Sunset Aperitivo Cruise in Varenna, Lake Como
The most romantic village on Lake Como's eastern shore
Varenna is widely considered the most romantic village on Lake Como — a pastel-coloured fishing settlement of just 800 inhabitants, with a wooden walkway (the Passeggiata degli Innamorati) hugging the lake at sunset. Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi offer some of the lake's finest gardens, and the ferry from Varenna to Bellagio and Menaggio takes 15 minutes — making it the perfect quiet base from which to explore the whole lake.
Lake Como at sunset is the cliché that everyone has seen photographed and almost no one experiences first-hand. A two-hour private cruise from Varenna solves that — departing 90 minutes before sundown, with a chilled Franciacorta and a tray of local salumi, formaggi and lake-fish carpaccio waiting on board.
The captain rounds the headland in front of Villa del Balbianello as the light turns, lingers at the most photogenic viewpoint, and returns to dock just after dark. Perfect for couples, anniversaries, marriage proposals or a quiet evening end to a busy lake day.
What's included
- •2-hour cruise, departs 90 min before sunset
- •Franciacorta + antipasti served on board
- •Pass Villa del Balbianello at golden hour
- •Maximum 8 guests (private charter)
- •Romantic / proposal-friendly
Stay nearby — luxury villas in Varenna
3 handpicked properties in the area, perfect to pair with this experience.
Plan your Varenna stay
Our concierge designs every sunset aperitivo cruise around your group's pace, dietary preferences and travel dates. One email is all it takes to start.
Start your inquiryWhere to Stay
Luxury Villas in Varenna
What to Do
Curated Lake Como Experiences
Half day or full day (3–8 hours)
Private Boat Tour on Lake Como
Discover the lake's hidden gems from a vintage wooden boat
2 hours (evening)
Sunset Aperitivo Cruise
Golden hour on the water with Prosecco and panoramic views
Full day (6–7 hours)
Villa & Gardens Guided Tour
Step inside the legendary villas that define Lake Como
From Our Journal
Lake Como Reading & Insights
- 11 min readTuscany vs Amalfi Coast: Which Italian Destination Is Right for You?Two of Italy's most iconic destinations, but very different experiences. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide — or convince you to do both.
- 11 min readThe Best Time to Visit Lake Como: Season-by-Season GuideLake Como is breathtaking year-round, but each season offers a different magic. Here's when to visit based on what matters most to you.
- 14 min readLake Como Towns: A Complete Guide to Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio & MoreEach Lake Como town has its own personality. From glamorous Bellagio to romantic Varenna, here's your guide to finding the perfect base and exploring beyond it.
Curated Collections
Plan a Trip Around a Theme
- Wedding VenuesHandpicked private estates in Tuscany and Lake Como suitable for destination weddings: full buy-outs, 12+ guests, vetted vendor network and dedicated planner.
- Family VillasPrivate villas in Tuscany and Lake Como chosen for families: fenced pools, gentle gardens, quiet roads, child-friendly amenities and quick access to gelato.
- Honeymoon StaysIntimate properties for two in Tuscany and Lake Como: private pool or lakefront, panoramic terrace, in-house dining and total privacy.
- Large GroupsEstates in Tuscany and Lake Como that comfortably host 14 or more guests: multiple bedrooms with en-suites, vast living areas, on-site staff.