Como Brunate Torno. The Breathtaking Scenery

Como Brunate Torno: The Breathtaking Scenery — Honest Review

If you’re eyeing a way to see the best of Lake Como’s natural beauty without the hassle of navigating on your own, this tour offers an intriguing option. It combines a scenic funicular ride, a guided hike, stops at notable sights, and a lakeside lunch—all wrapped in about six hours. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s an experience that balances nature, culture, and relaxation quite nicely.

What really catches our eye are the stunning views and the expert guidance that can turn a tricky trail into an enjoyable adventure. Plus, the inclusion of local food and a boat ride back to Como makes it feel like a well-rounded day out. On the flip side, one consideration is that the hike might not be suitable for everyone—especially if you’re not in good shape or have mobility issues.

This tour seems best suited for those who appreciate scenic walks, are comfortable with moderate physical activity, and want a guided experience that takes the guesswork out of exploring Lake Como’s hills. It’s a good pick if you’re after a blend of nature, culture, and comfort.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery along wooded trails with panoramic views of Lake Como
• Guided hike takes away the stress of navigation and offers local insights
• Includes transportation, from the funicular to the boat ride, making logistics simple
• Stops at key sights like Pietra Pendula and Massi Avelli deepen your experience
• Lakeside lunch in a traditional baita offers fresh, local flavors
• Limited group size (max 10 travelers) allows for a more personalized experience

Exploring the Lake Como Experience

Why This Tour Stands Out

This journey from Como to Torno is designed to give you a taste of the area’s natural charm without the effort of planning every detail. The highlight for many is undoubtedly the scenic ride on the funicular up to Brunate, where lush greenery and distant lake views unfold before you. The funicular itself is included in the price, which adds convenience and saves time—it’s a quick 7-minute ride but offers impressive vistas that set the tone for the day.

The Guided Hike: What to Expect

The core of this experience is the guided walk through wooded trails above Lake Como. As some reviews point out, the trail features a mix of deciduous trees and wildflowers, making for a truly picturesque setting. Our sources mention that the trail is pretty well marked, which is great for those who prefer not to rely solely on maps. However, a few reviews highlight that the hike can be rigorous or even dangerous in certain areas, with uneven or unsteady terrain.

One reviewer, Alida, praises her guide Favia, mentioning she shared stories about the area’s history, lifestyle, and environment. The guides clearly play an important role, not just in safety but also in making the trek educational and engaging. But it’s worth noting that some travelers, especially those with less physical fitness, might find parts of the hike challenging.

Highlights Along the Route

Key sights include the Monumento naturale regionale di Pietra Pendula, a notable natural formation. It’s a quick visit, about five minutes, but enough to leave an impression with its majestic presence. The route also passes through the Piazzaga, a typical hillside Baita (country inn), where you’ll stop for lunch.

The Lakeside Lunch and Cultural Touch

The lunch in a traditional Baita is a highlight for many, especially those who enjoy authentic local flavors. It includes an entrée and main course, paired with house wine, water, and an Italian espresso— all made fresh and served in a relaxed, countryside setting. As Christa notes, finding this spot adds a special touch to the day, blending good food with scenic views.

Return by Boat

After lunch, the tour wraps up with a scenic boat ride from Torno back to Como’s downtown. The 20-minute boat trip is included and offers a new perspective on Lake Como’s shoreline, with vistas of charming villages and lush hills from the water.

How the Price Reflects the Experience

Pricing at around $213.45 per person can seem steep, especially considering the relatively short duration. However, when you account for the included transportation (funicular and boat), the guided hike, and the lakeside lunch, the cost begins to make more sense. It’s a package designed to simplify your day—no fuss, no fuss, just a structured opportunity to enjoy some of the best scenery in the area with knowledgeable guides.

Many travelers feel the value lies in the expert guidance and convenience. Plus, with only about 10 travelers per group, you can expect a more personalized experience than a big tour might offer, which adds to the overall value.

What Do the Reviews Say?

The reviews paint a mostly positive picture. Many mention the beauty of the scenery and the professional, friendly guides. Raymond describes it as the “highlight of our trip,” emphasizing the scenic views and guides’ hospitality. Christa appreciated that the trail was well-marked but acknowledged she wouldn’t have wanted to do it alone, highlighting the importance of the guide’s presence.

Alida’s review stands out, praising the guide’s knowledge and her own adventurous spirit. She mentions that the hike was both beautiful and rigorous, suggesting that this experience might appeal more to those who enjoy active outdoor pursuits. Conversely, Sandy’s critique is honest about the hike’s difficulty—she felt it was not senior-friendly and recommended caution for older travelers or those with mobility concerns.

Practical Details & Tips

• Meeting Point: Piazza Alcide de Gasperi in Como, at 9:00 am. It’s central and easy to find, close to public transportation.
• Duration: About 6 hours, including stops, lunch, and boat ride.
• Group Size: Max 10 travelers, which is ideal for those who prefer intimate tours.
• Physical Fitness: Moderate fitness level recommended; parts of the hike can be challenging.
• Weather: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll get a full refund or a chance to reschedule.
• What to Bring: Water, comfortable shoes suitable for walking, and perhaps a hat or sun protection—some parts are exposed, and it can get warm on the trails.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who love outdoor activities and want an authentic taste of Lake Como’s natural landscape. If you’re comfortable with moderate hiking and enjoy guided tours that remove the guesswork, you’ll appreciate the insights from local guides and the scenic stops. It’s also a good choice for those who want to combine physical activity with leisurely lakeside dining and a relaxing boat ride.

However, it might not be ideal if you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or have mobility restrictions, given the trail’s challenging sections highlighted by some reviews. Families with energetic children could enjoy it if they’re used to outdoor adventures, but always consider the terrain.

Final Thoughts

This Como to Torno tour offers a well-rounded way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Como’s hills and lakeside villages. The combination of scenic rides, guided hiking, local food, and a boat return makes for a memorable day out, especially if you’re keen on outdoor exploration without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

The small group size enhances the experience, and the inclusion of transportation and meals makes it a convenient package. While the hike may be more rigorous than some expect, the views and local insights more than compensate for that challenge.

If you’re after a guided adventure that mixes nature, culture, and comfort, this tour is likely to satisfy. Just be sure to assess your fitness level and weather conditions before booking—and prepare for a day that’s as beautiful as the photos suggest.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for travelers who aren’t very active?
The hike is described as moderate with some potentially difficult sections. Travelers with lower fitness levels or mobility issues should consider this before booking. The guide can help accommodate concerns, but some parts may be challenging.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the funicular ride from Como to Brunate, a guided hike, a lakeside lunch at a traditional baita, boat ride from Torno back to Como, and insurance.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 6 hours, covering transportation, hiking, sightseeing, and lunch.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and possibly a hat. Be prepared for outdoor activity and variable weather.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s best suited for travelers with a moderate fitness level. The hike has been described as rigorous, so consider your family members’ comfort with physical activity before booking.

How far in advance should I book?
On average, this tour is booked about 73 days ahead, so plan early to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.

If you’re craving a day that combines outdoor adventure, local flavor, and spectacular views, this Lake Como tour offers a balanced and memorable experience. Just remember to check your fitness level and weather forecast, and you’ll be set for a day to remember by Italy’s most captivating lake.