capped at 10 guests — enough company to be lively, few enough to feel personal.
Logistics handled
Tickets, timings and connections are planned in advance so your day flows from one place to the next.
Straight answers
Clear pricing and honest advice on what fits your day — even when the honest answer is “not this tour.”
How to choose
- First time on the lake — Villa del Balbianello, Bellagio & Villa Melzi.
- Already seen the classics — Villa Monastero, Varenna & Bellagio.
- Based in Milan without a car — Lake Como from Milan.
- Want the boat to yourselves — Lake Como Private Full-Day Tour.
- Two countries in one day — Como & Lugano.
- Prefer your own pace on foot — the audioguide routes.
Practical facts
Meeting area: Piazza Cavour, Como — the exact meeting point and a reference photo arrive with your confirmation email.
Departures: full-day boat tours depart at 10:00. Please arrive a few minutes early.
Languages: English, with custom tours in French, German, Russian and Italian.
Frequently asked questions
Are your tours private or shared?
Do you run tours from Milan?
What time do tours depart?
What languages are tours conducted in?
What happens in bad weather?
Not sure which day fits you?
Tell us your dates and interests — we’ll suggest the right one.