Charming Como old town alley near Lake Como, scenic walking route before guided city boat tour
Como Cathedral and Broletto in Piazza Duomo, iconic stop on Como guided city tour and boat cruise
Night view of Como waterfront and Duomo lights reflecting on Lake Como, highlight of guided boat tour
Evening view of Como old town piazza near the lakefront, a highlight of the Como guided city boat tour
Visitors strolling a cobbled lane in Como historic center, perfect add-on to a Lake Como guided boat tour
Piazza in central Como with statue and cafes near Lake Como, seen on a guided city boat tour itinerary
Spring view of Como’s Tempio Voltiano near the lakefront, a scenic stop on a guided city boat tour
Listing ID : 55474

Activity

Duration3 Hours
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtPiazza Cavour, Como
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Como City and Lake Experience

Como Guided City and Lake Boat Tour: Top Landmarks and Scenic Views

Walk the medieval streets, discover iconic landmarks, and glide across Lake Como on a single unforgettable journey.


This Como guided city and lake boat tour combines a curated walking exploration of Como's historic center with a relaxing boat ride across the first basin of Lake Como, offering two distinct and complementary perspectives of one of Italy's most celebrated destinations.

Led by an official local guide, the tour takes you through centuries of layered history, from Romanesque basilicas and Gothic cathedrals to medieval gateways and cobbled lanes that have barely changed since the Middle Ages. The pace is easy and unhurried, designed for travelers who want depth as much as scenery.

The boat ride that follows the city walk opens up a different dimension entirely, with sweeping views over the lake toward the villages of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno visible from the water. On select days, the tour concludes at Como's local market, where seasonal produce and daily life offer an authentic counterpoint to the architectural highlights visited earlier.

Tour Highlights

Priority access to the Como Cathedral, a Gothic and Renaissance masterpiece built over four centuries.

Guided walk through Piazza San Fedele, a medieval square anchored by a 12th-century Romanesque basilica.

Visit to Porta Torre, a 34-meter medieval gateway built in 1192 as part of Como's original defensive walls.

Scenic boat ride on Lake Como with views toward Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno from the water.

Stop at Piazza Volta, dedicated to Alessandro Volta, Como's most celebrated scientific figure.

Optional visit to Como's local market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for an authentic local experience.

Stroll along the lakefront promenade at Piazza Cavour, one of the most scenic public spaces in northern Italy.

Tour Itinerary

1
Piazza Cavour and the Lakefront Promenade

The tour begins at Piazza Cavour, Como's elegant lakefront square, where neoclassical buildings and waterside cafes frame views of the surrounding hills. This former port area now serves as the gateway between the city and the lake, setting the tone for what follows.

2
Piazza del Duomo and Como Cathedral

At the cultural heart of the city, you will enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with priority access, bypassing standard queues. The cathedral's facade, interior sculptures, and blend of Gothic and Renaissance elements are examined in detail by your guide, along with the adjacent Broletto, the medieval town hall in tricolor marble.

3
Piazza San Fedele, Via Vitani, and the Historic Quarter

The route continues into the medieval core of Como, passing through Piazza San Fedele and its Romanesque basilica before winding along Via Vitani, a narrow cobbled street lined with stone archways and artisan shops. Via Olginati and Piazza Volta are also included, offering context on Como's civic history and its connection to inventor Alessandro Volta.

4
Porta Torre and the Fortified Old City

Standing over 34 meters tall in Piazza Vittoria, Porta Torre is the most imposing remnant of Como's 12th-century defensive walls. Your guide explains the military and civic significance of this structure and the broader fortified layout of medieval Como.

5
Lake Como Boat Ride

The final segment of the tour shifts from land to water, with a relaxed boat ride across the first basin of Lake Como. The perspective from the lake reveals the full scale of the city against the Alpine backdrop, and the villages of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno come into view along the shoreline.

6
Local Market Visit (Selected Days)

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the tour may conclude at Como's local market, where visitors can browse seasonal produce, regional specialties, and everyday goods alongside local residents. This optional stop provides a grounded, non-touristic closing to the experience.

What Is Included

Included

  • Official licensed local guide throughout the tour
  • Priority access to the Como Cathedral (Duomo di Como)
  • Guided walking tour of Como's historic center
  • Scenic boat ride on the first basin of Lake Como
  • Visit to Piazza Cavour, Piazza San Fedele, Porta Torre, and Piazza Volta
  • Optional local market visit on selected days

Not Included

  • Food and beverages
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for the guide
  • Transportation to the meeting point

Important Information

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather is advised.
Duration
Approximately 3 hours, including both the city walking tour and the lake boat ride.
Meeting Point
Piazza Cavour, Como. Look for your guide near the lakefront area of the square.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sunscreen in summer, and a light layer for the boat ride.
Cancellation
Please refer to the booking platform for the applicable cancellation and refund policy for this tour.
Accessibility
The walking portions of the tour include cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. The tour is rated easy but may present challenges for those with limited mobility.
Age Range
Suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times, including during the boat ride.

Reserve Your Spot

Spaces on this tour are limited to maintain a quality small-group experience. Secure your place in advance to avoid missing out on one of Como's most complete guided tours.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Piazza Cavour in Como. The endpoint may vary depending on the day; on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday), the tour concludes at Como's local market.
Is the boat ride included in the tour price?
Yes, the lake boat ride on the first basin of Lake Como is included as part of the tour experience.
What happens if it rains?
The tour operates in most weather conditions. It is advisable to bring a light waterproof layer, especially for the boat portion of the tour.
Is the Como Cathedral visit guaranteed on every tour date?
Priority access to the Como Cathedral is included, though entry may be subject to church events, ceremonies, or closures. Your guide will advise on the day.
How physically demanding is this tour?
The tour is rated easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Some sections involve cobbled streets and gentle inclines typical of a historic Italian city center.
Can I visit the local market on every tour day?
The local market visit is available only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. On other days, the tour concludes without this stop.
Como City TourLake Como BoatComo CathedralHistoric ComoGuided Walking TourLake Como ViewsPorta TorrePiazza San FedeleItalian LakesComo Old TownLombardy TravelAlessandro Volta
Last updated: June 2025 | Product ID: como-city-lake-boat-tour

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

3 hours

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

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Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

End Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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