Adventure brief
Two hour Private Boat Tour with Prosecco Aperitif
Spend two hours cruising Lake Como’s most elegant shorelines from Sant'Agostino Dock, sipping prosecco as you pass Villa Geno, Villa Oleandra, and the dramatic Nesso waterfall. This private experience pairs local stories, light bites, and unbeatable photo opportunities.
Lake Como in Lombardia, Italy, is a deep glacial basin ringed by steep, olive-clad hills and stately villas; this private Two hour Private Boat Tour with Prosecco Aperitif launches from Sant'Agostino Dock at Lungo Lario Trieste, 28, 22100 Como CO. In two hours you’ll glide past Villa Geno, Villa Troubetzkoy, and the Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como, pause in the pocket harbor of Torno, and witness the dramatic cascades that plunge at Nesso. The route stitches together architectural history, local lore, and the raw geology of a post-glacial lake, where limestone terraces and moraine shoulders frame tiny gardens of cypress and olive.
Your guide narrates detail—pointing out boathouses, decorative gates, and the stories behind Villa Oleandra, Villa d'Este, and Villa Erba—while the boat offers shaded seating, bottled water, and a refined aperitif of prosecco and local meats and cheeses. A highlight is the Nesso waterfall: a narrow gorge where water threads between stone steps and collects in a jade pool below, a dramatic counterpoint to the manicured terraces and grand facades. The tour is private and intimate—designed for up to six people—and makes a compact first chapter for anyone exploring Como’s shoreline before moving on to hiking, museums, or lakeside dining.
Practical notes: check that the booking includes fuel and insurance (this trip does), bring sunscreen and a light wind layer for exposed stretches, stow fragile gear during wakey passages, and note that this experience is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments. Photographers will favor early morning or late afternoon light for low-angle reflections and warm tones, while midday sails are best for crisp detail on villas and garden structures. Beyond the postcards, the guide threads in cultural notes—the Tempio Voltiano’s link to Alessandro Volta and Como’s role in silk production—so the trip balances leisure with local context.
Whether you’re marking an anniversary, settling into a first visit, or carving out a two-hour escape from Milan, this Two hour Private Boat Tour with Prosecco Aperitif condenses Lake Como’s dramatic scenery and ornate shores into a single, effortless cruise. Launching at Sant'Agostino Dock places you in the heart of Como’s lakeside promenade, so the tour doubles as a way to learn which towns you might return to on foot or by ferry; it’s a practical orientation as much as a pleasure cruise. Book morning departures for softer light and calmer water; late-afternoon trips mean golden reflections and fewer day boats.
The operator meets at Lungo Lario Trieste, 28, 22100 Como CO—arrive ten minutes early. Small group size keeps the experience personal, and including prosecco and local snacks makes it ideal for celebratory outings or a refined break from nearby urban hubs. Reserve early to secure preferred times today.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Arrive early at the dockessential
Plan to be at Sant'Agostino Dock (Lungo Lario Trieste, 28, 22100 Como CO) 10 minutes before departure to board smoothly.
- 02Sun protectionessential
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a brimmed hat—reflections from the lake intensify UV exposure.
- 03Secure your camera gearinfo
Use a strap and a small dry bag for phones and cameras to protect them from spray and wake.
- 04Layer up for windwarning
Even in summer, bring a light wind layer; open stretches can be noticeably cooler on the water.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Sunscreen
Protects skin from intensified reflections on the water.
summerEssentialLight wind/waterproof jacket
Blocks wind on exposed stretches and keeps you comfortable during cooler mornings.
springEssentialCamera or smartphone with strap
Captures villa facades, reflections, and the Nesso waterfall—strap prevents accidental loss.
EssentialSmall dry bag
Keeps valuables and electronics safe from spray and unexpected splashes.
Local insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
The quieter quay at Torno for intimate lakeside photos, The moorings near Villa Troubetzkoy for a different architectural angle
Local fauna
Mute swan, Grey heron
Historic heritage
Como and its shoreline villas grew wealthy on silk trade and garden design; Tempio Voltiano in the town honors Alessandro Volta’s legacy.
Mindful exploration
Choose reusable bottles, avoid throwing waste overboard, and follow crew guidance to protect fragile shoreline vegetation and historic boathouse areas.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Bow of the boat near Villa Geno for wide lake shots, Close to Nesso waterfall for waterfall and gorge compositions, Harbor of Torno for village and terrace frames
- Subjects
- Villas and formal gardens, Nesso waterfall and the gorge, Reflections, boathouse arches, and aperitif moments
- Best times
- Early morning, Late afternoon (golden hour), Midday for villa detail
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
How long is the tour?
The experience lasts two hours and returns to Sant'Agostino Dock.
Where do we meet?
Meet at Sant'Agostino Dock; the meeting address is Lungo Lario Trieste, 28, 22100 Como CO.
Is food or drink included?
An aperitif with prosecco, local meats, cheeses, crisps, and bottled water is included.
Is the tour private?
Yes, the charter is private for up to six people, ideal for small groups and celebrations.
Is it suitable for people with mobility issues?
This tour is not suitable for people with back problems or mobility impairments due to boat boarding and seating.
Can we swim at Nesso?
The itinerary stops at Nesso for views and photos; swimming is not part of the included program and local conditions may limit access.