Fun trip around Como We took a trip around Lake Como leaving from Varenna. We did not intend to go so far, but stayed on too long! Cost us a bit more but it was worth it since we saw so much.... read moreWe took a trip around Lake Como leaving from Varenna. We did not intend to go so far, but stayed on too long! Cost us a bit more but it was worth it since we saw so much. Beautiful scenery and perfect weather! read less

So nice being on the water!! The boat and guide were excellent! We wished we spent more time speeding around the water! We booked the tour that included a stop at Villa Balbianello. The walking tour was much longer than we expected and while interesting, was... read moreThe boat and guide were excellent! We wished we spent more time speeding around the water! We booked the tour that included a stop at Villa Balbianello. The walking tour was much longer than we expected and while interesting, was a little too long -- especially for our 6 year old. The gorgeous Villa is definitely worth a stop - if only the tour were shorter. In any case, I do highly recommend this company. I booked online and everything was so easy and our guide was friendly.
Tip: We had to take a ferry to from Bellagio to Varenna where the tour launched, but if you are based in Bellagio and wish to be dropped off there at the end, we recommend you ask! Another party on our boat arranged with them prior without us knowing. When we heard they were going to stop at Bellagio before going back to Varenna, we got off too! We had to forgo the cost of our return ferry ticket but did it anyway to save time. More read less

Private Cruise on Lake Como Luca is definitely the reason why Taxi Boat Varenna is an exceptional choice for cruising around Lake Como.
His cruises normally start off at Varenna. However, you may request him to start off and end elsewhere. In our case we... read moreLuca is definitely the reason why Taxi Boat Varenna is an exceptional choice for cruising around Lake Como.
His cruises normally start off at Varenna. However, you may request him to start off and end elsewhere. In our case we started and ended in Bellagio. You will have to pay extra for this though. But presumably it’s because of docking fees.
His good nature and calm demeanor make his tour commentaries fun and interesting. Highlights were the Villa Balbaniello (which we had on a very quiet day with only 8 guests roaming the gardens) and Nesso (Luca will give you a good view of the waterfalls).
His private boat tours run from 1, 2, and 3 hours. I urge everyone to do the 3 hour tour. Not because it includes the George Clooney Villa but because cruising the Lake should not be done in haste.
Luca’s warmth and camaraderie felt genuine. The tour just felt like being invited inside a friend’s boat and taking it for a cruise.
Our family is big fan of Taxi Boat Varenna. Luca’s passion towards his work is evident. Wishing him success. More read less

Amazing Boat Tour Experience My husband and I had a small, family-only wedding in Lake Como in September 2018. We wanted to do an outing and we wanted to bring our photographer, so we decided to rent a boat. We reached out to several... read moreMy husband and I had a small, family-only wedding in Lake Como in September 2018. We wanted to do an outing and we wanted to bring our photographer, so we decided to rent a boat. We reached out to several companies, and Taxi Boat Varenna was our favorite and best choice.
We were able to do a 2-hour private tour for 10 people, picking up/dropping off in Varenna. They allowed us to bring our photographer and they also allowed us to split the ride in half -- 1 hour with the photographer and whole family, and 1 hour with the photographer and us newlyweds.
Not only was our driver incredibly kind and informative, but he was fun and did a wonderful tour. We got some amazing photos and had an incredible time. We even bought Prosecco for the second half of the tour, which was wonderful. We would highly recommend them to anyone. read less

Highly recommend Taxi Boat Varenna! We enjoyed a private 3-hour tour with 6 travelers and our hosts Luca and Matteo were such a wealth of knowledge about the beautiful villas, gardens, towns and Lake Como area. Gorgeous way to see... read moreHighly recommend Taxi Boat Varenna! We enjoyed a private 3-hour tour with 6 travelers and our hosts Luca and Matteo were such a wealth of knowledge about the beautiful villas, gardens, towns and Lake Como area. Gorgeous way to see so many spots on the lake. Will definitely return! read less

Great boat tour on lake Como We had a beautiful and informative tour of lake Como. It is a great way to see the lake and experience the beauty of the lakeside towns. The boat was attractive and well-maintained. We took the tour that included a... read moreWe had a beautiful and informative tour of lake Como. It is a great way to see the lake and experience the beauty of the lakeside towns. The boat was attractive and well-maintained. We took the tour that included a visit to Villa Balbianello, which was a highlight of our stay. The staff were friendly and we definitely strongly recommend Taxi Boat Varenna! read less

Well worth the time and $$ Nice tour, very friendly people, Matteo was our driver and guide, group tour of about 10 people. Enjoyable, would recommend

Challenges of determining the water taxi/ferry/boat tour options on Lake Como We stayed in Menaggio but visited Varenna and Bellagio using various water travel options. Despite lots of research before traveling, this was one of those travel experiences, where we just needed to get to the area to understand how... read moreWe stayed in Menaggio but visited Varenna and Bellagio using various water travel options. Despite lots of research before traveling, this was one of those travel experiences, where we just needed to get to the area to understand how to move around the Lake.
First, there are car ferries which take passengers, and people-only ferries that make frequent trips in a triangle between Bellagio, Menagio and Varenna. This dock is downtown next to the Grand Hotel. Prices were a few euros per trip. Easy to use. During our 5 days there were used them several times, including traveling to Varenna to catch the train which only operates from the East side of the lake. and to catch a half day boat tour that included seeing villas. We traveled to Bellagio for shopping and great restaurants.
Second, there are smaller boats you can rent to operate yourself or you can hire someone to give you a private ride or tour. This was located next to the Taxi Stand on the north side of the Grand Hotel. As might be expected, these are much more expensive but may suit your needs. read less