Lake Como is one of Italy’s most beautiful spots, famous for its dramatic shores, stunning villas, and picturesque villages perched above shimmering waters. The region’s variety of full-day tours makes exploring it accessible and memorable—whether you prefer cruising in style, wandering charming streets, or learning about its famous residents. We especially like the small-group tours for their personalized touch and the chance to truly learn about the surroundings. For example, the Villa Balbianello & Bellagio full-day tour combines a guided villa visit with a scenic lunch in Bellagio, making it a well-rounded experience.
If you’re after an adventure that combines comfort and insider access, the private speedboat tour (#7) offers a luxurious ride around the lake, exploring villas and hidden corners. On a budget but still want a taste of the lake’s magic? The Bellagio & Varenna full-day tour delivers guided walking and boat rides that cover the highlights without breaking the bank. Keep reading for a detailed review of each tour—so you can find the perfect match for your style and interests.
1. Lake Como Highlights – Villa Balbianello & Bellagio exclusive full-day tour
At number 1, this small group tour maximizes your time by combining guided visits with scenic boat rides. The tour lasts about 8 hours and is limited to 8 people, ensuring a more personalized experience. The day kicks off in Como’s main square, Piazza Cavour, where your guide explains the key sights. From there, you’ll hop onto a hydrofoil to reach Villa Balbianello, famous for appearing in Star Wars and James Bond films. The guided tour of the villa’s gardens and terraces is the highlight, offering panoramic lake views.
The boat ride along the lakeshore showcases iconic villas like Villa d’Este and George Clooney’s Villa Oleandra, making the scenery unforgettable. After Villa Balbianello, there’s walking time in Bellagio’s charming town center—famous for its cobbled streets and elegant hotels. Reviewers praise the guide’s knowledge and the seamless navigation across ferries and hydrofoils. This tour is perfect for those wanting a rundown in one day, with the comfort of small-group intimacy.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers wanting an all-in-one, hassle-free day with expert guidance, especially if you love scenery, history, and film trivia.
2. Villa Balbianello & Bellagio Full-Day Tour on Lake Como
For around $290, this well-rated small-group tour offers a streamlined visit to Lake Como’s most famous sights. The tour uses prebooked ferry tickets, so you skip long lines and save hours. Starting at Piazza Cavour, you’ll take a fast ferry to Lenno, home of Villa Balbianello—known as the “most beautiful villa” on the lake. Your guided tour dives into its 700-year history and its recent appearances in Star Wars and James Bond movies.
Afterward, a short walk through Lenno’s quiet streets leads to a ferry ride to Bellagio, where you’ll get restaurant recommendations for a leisurely lunch (own expense). Then, explore Bellagio’s alleys and lakeside views before heading back, making this tour ideal for travelers seeking efficiency without missing highlights. The small group size (up to 14) is often praised for personal attention and flexibility.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a well-organized, film-themed villa visit combined with free time in Bellagio, all while avoiding ferry queues.
3. Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour
This tour, priced at $592, is a full immersion into Lake Como’s luxury lifestyle and culinary delights. It combines guided walks through the towns of Bellagio and Varenna with visits to opulent villas, plus a private cruise in a Venetian water taxi. You’ll sample local olive oil from a castle overlooking the lake and enjoy a pasta lunch at a local restaurant, making this a foodie’s dream.
The highlight is the private water taxi, which takes you past Villa Melzi’s gardens and other villa-lined shores. The walking segments focus on charming streets and historic sites, with the option for personalized experiences due to the small group size. Guests rave about the guide’s ability to tailor the day, making it ideal for travelers seeking a more exclusive, culinary-focused day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those craving a mix of sightseeing, luxury, and authentic tastes, with a private tour feel.
4. Villa Balbianello and Varenna & Bellagio Full-Day Tour
At around 7 hours, this comprehensive tour includes visits to Villa Balbianello, Varenna, and Bellagio. Starting in Como, you take a boat across the lake, viewing villas and the scenic landscape. The tour is praised for covering the most romantic towns along with the villa’s rich history.
Guided walks through Varenna and Bellagio reveal their unique character—Varenna’s Lovers Walk and Bellagio’s bustling streets. The boat ride offers excellent lakefront views of George Clooney’s villa and Villa Carlotta. The guide’s insights make this tour perfect for travelers wanting a detailed local perspective, with a focus on memorable scenery and charming streets.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting core attractions combined with scenic boat travel, in a manageable 7-hour schedule.
5. Lake Como – Varenna & Bellagio Exclusive Full-Day Tour (max 8 p)
This small-group tour takes an efficient approach, combining hydrofoil rides with guided walks. It starts in Como with a briefing, then zips across the lake to Varenna, where you’ll explore its winding streets and Church of San Giorgio. The ferry to Bellagio allows you to soak in the lakeside landscape.
The tour’s strength lies in its personalized attention and flexibility—ideal for travelers who want to customize their day or avoid crowded tours. The guide shares local secrets along the way, making the experience more intimate. From the water, you’ll see top villas and enjoy a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers who prefer smaller groups and a personalized, leisurely exploration of Lake Como’s key towns.
6. Lake Como Boat Tours: options from 1 hour to a Full Day
If you want the freedom to craft your own day, this private boat tour offers options from one to six hours. The captain will take you past Villa Pliniana, Nesso Waterfall, and around Comacina Island, with plenty of photo stops. The tour can include a visit to Bellagio or Varenna, or just a scenic cruise along the shore.
Many reviews highlight the personalized storytelling about local legends and villas. The boat’s comfort and the captain’s local knowledge make this a flexible, intimate experience. It’s perfect for travelers who want to set their own pace or visit less accessible spots.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous travelers who value privacy and customization, with the flexibility to focus on specific sights or just enjoy the scenery.
7. Full-Day Grand Tour, private speedboat at Lake Como
Number 7 is for those looking for luxury and thrill. This private speedboat tour lasts around 6-8 hours, with a guide navigating you from Como to Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio, and back. It’s a true VIP experience, with snacks, drinks, and the option to stop at lakeside restaurants or explore small villages.
What makes this tour distinctive is the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly while enjoying the comfort of a private boat. The itinerary includes stops at Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, and the filming locations of Ocean’s Twelve. It’s a top choice for travelers who want to combine speed, style, and exclusivity.
Guests say: “Paolo was a great guide… he made sure we had the time of our lives,” emphasizing the guide’s expertise and the boat’s comfort.
Bottom Line: Designed for luxury seekers and those wanting a personalized, fast-paced exploration with a splash of Hollywood glamour.
8. Full-Day Small-Group Bellagio and Villa Balbianello Tour with Lunch
This small group tour combines guided visits to Bellagio and Villa Balbianello with lunch included at a hilltop restaurant. The tour lasts about 8 hours and is perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing with local cuisine.
Your guide takes you through Bellagio’s picturesque streets, then to Villa Balbianello, where you explore its gardens and interiors. The lunch, included in the price, offers a chance to relax and enjoy regional flavors while soaking up views of the lake. Reviewers love the personal attention and the seamless combination of sightseeing and dining.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience, with the convenience of included meals and entry tickets.
9. Full-Day Luxury Touch Lake Como Private Guided Tour
Number 9 offers a bespoke experience with a private guide, tailored to your preferences. This 7-8 hour tour includes visits to Villa Melzi, Villa Carlotta, and other lakeside highlights, with private transport and guided villa tours.
Guests rave about the personalized service—one reviewer noted, “Our guide, Valeriya, was very friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable.” The flexibility allows you to focus on what interests you most, whether that’s villas, towns, or scenic views. It’s perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, customizable experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those who value privacy, flexibility, and a personalized touch, especially if they prefer a more relaxed, upscale day.
10. Full Day Lake Como
Finally, the full-day private car tour is great for those who want to avoid public transport and customize their itinerary. With a dedicated driver, you’ll visit Cernobbio’s Villa D’Este, Villa del Balbianello, and Villa Carlotta, spending about an hour at each.
This option is ideal for travelers with specific interests or limited time, who prefer the comfort and flexibility of private driving. Reviews mention how helpful the driver was in maximizing their limited time, making it a practical choice for busy travelers or those with mobility considerations.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a flexible, private, and comfortable way to see Lake Como at their own pace.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lake Como Tour
When deciding which full-day experience suits you best, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you love luxury and exclusivity, the private speedboat (#7) or the luxury private guided tour (#9) are unmatched. For those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and local flavor without breaking the bank, the small-group tours and guided walks are excellent options.
Think about your physical activity level—some tours involve a fair amount of walking or boat transfers, so choose accordingly. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date and ensure a smooth experience.
Final Thoughts
From private luxury speedboats to carefully curated small-group walks, Lake Como offers something for every taste and budget. If you’re after a luxurious, flexible day, the full-day private speedboat is hard to beat. For a mix of cultural discovery and scenic beauty, the Villa Balbianello & Bellagio tour delivers a well-rounded experience. And if you prefer an immersive, culinary-focused day, the Flavors of Lake Como tour will satisfy your appetite for authentic tastes and opulent villas.
No matter what you pick, booking early guarantees you a memorable day on this spectacular lake. Each tour offers a different way to experience Lake Como’s beauty and charm—so choose what suits your style and dive in.