Private Charter – Two Villas & Two Villages

A full private day on Lake Como by boat: two iconic villas, the shoreline villages, and unhurried time to explore, with your own skipper and local guide.

Highlights

Private boat reserved exclusively for your group
Two iconic villas — Villa del Balbianello and Villa Melzi (Villa Monastero on Mon & Wed)
Local guide with whisper audio system throughout
Time to explore Bellagio and the shoreline villages at your own pace
A full day on the water, from Como to Lake Como’s celebrated gardens

How the day unfolds

08:00 · Meeting
Piazza Cavour 26, Como
Meet your private guide and skipper for a short briefing, then walk to the pier. Departure at 08:00.
Morning
Villa del Balbianello
Guided visit of the terraced gardens and panoramic balconies of Villa del Balbianello (Villa Monastero, Varenna on Mon & Wed).
Midday
Bellagio & Villa Melzi
The lakeside botanical gardens of Villa Melzi and time in Bellagio, the village on the lake.
Afternoon
Free time
Free time for lunch and a stroll through the village at your own pace.
Approx. 17:00 · Return
Return to Como
Scenic private cruise back along the shore to Como.

Times are approximate and may vary with lake and weather conditions.

What’s included

Included

Villa Melzi and Villa del Balbianello (or Villa Monastero) entrance fees
Private boat reserved exclusively for your group
Whisper audio system to hear the guide throughout
Professional guide (in English; other languages on request)
Full private day — two villages, two timeless villas

Not included

Villa Melzi interiors (private residence — gardens, chapel and museum only)
Villa del Balbianello interior (managed by the villa, limited availability)
Lunch (left free; we can reserve a recommended local restaurant)
Pick-up or drop-off; guests reach the meeting point on their own
Personal expenses

Meeting point

Piazza Cavour 26, Como — 07:45

Walk to the centre of Piazza Cavour and face the lake: on your right, a bright yellow façade stands beside a soft pink one — we wait outside, directly in front of the pink one. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Open in Google Maps

Good to know

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?

The tour runs in most conditions. In case of adverse weather affecting safety on the lake, timings or the itinerary may be adjusted.

What happens when Villa del Balbianello is closed?

On Monday and Wednesday, when Villa del Balbianello is closed, the itinerary visits Villa Monastero in Varenna instead.

Are the villa interiors included?

The experience focuses on the gardens and panoramic grounds. Villa interiors are not included: Villa Melzi is a private residence, and Villa del Balbianello interior access is limited and managed by the villa.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

Not for everyone. The day involves boarding and disembarking at lake piers, steps and uneven ground, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users, or for guests with limited mobility, balance difficulties, or a strong susceptibility to motion or seasickness. A comfortable level of fitness is needed, and closed-toe, non-slip shoes are strongly recommended. As a private tour we can adapt the pace and the stops, but not the terrain — tell us in advance about any mobility needs.

How much walking is involved?

As much or as little as you choose — that is the point of a private day. That said, Lake Como is a mountain lake, and the places worth stopping for sit on the slope: villa gardens climb through terraces and steps, and village lanes are cobbled and often stepped. Your guide shapes the route and the pace around your group, but any itinerary taking in the villas and villages will involve time on your feet, steps and uneven ground. Tell us in advance if anyone in your party would prefer a gentler route.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 48 hours before the tour begins and receive a full refund. Within 48 hours of the departure time the booking is no longer refundable.

€ 3,850 / group (max. 10)Check availability