Why from the water
The villa and its terraced garden face the lake on three sides, so from the land you only see a small part of it. From a boat you see the loggia, the gardens and the point as they appear in the films.
Villa del Balbianello by boat
Villa del Balbianello stands on the tip of the Lavedo peninsula in Lenno, on the western shore of Lake Como. It is run by FAI and was a set for Star Wars Episode II and Casino Royale. The best way to see it is from the water: our private boat tours stop right in front of it, from €800 for the whole boat.
Visiting inside
The villa and the garden can be visited on the opening days set by FAI, usually from spring to autumn, with tickets bought from FAI. The landing on the lake side is used by boats on visiting days; otherwise you walk about 1 km from Lenno. Check opening days and times on the FAI website before you plan.
Which tour reaches it
From Tremezzo, Lenno or Menaggio even a short tour reaches it. From Como, Cernobbio or Moltrasio choose at least the 3-hour Villas and city tour; with Grand Lake Como (6 hours) you add Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and Varenna.
See it from the water.
Every one of these tours passes it. Prices are for the whole boat.
3 hoursVillas and Balbianello
Villa d'Este, Moltrasio, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Nesso waterfall
€800 per boat6 hoursGrand Lake ComoVilla d'Este, Moltrasio, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Nesso waterfall
€1,350 per boat7 hoursIconic TourVilla d'Este, Laglio · Clooney's villa, Nesso waterfall, Isola Comacina
€1,500 per boatGood questions.
Can we get off at Villa del Balbianello?
On FAI opening days the boat can drop you at the villa's landing; the entrance ticket is bought from FAI.
Which films were shot at Villa del Balbianello?
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale (2006), among others.
How long from Como by boat?
About an hour going straight; on a tour, with stops in front of the villas, plan 3 hours or more.