Lake Como’s most worthwhile city tours combine walking explorations with scenic boat rides. The standout Como City Walking Tour cuts through medieval lanes with guides who really know their stuff, while the excellent Guided Tour with Cruise offers flexibility with its open-ticket boat option. For travelers seeking a more intimate experience, I love the Private Lake Como and Brunate tour – it takes you up to spectacular viewpoints that most visitors miss. The City Tour and Boat Ride Pass hits all the right notes, mixing historical insights with those postcard-perfect lake views that make Como so special.
Let’s look at my favorite Lake Como tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- The Como City Walking Tour offers a scenic and value-packed experience, including a ferry and villa entrance, led by knowledgeable guides Violetta and Michele.
- The Guided City Walking Tour with Cruise Ticket covers key landmarks and an open-ticket boat cruise, with English/Italian-speaking guides and headsets for larger groups.
- The Private Guided Tour of Lake Como and Brunate provides a personalized experience with a fluent guide, featuring a funicular train to Brunate.
- The City Tour Private Tour on the Lake offers a comprehensive guided city and private lake excursion, including radio guides and an exclusive lower basin cruise.
- The Como City Tour and Boat Ride Pass combines a guided city walk with a round-trip ferry ride, with wheelchair accessibility and a seamless conclusion at the meeting point.
The Best of Lake Como – Como City Walking Tour and Villa Balbianello
The Como City Walking Tour and Villa Balbianello offer an immersive glimpse into the stunning landscapes and historic charm of Lake Como.
Starting at 10:30 AM, this 6-person tour takes visitors on a walking adventure through the scenic town of Como, culminating in a visit to the picturesque Villa Balbianello.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Violetta and Michele, the tour includes round-trip ferry tickets and entrance to the villa, providing a well-rounded experience.
While the €36 price tag may be steep, reviewers consistently praise the tour’s value, highlighting the guides’ expertise and the unforgettable scenery.
Moderate fitness is required, but the tour accommodates a range of abilities, making it an accessible way to explore the beauty of Lake Como.
Read our full review: The Best of Lake Como – Como City Walking Tour and Villa Balbianello Review
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How: Guided City Walking Tour With Cruise Ticket
For those interested in exploring the historic town of Como and the stunning scenery of Lake Como, a Guided City Walking Tour with Cruise Ticket offers an immersive and accessible way to experience the region.
The tour begins at Piazza Cavour and includes stops at notable landmarks like the Teatro Sociale, Duomo Square, and Porta Torre. Guests will also enjoy an open-ticket boat cruise, allowing them to see Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, and Blevio.
The tour is led by English/Italian-speaking guides and includes headsets for groups over 6. Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and near public transportation.
Reviews highlight informative content and scenery, though some communication issues have been noted.
Read our full review: How: Guided City Walking Tour With Cruise Ticket Review
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Lake Como, Como City & Brunate, Private Guided Tour
This private guided tour of Lake Como, Como city, and Brunate offers an immersive and personalized experience for visitors.
Led by a professional guide fluent in your language, the tour earns a 5.0 rating based on 3 reviews. Meeting at the Piazza del Duomo in Como, the tour includes a guided walking exploration, with the option to take the funicular train to Brunate at an additional cost.
Accessibility features like wheelchair and stroller access, service animals, and infant seats make this tour inclusive.
Travelers rave about the knowledgeable and humorous guides, breathtaking views, and thorough cultural insights, praising the tour’s efficiency and thoroughness.
Read our full review: Lake Como, Como City & Brunate, Private Guided Tour Review
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City Tour Private Tour on the Lake
A guided city tour and private excursion on Lake Como offer visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural beauty and historic charm.
This tour includes radio guides, a knowledgeable guide for the entire duration, and an exclusive cruise of the lower basin with guide explanations. With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience.
However, it isn’t wheelchair accessible and the meeting point isn’t directly near public transportation. While most travelers can participate, recent reviews have criticized poor communication regarding late arrivals, with no refunds provided despite the circumstances.
Read our full review: City Tour Private Tour on the Lake Review
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Como City Tour And Boat Ride Pass in Lake Como
Typically, the Como City Tour And Boat Ride Pass in Lake Como provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the region’s enchanting landscapes and historic treasures.
The tour includes a guided walk through the city of Como and a round-trip ferry ride with stops in Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno. The live guide and whisper system ensure all participants can fully engage with the experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes service animals, making it inclusive for all travelers. Participants should arrive 15 minutes before the tour’s departure and meet at the designated location in front of the Armani store.
The tour concludes back at the meeting point, providing a seamless experience.
Read our full review: Como City Tour And Boat Ride Pass in Lake Como Review
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Como City and Its History Exclusive Walking Tour (1 H From Milan)
The Como City and Its History Exclusive Walking Tour provides a captivating 1-hour exploration of Lake Como’s renowned city, departing directly from Milan.
Priced at $74.85 per person, this guided walking tour offers a deep dive into Como’s rich history, from its Roman origins to its Renaissance and Baroque architectural gems.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour has received an impressive 4.8 average rating from 34 reviews, with 94% of travelers recommending the experience.
While the tour’s duration may leave some wanting more sights, the engaging history, local recommendations, and opportunity to further explore Como on one’s own make this an excellent option for those seeking an immersive introduction to this picturesque Italian destination.
Read our full review: Como City and Its History Exclusive Walking Tour (1 H From Milan) Review
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Guided City Tour
For travelers seeking a more rundown of Lake Como, the Guided City Tour provides an excellent option.
This 4.1-rated tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s main monuments, including Porta Torre, Teatro Sociale, and Tempio Voltiano. Knowledgeable guides offer insights into the area’s architecture, culture, and history, while an audio-guide service and insurance are included.
With a maximum of 20 participants, the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it suitable for most travelers.
While food and gratuities are excluded, the tour’s combination of boat and walking experiences showcases the scenic beauty of Lake Como and its charming towns.
Read our full review: Guided City Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Avoid Crowds During Peak Tourist Season?
To avoid crowds during peak tourist season, one can consider visiting early in the morning or late in the evening, explore lesser-known neighborhoods, or take alternative routes to popular destinations. Flexibility and research are key to enjoying a more peaceful experience.
What Are the Best Hidden Gems in Lake Como?
The best hidden gems in Lake Como are the quaint villages along the lake’s shoreline, which offer stunning views and a chance to experience the region’s charming local culture away from the crowds. Explore ancient churches, bustling markets, and family-run trattorie.
Can I Customize My Tour Based on My Interests?
Yes, you can often customize tour options based on your interests. Many tour providers offer flexible, personalized experiences to ensure you see the sights and activities that most appeal to you during your time in the area.
What Are the Best Local Restaurants to Try?
The best local restaurants to try often feature fresh, seasonal ingredients and regional specialties. Visitors can ask their tour guide or hotel concierge for personalized recommendations based on their tastes and preferences.
How Accessible Are the Walking Tours for Individuals With Disabilities?
The accessibility of walking tours can vary, but many offer accommodations for individuals with disabilities. It’s best to inquire about specific tour accessibility when booking to ensure the experience meets one’s needs.
The Sum Up
Lake Como offers a variety of guided city tours to explore the historic city of Como and its breathtaking surroundings. Whether you choose a walking tour, a private tour, or a combination of a city tour and a boat ride, you’ll get to discover the beauty and rich history of this stunning Italian destination. The tours cater to different interests and budgets, making it easy to find the perfect option to suit your needs.