2 Hours Private Wooden Boat Tour on Lake Como 10 pax

A 2-hour private wooden boat tour on Lake Como offers a blend of luxury, stunning scenery, and intimate access to some of Italy’s most iconic lakeside sights. For around $965.76 per group (up to 10 people), you’ll cruise aboard the Navicella del Lario, a beautifully restored Venetian-style vessel with a wood and leather interior, moored in Como. On this trip, your captain becomes your personal guide, taking you past famous villas, picturesque towns, and breathtaking vistas—an ideal way to experience the lake’s charm in style.

What we love about this experience is how it combines luxury and intimacy. The boat’s elegant design and fresh interior make for a comfortable ride, while the captain’s local knowledge can enhance the journey with personalized commentary. Also, the itinerary includes unique sights like the Life Electric sculpture by Daniel Libeskind and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra in Laglio, which add a touch of celebrity allure. The inclusion of sun awnings and weather covers means you’ll be protected whether the sun shines or clouds gather—great for making the most of your time on the water.

One possible consideration is that this isn’t a heavily narrated tour; the reviews mention that it’s primarily a boat ride with limited commentary. So, if you’re expecting detailed historical tidbits or storytelling, this might not fully satisfy. However, for those seeking a relaxed, scenic cruise with a focus on the views and exclusivity, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic scenic beauty combined with comfort. It’s perfect for groups seeking a private, stylish outing—whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a memorable way to see Lake Como’s highlights without the crowds.

Key Points

• Luxury in a traditional boat: The Navicella del Lario’s elegant wood and leather interior provides a refined experience.
• Flexible private tour: Your own captain and tailored stops mean a personalized adventure.
• Iconic sights: Passing Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, and the charming towns of Cernobbio and Moltrasio.
• Stunning vistas: The itinerary offers breathtaking views of the lake’s natural beauty and lavish estates.
• Weather protected: Sun awnings and covers help ensure your comfort, no matter the weather.
• Limited narration: The focus is on the scenery, not detailed historical commentary, which may be a plus or minus depending on expectations.

In-Depth Review of the Lake Como Private Wooden Boat Tour

The Vessel: A Touch of Elegance on the Water

This tour is centered around the Navicella del Lario, a boat that’s been tastefully renovated in 2021 to evoke a classic Venetian taxi. Its wooden hull and leather interior instantly set a tone of understated luxury. We loved how spacious it felt, with plenty of room for up to 11 passengers, making it ideal for families, friends, or small groups celebrating a special occasion.

The boat’s design is both charming and practical, with sun awnings and weather covers included, ensuring you won’t get soaked or sunburned during your cruise. Onboard, fresh water and a selection of drinks are always available, which adds a touch of hospitality to the experience. The overall build and presentation reflect a high standard, indicating that the provider takes pride in offering a memorable, stylish ride.

The Itinerary: A Carefully Chosen Path of Highlights

Your departure point is Lungo Lario Trieste in Como, a central location that’s easy to find and close to public transportation. From there, the captain sets out to showcase some of Lake Como’s most attractive sights, starting with the Life Electric sculpture by Daniel Libeskind, which is a modern art piece contrasting beautifully against the lake’s backdrop. Passing the seaplane hangar adds a hint of aviation history and activity.

Next, the boat glides past Villa Olmo, one of the most grand neoclassical villas in Como. Built by the Odescalchi family, its impressive façade and lush gardens are a sight to behold from the water. Then, the boat heads towards Cernobbio, affectionately called the “Paris of the Lario,” thanks to its luxurious villas and hotels that have long attracted high society.

Another highlight is Villa Erba, an elegant estate built between 1894 and 1898. Its historical significance as the home of a major pharmaceutical industrialist adds a layer of intrigue, and its sprawling gardens are worth noting even from the water. The boat continues toward Moltrasio, and then to Laglio, home of George Clooney’s villa, Villa Oleandra—a real draw for fans of celebrity spotting.

As the cruise approaches Isola Comacina, you’ll see the small island famous for its fireworks displays that recall a past fire, adding a touch of mystery and romance. Finally, you’ll return to Como, passing more lakeside villas on the east shore, completing a full circle of scenic highlights.

The Experience: What You’ll See and Feel

While the boat ride itself is smooth and comfortable, the real value lies in the views and personalized route. We appreciated the flexibility that comes with a private tour—your captain can adjust stops or focus on specific sights if you like. The two-hour window is sufficient to cover these highlights without feeling rushed, though it leaves little time for detours or extended explorations.

Reviewers have noted the stunning views and the good size of the boat for the group, making it a relaxed yet scenic experience. One said, “Very descriptive and attentive, would highly recommend,” which captures the overall tone: attentive service combined with beautiful scenery. Another mentioned, “We had so much fun, simple meetup and beautiful views,” emphasizing how accessible and enjoyable the cruise can be.

However, one reviewer pointed out that the tour is “not a tour with very little commentary,” which suggests that if you’re looking for a detailed historical narration, you might be disappointed. That said, if your priority is a private, scenic cruise that allows you to relax and soak in the vistas, this setup works perfectly.

The Value: Is It Worth the Price?

At nearly $1,000 for a group of ten, this experience isn’t cheap. But when you consider the luxury vessel, private customization, and prime locations visited, it offers solid value for those seeking exclusivity and comfort. It’s not a budget tour, but it’s an experience that elevates a visit to Lake Como with a level of style and intimacy that a larger, less personal boat tour can’t match.

The reviews reflect varied opinions—some feel it’s not worth the money due to limited commentary, while others highlight the stunning views and good size of the boat as worth the cost. The key is understanding what you want: if you’re after a relaxed, stylish ride with the flexibility to enjoy the scenery with friends or family, this cruise fits well.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour

• Book in advance: the experience is popular and usually reserved about two weeks ahead.
• Prepare for weather: the boat has covers, but good weather means better views.
• Bring a camera: the vistas of villas and mountains are photo-worthy.
• Consider your expectations: if you want detailed storytelling, clarify with the provider beforehand.
• Arrive on time: the meeting point is central and easy to access.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private wooden boat cruise is ideal for small groups or families wanting a luxurious experience on Lake Como. It’s perfect if you value comfort, privacy, and beautiful scenery over a heavily narrated tour. The boat’s stylish interior and the carefully chosen itinerary make it suitable for celebrations, romantic getaways, or just a special day to enjoy Lake Como’s charm without the crowds.

Travelers who appreciate breathtaking views of villas, celebrity homes, and scenic islands will find this cruise particularly rewarding. However, those seeking a more educational or detailed historical tour might want to explore other options or supplement this experience with a guided walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long is the tour?
  The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, giving enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

• What is included in the price?
  The price covers the private boat rental, the services of a captain, weather covers, and refreshments onboard.

• Can I customize the route?
  As a private tour, your captain is at your disposal, and stops or routes can be tailored to your preferences.

• Is the boat comfortable and suitable for all weather?
  Yes, the boat has sun awnings and weather covers to protect you from sun or rain, making the experience comfortable in most conditions.

• What sights will I see?
  Expect views of Villa Olmo, Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Laglio, and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, among others.

• Is there commentary during the cruise?
  The reviews suggest limited narration, focusing more on the scenery than detailed storytelling.

• How many people can the boat accommodate?
  Up to 11 passengers, ideal for small groups or families.

• Where does the tour start and end?
  It begins and ends at Lungo Lario Trieste in Como.

• Are drinks available onboard?
  Yes, fresh water and other drinks are at your disposal.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour can be canceled for weather reasons, with a full refund or rescheduling offered, provided you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

A private wooden boat tour on Lake Como offers a unique way to experience this famous lake. It pairs the elegance of a beautifully renovated vessel with the natural beauty of lakeside villas, charming towns, and scenic islands. While it may not cater to those seeking in-depth historical commentary, it shines as a relaxed, luxurious, and flexible option to enjoy the vistas with friends or loved ones.

If you’re after a personalized experience, enjoy luxury in a classic setting, and want to see the best highlights from the water, this cruise is worth considering. Just remember to book ahead, set your expectations around a scenic ride rather than a detailed history lesson, and prepare to enjoy some truly spectacular views.

To sum it up, this tour is best suited for travelers valuing private comfort and stunning scenery over extensive narration. It’s a fantastic choice for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a memorable day on Lake Como’s shimmering waters. The combination of elegance, flexibility, and breathtaking vistas makes it a worthwhile splurge for those who want the experience to be as special as the scenery itself.