Bertram charm on Lake Como, no stress, all views. This private cruise puts you on a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan, a design-famous boat with serious power, for an easy 1 hour 30 minutes of lakefront sightseeing. You’ll glide past landmark villas and towns, then finish with one of the area’s most dramatic sights: the Orrido di Nesso waterfall crossing the rocky gorge.

I particularly love the ride. The boat’s Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull and twin 300-horsepower engines translate into speed that feels controlled, not jarring. I also love how the experience mixes big, recognizable names—Villa d’Este–area refinements and classic Cernobbio vibes—with real chill time, so you can actually enjoy the water rather than just collecting photos.

One possible drawback: this is a look-from-the-water itinerary. With only about 90 minutes, you’re not planning for long walks or long stops on land at each villa.

Key highlights at a glance

• A 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan cruise with sleek lines and twin 300-hp engines
• Private time for up to 9 people (your group only)
• Big villa viewing sequence: Villa Pliniana through Torno
• Orrido di Nesso as the emotional payoff with waterfall-in-gorge views
• English experience with a ready-to-use mobile ticket
• WEC staff friendliness, including help from Patrick and a warm welcome from Elisa and Marinela in recent experiences

Bertram 31 Sedan: a 1961 design icon on Lake Como

If you love boats, the Bertram 31 Sedan is the kind of vessel you notice even before you step aboard. It’s a 1961 nautical icon with sleek, classic proportions, and it feels like you’re seeing Lake Como through a different era of leisure. The styling is part of the fun, but the real win is how the hull and engines work together.

This model is known for a Ray Hunt DA deep V-hull, which matters because it changes how the boat handles water movement. You get that smooth, powerful feel that keeps the cruise comfortable even when the lake gets a bit choppy. Add the twin 300 horsepower engines, and the boat has the punch to move confidently while still feeling like a pleasure ride.

The 90-minute route: Pliniana, Erba, Olmo, Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno

You get a satisfying amount of “Lake Como highlights” time without turning it into a marathon. The flow starts with a sequence of well-known sights, all seen from the water, with the boat moving you along at an easy pace.

Villa Pliniana

This is a great starting point because it sets the tone: you’re immediately surrounded by the refined, dramatic lake setting. Expect views that feel layered—water in front, villas and greenery rising from the slopes, and the sense that every turn on the lake reveals another version of the shoreline.

Villa Erba

From here, the charm is how quickly the scenery changes while the cruise stays relaxed. Villa Erba area views tend to read as classic Como luxury from the waterline. You’re not just passing scenery—you’re seeing it from the angle most people never get.

Villa Olmo

Villa Olmo is another of those shoreline “anchor” moments. If you’ve seen Como photos before, you’ll likely recognize the general look and feel, but on the boat it hits differently. The lake itself becomes your frame, and the shoreline architecture becomes the main subject.

Cernobbio and Moltrasio

These stops help you balance the villa glamour with the lived-in personality of the lake towns. From the water, Cernobbio reads as elegant and social; Moltrasio feels more laid back and scenic. Either way, you get a sense of why people keep coming back to Como year after year.

Torno

Torno is a nice final “glide zone” before the cruise’s big emotional moment. By the time you reach this part of the route, you’re usually settled into the rhythm: look, relax, sip your drink, and let the shoreline come to you.

Orrido di Nesso waterfall: where the cruise turns memorable

The itinerary’s payoff comes when the boat reaches Orrido di Nesso. This is the moment where Lake Como stops being just pretty and starts getting dramatic.

The waterfall crosses the rocky gorge, and the view is hard to replicate from land because you need that water-level perspective. From the boat, you see the way the falls interact with the cliff lines and the narrowness of the gorge. It’s the kind of scene that makes you pause your phone for a second and just watch.

Timing helps here too. You’re not spending all day on the lake, so the waterfall doesn’t feel like a distant checkbox. It lands while you’re still in cruise mode—comfortable, relaxed, and ready to soak it in.

Onboard feel: deep V-hull, twin 300 hp power, and a drink on deck

What you’re buying here isn’t just scenery. You’re buying the sensation of a well-sorted classic boat.

The cruise is designed around comfort: you can relax on board and sip a drink while the lakefront comes by. That matters on Lake Como, because the best experiences are often the ones where you’re not constantly rushing between stops. On a private charter, the boat becomes your moving viewing platform.

The “smooth and powerful sailing” pitch is accurate to what you’ll feel in practice. The deep V-hull helps keep the ride stable, and the engines give you confident control as you change speed or angle for views. If you’re the type who gets restless on long sightseeing days, this is a refreshing break: cruise time with purpose, not just drift time.

Language, group size, and what private really means

This is a private tour/activity, limited to your group only, up to 9 people. That’s a big deal in a place like Como where crowded boats and rigid schedules can chew up your attention.

Private also changes the vibe. Instead of squeezing into a shared group’s rhythm, you get a cruise that feels built around your pacing. If your group includes a mix of ages, that matters: a shorter 1 hour 30 minute duration helps keep energy levels steady.

The experience is offered in English, and you’ll have a mobile ticket. That combination is usually what you want for stress-free travel days: simple, clear, and easy to manage on the day.

Price and value: $1,565.35 for up to 9 people

At $1,565.35 per group (up to 9), this isn’t a bargain in the way a public ferry ticket is a bargain. Still, it can be good value if you’re traveling as a small group.

Here’s the way I think about it:

• You’re not paying per person in the usual sense. You’re paying for a private boat experience with a specific classic vessel.
• The cruise duration is short enough to stay appealing, but long enough to feel like a real outing rather than a quick scenic lap.
• You’re getting both the “name-brand” lakefront villas and the high-impact scene at Orrido di Nesso in one go.

If you’re only two people, you might compare it to other Como activities and ask whether a private classic boat is your top priority. If you have a group of four to nine, the math often starts to look better, because you’re spreading the charter cost across people who all care about the same thing: a memorable time on the water.

Meeting at WEC ComoLungo Lario Trieste: how to keep it smooth

You’ll meet at WEC Touchpoint – Water Experience Center ComoLungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como, Italy. Plan to be at the pier about 10 minutes early. When the driver arrives, you’ll receive his phone number so you can reach out directly.

This is one of those details that makes the difference between arriving relaxed and arriving flustered. Lake Como days are full of walking and tight timing, so treat the pier meeting like a theater start time. Arrive early, check in, then let the lake do its job.

The experience ends back at the meeting point, which helps with planning. You’re not stuck figuring out post-cruise transport.

Should you book this Bertram 31 Sedan cruise?

Book it if you want a classic, private Lake Como experience that focuses on views from the water and a strong finish at Orrido di Nesso. This is especially a great fit for small groups who want comfort, good timing, and a “see the lake, don’t fight the schedule” approach.

Consider skipping or adjusting expectations if your idea of a Como day is lots of long land visits. This cruise is about sailing and admiring. You’ll get beautiful villa scenery, but it’s not built for extended wandering.

If you’re deciding between boat options, this one stands out for the combination of a 1961 Bertram 31 Sedan, the twin 300 hp power that supports a smooth ride, and the simple fact that you’re on a private boat for a focused, satisfying window of time.

FAQ

How long is the Bertram 31 Sedan tour?

The cruise lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

How many people can be on the private tour?

It’s private for your group only, with a maximum of up to 9 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

Where do we meet, and how early should we arrive?

Meet at WEC Touchpoint – Water Experience Center ComoLungo Lario Trieste, 22100 Como, Italy. Be ready at the pier 10 minutes in advance.

Is pickup included?

Pickup is offered.

What will we see during the cruise?

You’ll enjoy views of several Lake Como highlights, including Villa Pliniana, Villa Erba, Villa Olmo, Cernobbio, Moltrasio, Torno, and then the Orrido di Nesso waterfall view.

Can I cancel for a refund or change my booking?

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