Lecco: Sunset Shared Boat Tour with a Prosecco Aperitif

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Lake Como beyond the usual sightseeing spots, a shared boat tour at sunset offers a wonderful blend of scenery, comfort, and a touch of elegance. This 2-hour cruise by Venetian water taxi, departing from Lecco or Malgrate, promises sparkling water, breathtaking views, and a relaxed atmosphere—plus Prosecco included to toast the beautiful evening.

We’ve come across this experience through reviews and descriptions, and we’re genuinely impressed by how it captures the essence of Lake Como’s charm. The two standout features? The stunning vistas of lakeside villages as the sun dips low, and the intimate, small-group setting that keeps the experience personal and cozy. One thing to keep in mind: this tour is not suitable for those with mobility challenges, especially wheelchair users, and involves a shared group of up to 8 people.

This tour suits travelers craving a romantic escape, a gentle introduction to Lake Como, or anyone eager to see the lakeside villages in a quiet, relaxed setting after a busy day of sightseeing. It’s a perfect option for those who appreciate comfort, scenic beauty, and a bit of sophistication.

Key Points

• Breathtaking sunset views over Lake Como with charming villages in the evening light
• Intimate group size (max 8 people), ideal for a relaxed experience
• Prosecco and water included, making it a convivial toast to the scenery
• Stops at notable spots like Mandello del Lario, Villa Lario, Lierna, Varenna, and Bellagio
• Audio guide available in 7 languages enhances your understanding and appreciation of the sights
• Tours run Thursday and Sunday from April through October, with varying times

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This tour is a shared 2-hour cruise aboard a Venetian water taxi, departing from either Lecco or Malgrate. You’ll be traveling with a small group, which makes for a more personal and less commercial feel. The experience begins with a pickup at your chosen point, after which you’ll set out across Lake Como, heading up the lake toward some of its most picturesque spots.

The boat stops briefly at Mandello del Lario, an inviting lakeside village, giving you a chance to admire its atmosphere and take photos. Then, the journey continues past Villa Lario, a luxurious 5-star resort renowned for its elegance and scenic setting. From there, the boat heads to Lierna, famous for its unique black and white shore beaches and the beautiful Villa Aurelia.

One of the highlights is reaching Varenna, a fairy-tale village with narrow streets and colorful houses, often described as one of the most charming spots on the lake. Crossing over to Bellagio, you’ll see its historic center and Villa Serbelloni, a lavish estate famed for its gardens and panoramic views.

The boat then reverses course, passing through Pescallo, known for its well-maintained gardens of Villa Serbelloni, before returning to the start point. Throughout the cruise, you’ll enjoy snapping photos of lakeside villages lit by the soft glow of sunset—a perfect moment for photography enthusiasts.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

Departure points and timings: The tour departs from Lecco or Malgrate, with specific times — notably 16:00-18:00 in April and October, and 18:00-20:00 from May to September. We think these times are ideal for catching the sunset, especially in the warmer months. You’ll want to check availability and weather conditions, as this tour runs rain or shine, unless safety concerns lead to cancellation.

The boat: A Venetian water taxi designed for small groups (max 8 passengers) offers a cozy, less hurried environment. The boat is open-air but has some cover, providing fresh air and immersive views without feeling crowded.

The stops: Each stop offers a quick but insightful look into the local scenery and architecture. Mandello del Lario’s charm, Villa Lario’s lakeside luxury, Lierna’s beaches, and Varenna’s picturesque streets are all highlights that add layers of visual interest.

The inclusions: You’ll receive a bottle of Prosecco and water, perfect for toasting as you watch the sun set over the lake. An audio guide in 7 languages enriches the experience, giving context to the sights without needing a guide physically present.

Small group size: With only up to 8 participants, the tour fosters a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for easy conversation and photos. Many reviews mention the intimacy as a real plus, making it more than just a sightseeing cruise.

What Travelers Say

Many appreciate the stunning views and the relaxed pace. One reviewer notes, “The views of Bellagio and Varenna at sunset were simply breathtaking.” Others mention that the small group size made for a cozy, friendly experience, and the Prosecco added a dash of celebration to the evening.

A few cautions from travelers include the timing — as it’s limited to Thursday and Sunday, and the months may vary, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Also, because the tour is shared, it might not suit those seeking a private experience.

Several reviews point out the value of the audio guide, making it easier to understand the story behind each village and landmark, even if you don’t have a personal guide.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

The cruise begins at your chosen meeting point, with the boat gently gliding across the lake. The first stop at Mandello del Lario is brief but well-timed for photos and admiring the lakeside scenery. This village is famous for its connection to Moto Guzzi motorcycles, but on this tour, it’s all about the view.

Next, the boat glides past Villa Lario, which we’re told is a high-end resort that’s well worth a glance — a symbol of lakefront luxury. The journey then heads to Lierna, where you’ll see the striking Villa Aurelia and the contrasting black and white beaches, perfect for a quick stroll if you wish.

Reaching Varenna is a highlight — the colorful, peaceful streets look especially charming as the sun begins to dip. If you’re a photographer or just love picturesque villages, this moment is pure magic. The boat then crosses to Bellagio, often called the “Pearl of Lake Como,” with its elegant villas and historic center offering a real sense of lakeside refinement.

The return trip includes passing through Pescallo, with its lush gardens, giving a final glimpse of the estate gardens before heading back to the starting point. Throughout, you’ll be surrounded by panoramic views of the lake and Alps, especially captivating as the sun sets.

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Practical Details

Duration and timing: The tour is exactly 2 hours, making it a manageable and comfortable experience. Departure times are set to maximize sunset views, with the earliest in April and October and later in spring and summer.

Price and value: At $328.53 per person, this isn’t a budget option, but the experience includes everything essential — the boat, Prosecco, water, audio guide, and taxes. The small group size and scenic stops add to the perceived value, especially for those seeking a special experience rather than a generic cruise.

Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility, as the boat and some stops involve walking and uneven surfaces.

Weather considerations: Since the tour runs rain or shine, it’s wise to bring appropriate clothing. The boat is open-air, so don’t forget sunglasses or a hat in sunnier months.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This sunset boat cruise is perfect for romantic travelers, small groups of friends, or couples seeking a tranquil way to see Lake Como at dusk. It’s also a wonderful choice for anyone who appreciates scenic beauty over structured guided tours—the focus here is on breathtaking vistas and relaxed conversation.

While it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, those who enjoy quiet, intimate experiences with stunning views will find it worthwhile. If you’re short on time but want an authentic glimpse of the lake’s lakeside villages in a relaxed setting, this tour fits the bill.

Final Verdict

This Lecco sunset shared boat tour offers a relaxed, intimate way to soak in Lake Como’s beauty after a busy day of sightseeing. The combination of stunning sunset views, charming lakeside villages, and a Prosecco in hand makes it a memorable experience. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking a quiet, upscale experience that captures the essence of the lake’s romance.

While the price might seem high for a 2-hour shared cruise, the small-group setting, scenic stops, and beautiful vistas provide a sense of exclusivity and value. It’s a delightful way to end a day on the lake, especially if you enjoy a glass of bubbly as the sky turns pink.

Overall, if you’re after a romantic, scenic, and authentic Lake Como experience in a small-group setting, this cruise is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is designed for adults, with a maximum group of 8 people, and involves small boat travel. Children over a certain age might enjoy it, but very young kids might find the open-air boat less comfortable.

How do I get to the meeting point? The tour departs from either Lecco or Malgrate; you’ll need to arrange your transportation to these locations separately.

What happens if it rains? The tour goes ahead rain or shine. If safety concerns arise, it may be canceled, in which case you’ll receive a full refund.

Can I bring my own drinks? Outside alcohol and drugs are not allowed onboard, and provisions are supplied (Prosecco and water).

Are there any age restrictions? No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but the experience is best suited for adults or older children due to the nature of the boat.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible? No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

What languages are available for the audio guide? The audio guide is available in 7 languages, including English and Italian.

What is the group size? The maximum number of participants is 8, ensuring a small, intimate experience.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 7 days in advance for a full refund.

What is included in the price? The tour fee covers the boat ride, Prosecco and water, an audio guide, taxes, and assistance.

This Lecco sunset boat tour offers a peaceful, scenic way to see Lake Como in style. It’s ideal for those who cherish stunning views, quiet moments, and a touch of elegance, making for a memorable lakeside experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: