A 1961 Bertram makes Como feel cinematic. This private ride on a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan is all about smooth power and old-school style, with the twin 300-hp engines turning the lake into a moving picture. I especially love the sense of time travel from the boat’s classic design and the “Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull” ride, plus the way you get to view famous villas and lakefront spots without battling traffic.

Here’s the main thing to keep in mind: at 1 hour 30 minutes, the pace is meant to show you a lot, not to linger. If you’re hoping for a long, slow sit-and-stare session at one exact villa, you may feel the time is short—yet that’s also why this works so well as a highlight day on Lake Como.

Key things I’d mark on your Como map

• Bertram 31 Sedan, built for a classic feel with Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull character and two 300-hp engines
• A private group experience up to 9 people, so it stays calm and personal
• Villas and towns in sequence like Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno
• Orrido di Nesso waterfall viewpoint for a dramatic Lake Como payoff
• English offered plus a mobile ticket to keep things simple
• Pickup can be arranged, and you’ll get the driver’s phone number when they arrive

Why the Bertram 31 Sedan feels different on Lake Como

Lake Como is full of boat options, but this one comes with a very specific vibe: a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan that looks right for the scenery. The ride is described as smooth and powerful thanks to the historic Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull and two 300-hp engines, which matters because it changes how the water feels under you—less bounce, more glide.

And that’s what you want on a lake-day. You’re not just traveling from A to B. You’re cruising past villas and shoreline highlights while staying comfortable, with enough engine response to keep things fun.

There’s also a “style vs. authenticity” feel built into the experience. The boat is a design jewel, but the goal isn’t fancy theater. It’s an elegant way to see the lake as it actually looks from the water.

The route: Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, and Orrido di Nesso

Your time on the water is organized like a scenic ribbon: villa after villa, then the dramatic gorge at the end. You start at Villa Pliniana, then move along to places such as Villa Erba and Villa Olmo, while passing the towns/areas of Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno.

A smart part of this route is that it mixes the polished villa waterfront with the everyday lake towns. You get that refined Como look, but you also see the lake as a lived-in place, not only a postcard.

You’ll also take in well-known villa names as you cruise, including Villa d’Este, Villa Fontanelle, Villa Oleandra, and Villa del Balbianello. Even if you don’t have time to read every detail up close, spotting these names from the water gives you context fast—like your brain instantly connects the shoreline to what you’ve seen in photos.

Then you reach the Orrido di Nesso area, where the waterfall crosses the rocky gorge. This is where the whole cruise shifts tone. Earlier stops are all elegant shoreline viewing; the gorge is the lake going dramatic, with a view that feels more wild than manicured.

If you like your tours to have a clear emotional arc—beautiful, then wow—this one delivers.

On-board vibe: drinks, relaxation, and that “no-rush” feel

This isn’t a bare-bones speed run. The experience is set up as a relaxing cruise where you can unwind on board, sip a drink, and take it all in. The point is to feel the lake at a human pace, even while the boat is moving with power.

In short: you’re not doing constant photo stops and you’re not scanning for directions. You sit, enjoy the rhythm of the ride, and watch the shoreline roll by.

That makes a big difference for groups. When you’re on Lake Como, it’s easy to burn your energy on transportation and checklists. This style of outing gives your body a break while still delivering the signature sights.

Timing that actually helps: meeting at WEC and arriving 10 minutes early

You’ll meet at WEC Touchpoint – Water Experience Center Como at Lungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como. The experience begins from that pier area and returns you to the same meeting point.

Plan to be at the pier 10 minutes in advance. When the driver arrives, you’ll be sent their phone number so you can contact them. That’s a small detail, but it reduces stress—especially if you’re walking in from nearby transport or you’re coming straight from lunch in Como.

The cruise itself is about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you’ll want to treat it like a focused block in your day. It’s long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you can still fit other Como plans afterward.

Pickup, private group size, and why the price can make sense

Price is $1,565.35 per group, up to 9 people. That means your per-person cost depends on how you book.

• If you fill the group closer to 9, the cost per person drops a lot.
• If it’s just 2 or 3, it’s more of a splurge.

So here’s the value logic I’d use: if you’re traveling with friends or family and you can get to a solid group size, this feels like a smart way to buy comfort and an iconic boat experience. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, it can still be worth it, but you’re paying for exclusivity more than for math.

The big win is that it’s private, meaning only your group participates. No random strangers joining your “on the water” bubble. That matters for comfort, conversation, and keeping the atmosphere exactly how you want it.

Also helpful: pickup is offered, and you’re not stuck trying to line up your own water access. That’s a practical advantage in a place like Como, where the streets can be busy and the timing gets tricky.

Who this Bertram 31 cruise is best for

I think this tour fits best when you want a classic Lake Como experience without turning it into a full-day operation.

It’s great for:

• Couples who want a premium, calm outing
• Friends traveling together who want to split the group cost
• Families with mixed energy levels who still want sightseeing but don’t want constant walking
• Anyone who’s already done the busy-land highlights and wants the lake to do the entertaining

It’s also a nice choice for people who like structure. The route gives you a planned run past major waterfront names, plus the Orrido di Nesso waterfall as the dramatic close.

The practical side: what language and tickets mean for your day

The tour is offered in English, so you’re not relying on guesswork to understand what you’re seeing. And the mobile ticket helps reduce last-minute friction. You can focus on arriving on time and enjoying the ride.

The experience is listed as near public transportation and most travelers can participate, which is reassuring if you’re building the day around Como rather than renting a car.

Should you book the Bertram 31 Sedan cruise?

Book it if you want a classic boat feel, a planned scenic route, and a private group format that makes Lake Como feel calm instead of chaotic. The combination of the 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan, the smooth power of the twin 300-hp engines, the villa viewing sequence, and the Orrido di Nesso waterfall finish is exactly the kind of “one highlight that really works” experience many people look for.

Skip it or reconsider if you’re booking solo/for two and the group price feels steep, or if you strongly prefer long, slow stops at just one or two spots. This is more of a curated cruise than a stay-put sightseeing session—and that’s usually a plus, as long as your expectations match the timing.

FAQ

How long is the Bertram 31 Sedan tour on Lake Como?

The cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What boat will you ride on?

You ride aboard a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan, described as having a Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull design and powered by two 300 horsepower engines.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

What is the maximum group size?

The tour price is for a group of up to 9 people.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. You should be ready at the pier 10 minutes in advance, and the driver’s phone number will be sent when they arrive.

Do I need a paper ticket?

No. The tour includes a mobile ticket.

What language is available?

The tour is offered in English.

Where do we meet?

You meet at WEC Touchpoint – Water Experience Center ComoLungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como CO, Italy.

What sights are included?

You cruise past Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, and areas including Cernobbio, Moltrasio, and Torno, and the route also features views of villas such as Villa d’Este, Villa Fontanelle, Villa Oleandra, and Villa del Balbianello, plus Orrido di Nesso with its waterfall view.

Can I change or cancel and get a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

What are the opening hours?

Opening hours vary by season:

• 02/01/2026–05/31/2026: Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• 06/01/2026–09/30/2026: Monday–Sunday 9:30 AM–6:30 PM
• 10/01/2026–03/16/2027: Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM