Bergamo is a city that offers more than just its medieval Città Alta and lively piazzas. Thanks to its proximity to Lake Como, it serves as an excellent base for exploring this stunning waterway via boat tours and cruises. Whether you’re after an intimate private experience, a quick sunset sail, or a romantic dinner on the water, Bergamo’s options deliver. We particularly like the Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour for its exclusivity and personalized route, and the Sunset Shared Boat Tour with Aperitif for a relaxed, scenic experience at golden hour. Each of these experiences offers a different way to appreciate Lake Como’s incredible scenery and charming villas.
If you’re planning your trip, this guide will help you compare the best boat tours and cruises in Bergamo — from flexible private trips to social sunset excursions and romantic evening cruises. Let’s jump into the details.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout boat experiences in Bergamo, each catering to different preferences:
- Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour: An exclusive, four-hour journey on a luxurious Venetian-style wooden boat — perfect for small groups up to 10 people. []
- Sunset Shared Boat Tour with Aperitif: A one-hour evening cruise from Varenna to enjoy cocktails and admire the lakeside villas, ideal for those seeking a short, scenic outing. []
- Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como: An elegant, three-hour experience combining a sunset cruise with a lakeside four-course dinner, suited for romantic evenings or special occasions. []
Now, let’s look at each option in detail.
1. Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour up to 10 pax
This private Venetian-style wooden boat tour offers a personalized way to experience Lake Como’s highlights. For around $810, a group of up to 6 people can enjoy about four hours aboard a luxurious limousine boat. This experience is all about comfort, style, and flexibility. The boat specializes in creating tailored itineraries that explore the most beautiful parts of the lake, with stops at villas, picturesque villages, and scenic viewpoints.
What makes this tour stand out is the level of customization. You choose the route, and the captain adapts it to your interests—whether that’s visiting historic villas like Villa Cipressi, passing by ancient gardens, or simply soaking in the lakeside views. Many reviews praise Jacopo, the guide, for his extensive knowledge and engaging commentary. One reviewer noted, “Excellent tour of villas and towns with Jacopo, who knew a lot about everything. Two hours was perfect for my group,” highlighting the tour’s intimate feel and expert guidance.
This experience is best for small groups seeking exclusivity and a tailored adventure. It’s particularly suited for special occasions, small families, or couples who want privacy and the freedom to craft their perfect day on the water. The main limitation? The high cost compared to more casual options, but for the luxury and flexibility, many find it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: If you value privacy, customization, and luxury, this private boat tour is one of the best ways to see Lake Como in style.
2. Sunset Shared Boat Tour with Aperitif from Varenna – Bellagio
At number two, this shared sunset boat tour captures the magic of Lake Como at dusk. For about $127 per person, you’ll hop aboard a Venetian Taxi and cruise for roughly an hour from either Varenna or Bellagio, enjoying the stunning scenery and the glow of sunset. Included in the price are a bottle of Prosecco and water, making the experience feel relaxed and festive.
The itinerary highlights the villages of Tremezzo, Lenno, Villa del Balbianello (famous from movies like James Bond’s Casino Royale and Star Wars), and Bellagio itself. The tour emphasizes external viewing only, but the visuals are enough to make your camera’s shutter busy. Many reviewers praise the informative narration and the friendly crew, with one saying, “A lovely experience and perfect for a romantic evening,” and another appreciating the small group setting that fosters a cozy atmosphere.
This cruise is perfect for travelers who want a quick, scenic escape with a touch of elegance. It’s well-suited for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a memorable evening. While it’s only an hour long, the sunset views and the opportunity to sip Prosecco on the water make for a delightful, relaxed outing.
Bottom Line: For a short, scenic, and romantic experience that won’t break the bank, this sunset cruise with aperitif hits the sweet spot.
3. Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna
The most comprehensive experience on our list is the Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna. Priced at about $721 per person, this three-hour evening adventure combines a sunset cruise with a lakeside four-course dinner, making it ideal for a romantic night out or a special celebration.
The cruise itself lasts around an hour as you pass quiet bays, elegant villas, and enjoy the backdrop of the Rhaetian Alps. The captain shares stories about Lake Como’s landmarks, enriching the experience beyond just the scenery. After the cruise, guests are taken to a lakeside restaurant where they enjoy a full dinner, with vegetarian options available. The inclusion of wine makes it a true treat for the senses.
Guests mention that even if the weather isn’t perfect, the cruise remains memorable, with one reviewer noting, “Although the weather was not too cooperative, the cruise was wonderful, and the driver’s humor added to the experience.” The main appeal here is the combination of water, scenery, and fine dining, tailored for those who want a romantic and immersive experience.
Because of its cost, it’s best suited for travelers celebrating something special or seeking a truly memorable evening. It’s less suited for budget travelers or those with limited time, but for the right occasion, it offers a luxurious, all-in-one package.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a romantic and elegant way to enjoy Lake Como with dinner included, this cruise and dinner combo is hard to beat.
$721.41 per person
How to Choose Your Lake Como Boat Experience
When selecting a boat tour in Bergamo, consider your budget, time constraints, and what kind of experience you’re after. The private Venetian wooden boat offers maximum customization and intimacy, ideal for special occasions or those wanting a unique, tailored outing. Meanwhile, the sunset shared tour suits travelers looking for a quick, scenic, and romantic evening with minimal fuss. The cruise with dinner provides a full, luxurious experience perfect for celebrating or indulging in local cuisine and scenery.
Booking early is recommended, especially in high season, as the best time to enjoy Lake Como at its most scenic is from late spring through early fall. Each experience offers a different way to see Lake Como from the water—whether you want privacy, a quick romantic trip, or a full evening of dining and scenery.
Final Thoughts
Bergamo’s proximity to Lake Como means you have a range of boat tours and cruises to choose from, each offering a different flavor of the region’s stunning waterscape. For a luxurious, personalized experience, the Private Venetian Wooden Boat Tour stands out. If you prefer a relaxed, social outing, then the Sunset Shared Boat Tour fits the bill. And for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking total immersion, the Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como is a wonderful choice.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing the right experience can turn your Lake Como visit from a simple sightseeing trip into a memorable highlight of your trip.