Tour aboard the iconic Bertram 31 Sedan on Lake Como

Sailing on Lake Como aboard a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan is interesting because you feel the lake more like a glide than a speed trip. I love the smooth, powerful push from its Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull and twin 300 horsepower engines. It turns the ride between sights into part of the experience.

I also love the way this cruise strings together landmark scenery, from the lakeside polish of Villa d’Este and Villa Fontanelle to the view angles connected with Villa del Balbianello. On board, Patrick shares history as you pass, and staff like Elisa and Marinela help keep things easy while you sip a drink. The standout moment for many is the turn toward Orrido di Nesso, where the waterfall cuts through the rocky gorge.

The only drawback to plan around is the time, about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you will want to start relaxed and ready. At $1,565.35 per group for up to 9, it is best value when you have enough people to split the cost.

Key points to know before you go

• A 1961 design icon on Lake Como: the Bertram 31 Sedan is famous for its DA deep V-hull and twin 300 hp engines.
• A villa sweep you can actually enjoy: the route focuses on famous names and classic shoreline views, not constant rushing.
• Orrido di Nesso near the end: the waterfall across the gorge gives you a strong visual payoff at the climax of the cruise.
• Private by default: only your group rides, up to 9 people, which keeps the vibe calm and personal.
• Onboard comfort matters here: you can relax, sip a drink, and enjoy the music and atmosphere in a way that feels more like leisure than sightseeing.
• WEC is your hub: you meet at Water Experience Center Como, with pickup available and clear instructions to reach the pier.

The Bertram 31 Sedan: a Como boat that feels like 1961

Lake Como is full of boats, but this one stands out for a reason. The Bertram 31 Sedan is a 1961 nautical icon, and you feel the difference in the way it moves through the water. The design is built for a smooth ride, helped by Ray Hunt’s historic DA deep V-hull and twin 300 horsepower engines. Translation for your day: it is powerful, yet the cruising experience stays controlled, so you can focus on the views instead of bracing for bumps.

I also like that the boat setup supports the kind of time-on-water you came for. This is not a frantic photo dash. Between the villas and the dramatic shoreline, you get room to sit back, look around, and let the lake’s rhythm do its job.

Finally, the boat’s “icon” status is not just marketing. On Lake Como, the boats people remember are the ones that feel like part of the landscape. This one looks like it belongs in the story, and that makes the scenery hit harder.

Meeting at WEC Water Experience Center, and how pickup works

Your start point is WEC, the Water Experience Center in Como, at Lungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como. The tour uses a WEC touchpoint and you end back at the same place, so you are not dealing with a complicated return plan later.

Pickup is offered, which is a big help if you do not want to spend your precious cruise time figuring out local timing. If the driver arrives, you will be sent the driver phone number so you can contact them. The key practical point: be ready at the pier about 10 minutes early. That buffer protects you from delays and lets you settle in without stress.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket. That usually means less back-and-forth, and you can keep your day moving.

Hours run year-round with seasonal changes. From early summer into late autumn, the activity runs longer, and during winter it is back to a shorter window. If you are locking in plans, check the exact dates you are visiting, because the opening hours shift between these seasonal ranges.

The 90-minute route, in plain order: villas first, waterfall last

This is an about 1 hour 30 minute private cruise, and the itinerary follows a simple logic. First you glide past the villa zone, then you move into the quieter, dramatic stretch where the lake gets more rugged. The goal is to give you a satisfying arc, not just random shoreline watching.

You start with a stop at Villa Pliniana. After that, you see Villa Erba and Villa Olmo. From there the route connects you to the towns and shoreline character around Cernobbio and Moltrasio, then toward Torno. The finale is Orrido di Nesso, where the waterfall crossing the rocky gorge creates one of the lake’s most suggestive views.

Along the way, you will also admire specific high-profile villa names tied to Lake Como’s refined reputation. Expect views connected with Villa d’Este, Villa Fontanelle, Villa Oleandra, and the dramatic scenery area associated with Villa del Balbianello. Even if you have never studied Como villa lore, the geography makes it easy to understand why artists and writers loved these stretches of water.

The best way to enjoy the route is to treat it like a slow-moving gallery. Look at the shoreline details first, then let your eyes follow the water line as it bends. That is how the lake’s character comes through.

Stop 1 to 3: Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, and Villa Olmo

Villa Pliniana is a smart opening stop because it sets the tone right away. From the water, you get the classic Como feeling, the way the shoreline rises and the villas sit where they can look both grand and protected. It is a good place to settle in, grab your first real views, and get your camera ready without rushing.

Next comes Villa Erba, a name that signals elegance and high-society Como. What I like about this stretch is that it feels distinctly Como, not just “pretty lake scenery.” The shoreline looks curated from the water, and you notice how the landscape and architecture work together, especially when the light hits the facades.

Then you hit Villa Olmo. This stop is valuable because it transitions you from villa-focused scenery to a broader sense of Como’s waterfront towns. You start to see how the lake villages shape the experience, not just how one villa looks at a time.

One practical note: these villa stops are short windows. You will get the view, but the boat still keeps moving as part of the cruise rhythm. If you are the type who loves long photo sessions, plan to take a few deliberate shots fast, then spend the rest of the stop actually watching.

Stops 4 to 5: Cernobbio and Moltrasio from the waterline

After Villa Olmo, the itinerary shifts from the immediate villa names to the shoreline towns that make Como feel lived-in. Cernobbio is a key stop because it is a classic lakeside town with a refined edge. From the water, you can read the coastline in a different way than you would on foot. You see spacing, angles, and how buildings relate to the water level.

Moltrasio is where the lake starts to feel a bit more intimate. You get the sense of a calmer, more residential pace while still staying in the famous villa zone. If you want Como without feeling like you are trapped in a single postcard frame, this is the area that helps.

This portion of the route is also helpful for your comfort. The boat ride is the main show, and these stops keep you from feeling like you only have “trophy villas” in your head. Instead, you experience the shoreline as a sequence, towns and property lines all tied together.

If you want to maximize what you notice, do it in layers. First glance at the big shapes, then zoom your attention to the edges, the docks, and the way the water meets the stone. That detail is where the lake’s character lives.

Stop 6 and the Orrido di Nesso view you came for, Torno to the gorge

Torno is the bridge between the villa stretches and the dramatic gorge area. It feels like a final lap where the boat begins to lean into the lake’s more rugged storytelling. This is a good moment to take a slower breath, because the finale is the kind of view that earns your full attention.

Then you reach Orrido di Nesso. This is the stop that tends to stick in people’s minds for a reason. The waterfall crosses the rocky gorge, creating one of the most suggestive views on the lake. Even if you have seen photos, the boat perspective adds something important: you get a sense of scale and motion that is hard to copy from shore.

What I recommend here is simple. When the boat gets into position, take a second to look past the waterfall itself and track the rock faces around it. That is where you understand why this spot feels so theatrical. The gorge is not just scenery, it is the structure that makes the waterfall dramatic.

Because this is a short cruise overall, Orrido di Nesso is essentially your payoff. Treat it like the last scene in a film, give it your full focus, and resist the urge to rush to photos so fast you miss the moment.

Onboard vibe: drinks, music, and small-group privacy

The best part of this cruise style is how it balances “exclusive” with “relaxing.” This is private, meaning only your group participates. Up to 9 people keeps it intimate, and it usually translates to a smoother flow onboard, fewer interruptions, and less waiting around.

On board, you can relax and sip a drink while enjoying the timeless charm of the Bertram 31 Sedan. One of the most memorable practical details from the experience is the atmosphere. Music and ambiance show up as part of the cruise vibe, and that matters on Lake Como because you are spending time in a place that can be visually intense. Having a calm onboard rhythm helps you actually enjoy the scenery instead of just absorbing it.

Staff support also seems to be a real strength. Elisa and Marinela are mentioned as welcoming during the handoff at arrival, and Patrick is singled out for sharing history as the cruise unfolds. That combination adds up to something useful: you get a bit of context without turning the boat day into a lecture.

I would treat the onboard setup like a moving lounge. You are not “working” the tour. You are letting the lake bring the views, and you are there for comfort and the ride.

Price and value: when this private cruise makes sense

Let’s talk money honestly. This tour costs $1,565.35 per group for up to 9 people. That can sound steep if you are thinking in per-person terms, but the pricing model is built around privacy and a premium boat.

So the real question is, what are you getting for that group price?

You are getting a private experience aboard an actual 1961 icon boat, not a generic sightseeing vessel. You also get the “time window” you need: about 1 hour 30 minutes, enough to see a strong sequence of villas and towns and still end while you have energy for the rest of Como.

You are also getting a structure that reduces decision fatigue. Instead of bouncing between locations, worrying about transport, or trying to coordinate views, the cruise gives you a planned route. For many people, that alone is value, because Lake Como can be surprisingly time-hungry when you do it day-tripping style.

This tour becomes an easy yes when:

• you have a group where the cost can be split,
• you want privacy rather than a crowded sightseeing scene,
• you value the boat ride itself as much as the shoreline.

If you are traveling solo or as a couple and would normally pay for one standard boat ticket, this is better framed as a premium experience for Lake Como. The math improves the more people you have in your party.

Practical tips so you stay comfortable and see everything

A short private cruise can feel effortless, but a few choices make a big difference.

First, aim to arrive early at the pier. The tour asks you to be ready about 10 minutes in advance. That lets you step onboard, get settled, and avoid the frantic last minute scramble.

Second, dress for changeable lake weather. Even in warmer months, boat wind can cool things quickly. Bring a light layer and plan for sun. Lake Como scenery is best when you are comfortable enough to just look.

Third, think about photos as “moments,” not “tasks.” With only about 1.5 hours, you will enjoy the finale more if you do not spend every stop turning your day into a shooting schedule. Take a few key shots, then focus on the view while it is still moving.

Fourth, be ready for a route that is scenic more than stop-heavy. The itinerary includes named villas and towns, but the overall structure is a guided pass with short stops. So your best strategy is to watch the big picture, then pick one or two micro-details to savor, like villa edges against the water or the gorge framing at Orrido di Nesso.

Finally, keep your day flexible enough to match the cruise timing. If you stack too much, you will rush the best part.

Should you book the Bertram 31 tour on Lake Como?

Book it if you want a Como day that feels stylish, calm, and properly connected to the lake’s famous scenery. The Bertram 31 Sedan is the kind of boat that makes the ride itself memorable, and the route has a clear payoff with Orrido di Nesso at the end.

Skip it or at least rethink the fit if you are on a tight budget and cannot split the group cost, because this is priced for a private group experience. Also, if you want an all-day exploration with lots of long stops on foot, this is too short by design.

If you want the best balance of views, comfort, and a premium boat moment, this is one of the most satisfying ways to do Lake Como in 90 minutes.

FAQ

What boat is used for the tour?

The tour is aboard a Bertram 31 Sedan, a 1961 nautical icon.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How many people are in the group?

It is a private tour/activity, and it is listed for up to 9 people per group.

Where do I meet, and is pickup available?

You meet at WEC Touchpoint – Water Experience Center ComoLungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como CO, Italy. Pickup is offered, and if the driver arrives you will be sent the driver phone number. Be ready at the pier about 10 minutes in advance.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.