Itinerary Archivi - Varenna Rent a Boat

The South of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

You’ve already visited the beautiful Como and its namesake Lake, its most famous and most beautiful location. You still love Lake Como, but you’re searching for something new. What shall you do?

Drive into the eastern branch of the lake, the one made famous by the Italian 19th century writer Alessandro Manzoni. Rent a boat, and in just a few hours you’ll be able to see something new you won’t easily forget.

1st stop – Varenna

Start from our private pier closet in Varenna and head north. Reach Bellano first, a town renown for its “Orrido” (a deep ravine), then Dervio, Lake Como sailing capital city.

Be ready to fight your way through many many sails!

2nd stop – Lierna

Keep cruising south and count the many little towns squeezed between the mountains and the lake.

There’s Lierna, where people love to take a break and relax on Riva Bianca (White Shore), a famous beach for its crystal clear water.

There’s the tiny Olcio, then Mandello del Lario and Abbadia Lariana. They’re leading you to the Manzoni’s main town: Lecco.

3rd stop – Lecco

Smaller and less sophisticated than its western twin Como, Lecco’s charm lies in the majestic mountains that surround it. Resegone, Mount Barro and Moregallo enclose the town in a green valley.

This is the place that inspired Alessandro Manzoni back in the 18th century and made the masterpiece “I Promessi Sposi” (The Betrothed) possible. History, fiction and romance are sewn together here, you can really feel it. Lucia, one of the main characters of the novel, took a rental boat to escape from the evil Don Rodrigo, like you’re doing now to escape from your everyday life!

Last stop – Bellagio

Cross the lake and head north on the opposite shore, passing by the small hamlets of Onno and Limonta. No trip on Lake Como may be deemed thoroughly done without stopping at Bellagio, the Pearl of the lake. Admire Lake Como’s finest gem from your boat: here stars and celebrities from all around the world gather to make parties and weddings.

Villa Melzi’s gardens and Grand Hotel Serbelloni are among the most beautiful locations the small town can sport. When you’re done with Bellagio, turn the boat around and come back to Varenna: we’ll be there to help you in the landing operations by our private pier.

Other itineraries

Lake Como Essentials

2 hour itinerary

The perfect tour if you have limited time available and want to see the most famous places of the lake.

Tradition & Beauty

3 hour itinerary

The most balanced option to explore Lake Como’s traditions and local beauties.

The Western Branch

4 hour itinerary

Explore the western branch of Lake Como with its beautiful villas on the shores.

The South of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

Explore the the wildest part of the lake, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina.

The North of the Lake

4 hour itinerary

Have you already been on Lake Como and visited its most famous locations? Are you looking for a tour different from usual? So this itineray is for you!

You can discover the northern part of the lake, the wildest one, close to the Alpine mountains of Swiss and Valtellina. Rent a boat and you’re ready to go!

Here’s some tips:

1st stop – Bellano and Dervio

Start from our private pier closet in Varenna and head north. Reach Bellano first, a town renown for its “Orrido” (a deep ravine), then Dervio, Lake Como sailing capital city.

Be ready to fight your way through many many sails!

2nd stop – Piona Abbey

Keep cruising north and find the Olgiasca peninsula. Here stands proud the Piona Abbey, a medieval monastery founded by the Cistercian Brotherhood.

The Abbey changed many times its appearance, but still to this day it’s one of the very few examples of the medieval Cisalpine architecture.

3rd stop – Gera Lario and Mount Legnone

Just after Piona there’s the wide Gera Lario bay, windsurfers’ and kitesurfers’ paradise. Maneuver carefully your rental boat here, safety first!

The bay area is ruled by an ancient mountain, Mount Legnone. Its 2.600 meters (7.800 ft) crown it the king of the North, overlooking the alpine passes between Italy and Switzerland.

4th stop – Menaggio and Villa La Gaeta

Now it’s time to head South again, on the opposide side of the shore. Pass by the small hamlets of Domaso and Dongo till you reach Villa La Gaeta, a Liberty style XIX century masterpiece.

Stop for a while in front of Menaggio, Mount Grona’s town, then cross the lake towards Varenna.

Last stop – Varenna

You’re almost at the end of your trip. Take your time while cruising in front of Villa Monastero’s colourful gardens, and remember, you can visit them later on by foot.

When you’re ready to come back, head towards our private pier: we’ll be there to help your landing.