Boat Experiences at Villa d’Este: Exploring Como in Style

There’s something timeless about Lake Como, where morning mist drifts over the water and grand villas seem to float along the shoreline. It’s not just a destination, but a way of life defined by elegance, discretion, and beauty.

At the heart of this world sits Villa d’Este, a historic retreat synonymous with Italian sophistication. Among its most enchanting offerings are the private boat experiences at Villa d’Este, each one an invitation to see the lake as it was meant to be seen: from the water, at your own pace, and in incomparable style.

A Fleet as Distinctive as the Lake Itself

Villa d’Este’s private collection of boats speaks to different tastes, whether you favour sustainable innovation, vintage nostalgia, or classic Riva glamour. Each offers a distinctive way to experience the lake’s beauty.

1. The Vaporina Villa d’Este

A tribute to the origins of motorboating on Lake Como, the Vaporina is a reimagined version of the 19th-century original. Designed by Carlo Bertorello in collaboration with Cantiere Riva, it marries heritage with comfort, making it ideal for a gentle cruise past historic villas and landscaped gardens. It carries a maximum of 10 passengers.

2. E-next Villa d’Este

For those drawn to sustainable travel, the E-next offers a silent, electric glide across the lake aboard a handcrafted wooden vessel. With its polished design and whisper-quiet motor, it delivers elegance with an eco-conscious edge. This boat carries a maximum of 4 passengers.

3. Tullio Abbate Armonia & Afrodite

These two powerboats combine Italian craftsmanship with bold performance. Armonia offers the thrill of speed wrapped in refined lines, while Afrodite, with its warm wood accents, is perfect for a more romantic, yet dynamic, escape. These boats can carry up to 5 passengers each.

4. Riva Aquariva & Riva Aquarama

Few names conjure the spirit of Lake Como quite like Riva. The Aquariva brings contemporary luxury with subtle high-tech features, while the Aquarama — an icon of the 1960s — channels vintage Italian glamour with unmatched flair. Each one can carry up to 6 passengers.

Vintage Charm on the Water

For guests who appreciate classic design and slower moments, Villa d’Este’s vintage vessels offer a step back into the golden age of Como.

• Vintage Vaporina: Made in 1975, this beautifully preserved wooden boat evokes the relaxed elegance of 1970s lake life.
• Tullio Abbate Super: An intimate two-seater crafted in 1967, ideal for romantic cruises, with sleek lines and a cinematic backdrop.

Onboard Indulgence: Picnic & Aperitif

A cruise on Lake Como wouldn’t be complete without the tastes to match the views. Villa d’Este brings its celebrated cuisine aboard for a truly indulgent experience.

Picnic Cruise: Select from meat, fish, or vegan menus — featuring dishes such as veal carpaccio, Catalan-style shrimp, or quinoa salad. Paired with premium wines like Ruinart Champagne, Gaja Barbaresco, or a Brunello di Montalcino.

Sunset Aperitif: As the sun dips below the hills, enjoy hand-prepared canapés and a chilled rosé while drifting gently across the lake — a perfect prelude to dinner at La Veranda.

The Scenic Highlights from the Water

From the deck of your private boat, Lake Como unfurls like a painted panorama. Here are the landmarks that make this journey unforgettable:

Iconic Villas & Celebrity Homes

• Villa Balbianello – Featured in James Bond and Star Wars, perched dramatically on a wooded peninsula.
• Villa Carlotta – Renowned for its neoclassical façade and expansive botanical gardens.
• Villa La Cassinella – Ultra-exclusive, accessible only by boat, once frequented by global celebrities.
• Villa Oleandra – George Clooney’s elegant summer estate in Laglio.
• Villa Fontanelle – Former home of Gianni Versace, with sculpted gardens and classical allure.
• Villa Pliniana – A Renaissance-era villa built into the cliffs, atmospheric and dramatic.
• Villa Erba – A grand lakeside mansion once belonging to filmmaker Luchino Visconti.

Historic Towns & Chic Villages

• Bellagio – Known as the “Pearl of the Lake”, where cobblestoned streets and terraced gardens meet.
• Varenna – With pastel-hued buildings and the charming Walk of Lovers along the shoreline.
• Menaggio – A relaxed resort town with elegant cafés and a scenic promenade.
• Torno & Moltrasio – Graceful villages dotted with noble villas and serene views.
• Lenno – Tranquil and tucked away, home to the cinematic Villa Balbianello.
• Laglio – Quiet and stylish, made famous by its Hollywood resident.

Grand Hotels Seen from the Lake

• Villa d’Este – The crown jewel, with its formal gardens, historic architecture, and floating pool.
• Grand Hotel Tremezzo – A flamboyant Art Nouveau landmark with a floating pool and lakefront terrace.
• Mandarin Oriental Lake Como – Tucked into lush parkland near Blevio, offering serene luxury.
• Il Sereno – A striking contrast in modern design, boasting award-winning architecture.
• Passalacqua – A refined newcomer in Moltrasio, exuding aristocratic poise and intimacy.

The Essence of Elegance

Each departure from Villa d’Este’s private pier is more than a scenic cruise — it’s a moment suspended in time. Whether you prefer to slip quietly through still waters or feel the thrill of open-lake speed, this is Lake Como as it was meant to be experienced: privately, exquisitely, and entirely on your terms.