4h Tour on Lake Como - Small Group Catamaran Tour from Tremezzo

l directly from the lake

We will begin our cruise heading south, passing along the Tremezzo lakeshore, through Mayer-Olivelli Park, past the magnificent Villa Sola, and on to Mezzegra. It was in Mezzegra on April 28, 1945, that local partisans executed “Il Duce” Benito Mussolini and his companion Claretta Petacci, thus bringing an end to the Fascist dictatorship in Italy. We will then arrive in the heart of the town of Lenno, in a cove known locally as “Il Golfo di Venere” (Venus’s Gulf). We will then sail along the town’s small marina and lakeside promenade until we reach the vicinity of the Balbianello Peninsula, where the gardens of the villa of the villa begin.

As we follow the Balbianello Peninsula, the famous Villa del Balbianello will come into view, with its gardens jutting out over the water. Built in the 18th century and surrounded by Lake Como on three sides, it stands imposing and majestic. For centuries a private residence of prominent families, and since the 1980s a museum and garden owned by the Italian Environmental Fund, it has become world-famous thanks to several renowned films shot on the property, such as Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and 007 Casino Royale.

Adjacent to it is the equally beautiful Villa la Cassinella, which is also situated on the promontory and faces south, winding its way along the shores of Lake Como. Although more recently built than many other villas on the lake’s shores, La Cassinella offers its guests a magnificent garden featuring the main villa with a swimming pool, a guest villa, two private docks, and even a tennis court. This property, which can be rented for short- or long-term stays, is accessible only by boat, thus offering the utmost privacy and tranquility. Once you arrive in Ossuccio, you’ll find the renowned Villa Balbiano, an elegant 17th-century residence that is now one of the lake’s most exclusive venues, chosen by many couples as the perfect setting for their wedding. Starting in 2025, it will also be possible to rent the villa, which still features its original frescoes and furnishings.

Arrived at the unique and pristine Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island, which faces the shores of Sala Comacina and Ossuccio, forming the gulf known as the “Zoca de l’oli”—so named because of the remarkable calm of its waters, which are, in fact, “as smooth as oil.” This area enjoys such a mild climate that it fosters the growth of olive trees and Mediterranean flora. The island, now largely deserted, was for centuries the beating heart of Lake Como; the earliest signs of civilization found on the island date back to the 2nd century A.D., but the island’s true development and fortification did not begin until around the 6th century. Isola Comacina and its inhabitants played a pivotal role in the Ten Years’ War fought between the cities of Como and Milan; unfortunately, however, the alliance with Milan led to the island’s complete destruction. During the stop, a glass of wine will be served, and you’ll also have the opportunity to take a dip and enjoy the calm waters of Lake Como.

Once we set sail again, we’ll first head toward Lezzeno and then cruise along the shores of the lake until we reach San Giovanni, a town adjacent to Bellagio and famous for its many luxury lakeside residences. As we approach Bellagio, we’ll come upon the imposing Villa Melzi with its distinctive English-style gardens, which are also open to visitors. The historic residence of the Melzi d’Eril family, the villa—built in 1808—has become one of the most visited sites on Lake Como thanks to its gardens, which offer visitors breathtaking views and a breath of fresh air away from the crowds of Bellagio.

All that’s left now is to admire the unique town of Bellagio, which over the centuries has become the symbol and beating heart of Lake Como, characterized by its central location and surrounded on three sides by the lake. It’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Lake Como. Once we’ve completed our tour around Bellagio, we’ll stop briefly near the gardens of Villa Giulia (not visible from the lake) for a moment of relaxation, during which you’ll once again have the chance to take a dip in the calm waters of the lake. During the stop, you’ll also be offered a light appetizer featuring local cold cuts and cheeses, always accompanied by a chilled glass of wine.

Once the aperitif is over, we’ll set sail one last time, passing between Varenna and Bellagio on our way to the western shore of Lake Como, where—as we cruise past the villages of Griante and Cadenabbia—you’ll be able to admire the stunning Villa Carlotta and its colorful botanical garden. Once we reach the vicinity of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, we’ll prepare to dock at the public pier in Tremezzo, where our cruise will come to an end.