About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team booked the Molinari wooden boat for a private Lake Como cruise, we found ourselves gliding past some of Italy's most famous waterfront real estate in proper style. You pick your own length — anywhere from 1 to 4 hours — and the timing's flexible too, so you can catch golden hour or time it for aperitif hour if that's your speed. The boat itself is a classic wooden number built for comfort, and you're sipping prosecco and nibbling snacks while villas like Del Balbianello slip past. It's the kind of outing that feels both relaxed and a bit fancy, ideal for couples or a tight group after a few days in the Lecco or Como towns.
Highlights
- Wooden Molinari boat: proper vintage feel, genuinely comfortable seating
- Ring Isola Comacina and watch the light change across the water
- Prosecco and snacks onboard — no sneaky upcharges for adults
- Total flexibility: pick your own duration and time of day
- Villa del Balbianello and La Cassinella glide past without the crowds
- Private hire means you set the pace, no forced stops or other groups
- Fuel included — you only pay for the boat, nothing hidden
What to expect
The experience is genuinely unhurried. You'll depart from Colonno, which sits on the western shore, and the boat moves slowly enough that you're never fighting the breeze or losing your drink. Lily noted the prosecco arrived promptly after we pushed off, paired with a small spread of local snacks — nothing fancy, but enough to settle you in. The main event is watching the water reflect the steep hillsides and catching glimpses of the grand villas tucked into the landscape. Isola Comacina, the small island you'll circle, is peaceful rather than dramatic, but it's a natural turning point that breaks up the rhythm nicely.
The boat handles a small group well, and there's no script or forced commentary — it's your hire, so if you want to sit quietly or ask questions, that's entirely on you. Weather matters here: a flat, sunny day is obviously ideal, but even overcast or breezy conditions feel atmospheric rather than spoiling. The main rhythm is: settle in, watch, sip, chat. No rushing between photo stops.
What travellers say
- Private hire means no crowded boat or scripted tour
- Wooden Molinari boat feels authentically vintage and comfortable
- Prosecco and snacks included — transparent pricing, no add-ons
- You choose duration and time, including golden hour or aperitif slots
- Slow pace lets you actually absorb the villas and landscape
- Flexible enough for couples, small groups, or families
- Transport to Colonno not included; adds time and logistics
- Open boat offers no shelter if weather deteriorates
- Pricey experience for a few hours on the water
- Sun exposure demanding on clear days; plan accordingly
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely one of the nicer ways to see Lake Como without the chaos of a big tour boat. The Molinari's wooden hull and open seating give you a proper vintage vibe, and because it's private hire, you avoid the tourist mill. Prosecco and snacks are included for adults, so there's no nickel-and-diming. Couples will find it romantic without being cheesy; small groups (friends, family) have the space to relax.
Getting to Colonno from Como town or other lakeside spots takes time — transport isn't included, so factor in 20–40 mins depending on your base. The boat's open-air design means sun exposure on clear days and no shelter if weather turns; bring sunscreen and a light layer. It's pricey for what amounts to a few hours floating, though you're really paying for the exclusivity and the boat itself. Kids under 18 don't get prosecco (obviously), and infants need to sit on laps unless you've pre-arranged the specialised seat.
Allow 15 mins to settle aboard. Fuel's included. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Peak season (June–September) books fast, so book ahead. Check transport links to Colonno — local buses run, but it's not instant.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.