Best of Lake Como: Guided Visit to Villa Carlotta + 1 H Private Watertaxi Cruise

Discover the enchanting beauty of Lake Como with this captivating tour. Explore the stunning gardens and opulent interiors of Villa Carlotta, led by a knowledgeable guide. Then, embark on a private one-hour Venetian watertaxi cruise, taking in iconic landmarks and breathtaking lake vistas. This unique experience offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and leisure, leaving you eager to uncover more of the region’s charms.

Key Points

• Guided tour of the renowned Villa Carlotta and its lush botanical gardens, providing insights into the villa’s history and architecture.
• Private one-hour water taxi cruise along Lake Como, showcasing stunning villas, the tranquil Island of Comacina, and informative commentary from the boat captain.
• Option to stay in the charming town of Bellagio for further exploration and immersion in the local culture.
• Maximum group size of 11 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.
• Comprehensive tour package including admission tickets, licensed guide, and water taxi cruise, priced at £389.24 per person.

Tour Overview

The "Best of Lake Como" tour provides a guided visit to Villa Carlotta, followed by a 1-hour private water taxi cruise around the picturesque lake.

Located in Italy, the tour lasts a few hours, starting at 10:00 am. With a maximum group size of 11 travelers, this experience costs £389.24 per person.

Highlights include the guided tour of Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens, as well as the private cruise showcasing Villa del Balbianello, the Island of Comacina, Villa Melzi, and Bellagio.

The tour includes tickets, a licensed guide, and the water taxi cruise.

Itinerary Details

On the "Best of Lake Como" tour, the guided tour of Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens kick off the itinerary.

Next, guests board a private open-top Venetian watertaxi for a 1-hour cruise showcasing the highlights of the lake.

Guests board a private open-top Venetian watertaxi for a 1-hour cruise showcasing the highlights of the picturesque Lake Como.

The cruise takes them past Villa del Balbianello, the Island of Comacina, Villa Melzi, and the picturesque town of Bellagio.

Travelers can choose to stay in Bellagio or return to Tremezzo after the tour.

The experience includes admission tickets to Villa Carlotta, the private watertaxi cruise, and an English-speaking tour guide to provide insight throughout the journey.

Guided Tour of Villa Carlotta

After boarding the private watertaxi, the guided tour of Villa Carlotta commences.

The group explores the villa’s renowned gardens, filled with lush greenery and vibrant blooms. The guide provides insights into the villa’s history and architectural features. Visitors marvel at the stunning lake views from the terraces.

The tour moves inside the villa, where the guide shares details about the opulent interiors and prized art collections.

Throughout the experience, the guide’s expertise brings the villa’s rich past to life. The guided tour offers an immersive and educational experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Villa Carlotta.

Private Lake Cruise

Following the guided tour of Villa Carlotta, guests then board a private open-top Venetian watertaxi for a one-hour cruise along the picturesque Lake Como.

The cruise showcases stunning villas dotting the lakeshore, including the grand Villa del Balbianello and the charming Villa Melzi. Guests also pass by the tranquil Island of Comacina before arriving in the charming town of Bellagio.

The knowledgeable boat captain provides insightful commentary throughout the journey. After the cruise, guests have the option to disembark in Bellagio or return to the starting point in Tremezzo.

Highlights of the Cruise

The private cruise along Lake Como offers guests a chance to witness some of the area’s most stunning villas and landmarks.

The tour showcases:

1. Villa del Balbianello, a famous filming location with its elegant terraced gardens.

2. The charming Island of Comacina, the only island on Lake Como.

3. Villa Melzi, known for its Italian-style gardens and neo-classical architecture.

4. The picturesque town of Bellagio, dubbed the "Pearl of Lake Como" for its quaint streets and lakefront promenade.

The cruise provides an up-close look at these iconic sights, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty and history of the region.

Optional Bellagio Extension

Travelers have the option to stay in the picturesque town of Bellagio after the cruise. This allows them to explore the charming cobbled streets, upscale boutiques, and renowned waterfront promenade at their own pace. Bellagio is often referred to as the "Pearl of Lake Como" for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

| Pros | Cons |

| — | — |

| Opportunity to immerse in local culture | Additional cost of staying in Bellagio |

| Flexibility to spend more time in the town | Need to arrange own transportation back |

| Chance to enjoy the lake’s tranquility | Limited time to explore other areas |

| Access to world-class dining and shopping | Potential for crowds during peak seasons |

| Memorable end to the Lake Como experience | –

Meeting and Pickup

Participants meet at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, where they’ll find a guide holding a "LAKE COMO FOR YOU" sign at the benches across from the ticket office.

Participants meet at Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, where a guide holds a "LAKE COMO FOR YOU" sign at the benches across from the ticket office.

The tour begins promptly at the scheduled time. Guests should arrive 10-15 minutes early to ensure a smooth start.

The tour includes:

1. Guided visit to Villa Carlotta and its botanical gardens.

2. 1-hour private open-top Venetian watertaxi cruise.

3. Exploration of villa del Balbianello, Comacina Island, Villa Melzi, and Bellagio.

4. Option to stay in Bellagio or return to Tremezzo after the tour.

The tour ends at the original meeting point in Tremezzo.

Additional Information

Confirmation for the tour is received within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers and service animals are allowed. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

Travelers must adhere to Italy’s changing COVID-19 rules.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Based on 3 reviews, the tour has a 4.7 rating. Reviewers praised the guide and boat captain’s knowledge and kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Offered a Discounted Rate?

While the tour information doesn’t explicitly state a child discount, infants must sit on laps, suggesting discounts may be available. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider about their child pricing policies.

Can We Purchase Additional Cruise Time Beyond the 1-Hour?

Yes, customers can purchase additional private watertaxi cruise time beyond the 1-hour included in the tour. The additional cruise time can be arranged directly with the tour operator at an extra cost.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Lunch?

While the tour doesn’t include lunch, customers can opt to extend their time in Bellagio after the cruise and enjoy a meal at one of the town’s restaurants. Additional cruise time is not available.

Are There Any Restrictions on What We Can Bring on the Cruise?

Travelers can bring small personal items like cameras and snacks on the private watertaxi cruise. However, there are no explicit restrictions mentioned. It’s best to check with the guide for any specific guidelines before the cruise.

Can We Customize the Cruise Route to Focus on Specific Villas?

While the standard cruise route showcases key sights, the tour provider may accommodate customized routing to focus on specific villas if requested. Guests should inquire about personalized cruise options when booking the excursion.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour offers an unparalleled experience to explore the enchanting beauty of Lake Como. Guests will delight in the stunning gardens and opulent interiors of Villa Carlotta, followed by a scenic one-hour private cruise showcasing iconic landmarks. With the option to extend the experience in the charming town of Bellagio, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into the allure of this picturesque region.