Como is one of Italy’s most charming lakeside towns, famous for its stunning scenery, elegant villas, and lovely piazzas. While a full day might seem ideal, many travelers appreciate quick, 2-hour tours that capture the essence of Como without taking up too much time. Whether you prefer exploring in a golf cart, cruising Lake Como, or walking through historic streets, these short tours offer a perfect snapshot of what makes Como special. Our favorites include the eco-friendly Golf Car Tour, which packs many sights into just two hours, and the Shared Boat Tour, for those who want to see the lake from the water. Each offers a different way to experience Como’s beauty—it’s just a matter of what suits your style best.
This list features a mix of guided sightseeing, scenic boat rides, and even vintage car rentals. All are designed to give you a quick but meaningful taste of Como’s highlights, whether you’re short on time or just want a fun, relaxed way to explore. Read on to find out which tour matches your interests.
1. 2-hour golf car tour of Como
This tour is a fun, eco-friendly way to see Como’s top sights in just two hours. Traveling in modern golf cars, you’ll glide through streets that are often inaccessible to larger vehicles, giving you a relaxed and intimate view of the city. Perfect for those who want to avoid walking long distances but still want to cover the main highlights, the golf car tour includes stops at iconic landmarks like Piazza Alessandro Volta and Porta Torre, along with photo breaks at Villa Olmo and Teatro Sociale.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of local drivers who share stories and the availability of audio guides in seven languages, making it accessible for international visitors. Guests rave about the driver’s friendly manner and the chance to see Como comfortably and quickly. The itinerary includes visits to important monuments, with photo stops at picturesque spots like Villa Geno Coffee and Villa Olmo, plus a scenic drive through the city’s historic streets.
For a small group experience, the 2-hour golf car tour offers excellent value, especially because it covers so much in such a compact time. This tour is best suited for travelers who want an easy, engaging way to get oriented or those with limited mobility. The only potential downside is that it doesn’t include access to interior sites, but the focus on outdoor views and storytelling makes it a winner.
Bottom Line: A lively, informative tour perfect for travelers short on time who want to see Como without breaking a sweat.
For those who prefer to experience Lake Como from the water, this 2-hour shared boat tour offers a scenic cruise that highlights the lake’s stunning shoreline and grand villas. Departing from Lungo Lario Trieste, the boat gracefully glides past iconic spots like Villa d’Este, Moltrasio, and Laglio, with several scenic stops for photos. The Cranchi E26 Rider boat provides a comfortable and stylish ride, with limited seats—just eight passengers—ensuring an intimate experience.
During the cruise, you’ll enjoy close-up views of some of the lake’s most famous villas, like Villa Pliniana and Mandarin Oriental, and learn about their history from your skipper. The tour’s real appeal is the breathtaking vistas of the lake framed by mountains—ideal for photography or simply soaking in the scenery. The boat cruise is a relaxing way to see parts of Lake Como that are often missed on land, especially the water’s perspective of the lush lakeside estates.
Guests appreciate how this tour combines luxury and intimacy—it’s perfect for couples or small groups wanting a private feel. The tour doesn’t include long stops, but the scenic cruise more than compensates, making it a great quick escape into Lake Como’s natural beauty.
Bottom Line: A stylish, relaxing cruise ideal for water lovers or those seeking a more immersive lake experience in a short timeframe.
3. Como: 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local
If you want a personal introduction to Como, this 2-hour walking tour with a local guide is hard to beat. It starts at the Chiesa di Santa Maria di Loreto and takes you through the city’s main sights, such as Basilica San Fedele, Piazza Cavour, and the Como Cathedral. Along the way, you’ll discover hidden corners and learn about Como’s traditions, with your guide sharing stories and tips that bring the city’s history to life.
One of the tour’s strengths is the focus on local insights—including a tasting of a typical regional product, which helps connect you to Como’s culinary traditions. Small groups (up to 8 travelers) ensure an intimate experience, and the guide’s knowledge makes it easy to understand what makes Como unique. It’s a perfect way to orient yourself if you have limited time or want to get some ideas for exploring on your own later.
Guests mention that the tour is very interesting and convenient, especially for those who prefer to explore on foot but don’t want to miss the highlights or secret spots. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy learning about local culture and history in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: An engaging, personal introduction to Como that combines sightseeing with local flavor—ideal for curious travelers.
4. Como – Nesso 2 Hours Boat Tour and Swim with Prosecco
This tour combines scenic boat cruising with a splash of relaxation and fun. Visiting Orrido di Nesso and the Waterfall of Nesso, it takes you along Lake Como’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, offering a different perspective on the region’s beauty. The boat tour lasts about two hours, with stops for photos and brief visits to lakeside villas.
What makes this tour stand out is the opportunity to swim in Lake Como with a glass of Prosecco in hand—yes, a floating happy hour! The boat’s route also includes visits to the villas of Lake Como, while the guide shares stories about the area’s history and natural features. Note: Fuel and taxes are paid on the boat, which adds an extra €100, but this is typical for private or semi-private boat tours.
This experience is perfect for travelers wanting a bit of adventure combined with scenic views. The water stops are particularly popular during warm weather. The tour balances nature, relaxation, and a touch of luxury, making it suitable for active travelers who also want downtime.
Bottom Line: An energetic, fun way to see Nesso and enjoy a swim, especially if you’re looking for a more active lakeside experience.
5. Fiat 500 Cabrio rental – Discover Lake Como with “Rosetta” 2 hours
For those who want to explore Como with a stylish twist, renting a vintage Fiat 500 Cabrio is the way to go. This 2-hour adventure with “Rosetta” allows you to drive a classic Italian car along scenic routes around Lake Como. The experience includes a briefing and assistance, making it suitable even for first-time drivers.
The tour offers a romantic, nostalgic vibe, perfect for couples or travelers who love vintage style and picturesque views. The recommended itinerary takes you through charming villages and along lakeside roads, with stops for photos and sightseeing. The open-top Fiat makes wind-in-your-hair moments particularly enjoyable and offers unique photo opportunities.
Guests love that this experience combines driving with sightseeing in one package, giving you control over your pace. The reviews highlight how special it feels to cruise in a piece of Italian history. The only consideration is that you’ll be responsible for the driving, so comfort with manual cars is helpful.
Bottom Line: A fun, romantic way to see Lake Como in style, especially suited for vintage car fans and those wanting a personalized adventure.
How to Choose Your Perfect Como Short Tour
When selecting a 2-hour tour, consider your interests and travel style. If you prefer seeing landmarks with ease, the Golf Car Tour offers a relaxed, covered overview. For water lovers, the Lake Como boat cruise provides breathtaking scenery from the lake’s perspective. If you want a personal touch, the Walking Tour connects you to local stories and tastes. Lastly, the Fiat 500 experience is perfect for vintage car enthusiasts or couples seeking a romantic drive.
Think about your budget, physical activity, and how much time you want on water versus land. For example, if you’re short on time but want to cover a lot of ground, the golf car tour is a solid pick. If lakeside scenery is your priority, opt for the boat ride. For a deeper immersion into Como’s history and culture, the walking tour offers rich insights.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot. Check availability and consider combining a land and water experience if your schedule allows.
Final Thoughts
Como offers a variety of quick, engaging ways to experience its beauty. From driving a vintage Fiat to cruising the lake or exploring on foot, each of these 2-hour tours delivers a unique perspective. If you’re a history buff or enjoy a scenic drive, the Golf Car Tour is an ideal choice. For water lovers, the Lake Como boat cruise offers unmatched views of lakeside villas and waterfalls. And if you want a personal, insider experience, the Walking Tour with a local guide will give you authentic stories and tastes.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance is wise, especially during busy seasons. These short tours are a fantastic way to make the most of your limited time in Como while leaving with lasting memories.