Lake Como: Christmas Boat Tour & Brunate Funicular Ticket

Lake Como: Christmas Boat Tour & Brunate Funicular Ticket — An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Lake Como during the holiday season, this combined tour offers a cozy mix of scenic boat cruising, festive markets, and breathtaking views from the top of Brunate. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, I’ve looked into it carefully, and it seems to strike a nice balance between leisurely sightseeing and festive fun.

What caught our eye are the stunning views of illuminated villas and Christmas lights reflected on the lake—there’s something truly magical about that scene, especially with a glass of Prosecco in hand. Plus, the convenience of skipping the line at the funicular and enjoying a warm Vin Brulè or hot chocolate at the market’s cozy chalet adds a lovely touch of comfort to the experience.

On the flip side, a possible downside to consider is the weather — it can get quite cold, especially on the boat. One reviewer even mentioned it was “extremely cold,” so dressing warmly is definitely a must. This experience is probably best suited for those who enjoy scenic, relaxed outings and don’t mind a bit of winter chill. If you love picturesque settings and festive atmospheres, this could be just right for you.

This tour seems perfect for travelers seeking a short, atmospheric taste of Lake Como’s holiday spirit. It’s not a full-day extravaganza but offers enough variety to make it memorable without being overwhelming. If you want a cozy, visual treat with some cultural charm packed in, this tour is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful views of villas and Christmas lights illuminate Lake Como’s shoreline.
• Includes a skip-the-line ticket for Brunate, saving time and hassle.
• Enjoy festive treats like Vin Brulè and hot chocolate at a partner chalet.
• A cozy, 2-hour experience ideal for a relaxed outing.
• Weather can be cold, so dress warmly.
• Suitable for those who appreciate scenic, relaxed holiday experiences.

What to Expect from the Lake Como Christmas Tour

This experience offers a nice blend of scenic sightseeing and festive cheer, all within around two hours. It’s designed to give you a compact yet memorable glimpse of Lake Como during the holiday season, combining boat rides with market visits and panoramic views.

The Boat Tour: Views and Vibes

The tour kicks off with a shared boat cruise that lasts about an hour. As you glide across the lake, you’ll be surrounded by illuminated villas and charming lakeside towns, all aglow with Christmas lights. You’ll sip Prosecco, which adds a celebratory feel, and get a chance to appreciate the winter scenery that makes Lake Como so special during this time of year.

Travelers have praised this part of the experience, with comments like “all OK, but extremely cold,” which highlights the key point that warm clothes are essential. The boat cruise is a relaxed way to see some of the lake’s most beautiful sights without the fuss of walking or long excursions.

Christmas Markets and Festive Flavors

After docking, you get free time to explore Como’s Christmas market. These markets are typically vibrant with lights, local crafts, and seasonal flavors, making for a lovely stroll. There’s often a friendly atmosphere, especially when you stop at the Salimar partner chalet, where you’re welcomed with complimentary Vin Brulè or hot chocolate. This little treat can be a warm refuge after walking around outdoors in the chilly air.

One reviewer called the market experience “really beautiful,” emphasizing how it offers a different way to see Como in a festive light. The market is a great spot for picking up souvenirs or simply soaking in the holiday spirit with a cup in hand.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Brunate Funicular: Top of the Lake

The highlight for many is the skip-the-line ticket for the Brunate Funicular. From the base station, you ascend to one of the most panoramic viewpoints around. The ride itself is quick but offers sweeping views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. Once at the top, you’ll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lake lit up for Christmas — perfect for photos or just taking in the moment.

The priority ticket is an appreciated feature, especially during busy holiday times when queues can be long. It allows you to avoid waiting and spend more time gazing at the scenery.

Overall Experience

The entire experience is timed well, with around two hours in total. You get a good mix of sightseeing, festive atmosphere, and relaxing breaks. The guided tour adds a touch of local insights, helping you understand what makes Lake Como so special during the holidays.

The reviews paint a picture of mostly positive experiences, with many mentioning the stunning views and the enjoyable market visit. However, some noted the cold — so preparation is key.

In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

The tour starts at Salimar Lake Como Boat Tour’s meeting point at Sant’Agostino dock, just a short walk from Piazza Cavour. This central location makes it easy to reach whether you’re arriving by train, car, or bus.

Blevio and Villa Sightseeing

The boat cruise takes you past notable spots like Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, and Mandarin Oriental, offering picturesque views of lakeside villas. While these are primarily for sightseeing, they also serve as scenic highlights that photographers and architecture lovers will appreciate.

The Cruise Experience

The guided cruise is likely to focus on the villa architecture, the lake’s natural beauty, and the festive lights reflecting on the water. It’s not a long journey, but it’s enough to give you that peaceful, holiday-lake vibe.

Market and Chalet

Post-cruise, you’ll have time to explore local markets, which are typically filled with craft stalls and seasonal treats. The cozy chalet serves up warm drinks, making it a perfect respite from the outdoor chill. The atmosphere is casual but festive, ideal for leisurely browsing and soaking in the holiday ambiance.

The Brunate Funicular Ride

The funicular is a quick but rewarding ascent, with priority access helping you avoid long lines. At the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of Como bathed in holiday lights, ideal for catching those memorable photos. The scenic outlook really caps off the experience beautifully, especially if you’re into capturing the essence of Lake Como during Christmas.

Real Traveler Perspectives

Our review references a variety of opinions from past participants. One Italian traveler described the experience as “really beautiful” and appreciated the detailed and friendly guide, especially highlighting the beautiful market and the Vin Brulè.

On the other hand, a less positive review pointed out the cold temperatures — so if you’re sensitive to the cold or visiting during winter, packing warm layers is very important.

A traveler from Ecuador called the tour “a total scam” due to unmet expectations about the length and the quality of the activities, but it’s worth noting that this review seems to be an outlier, and most feedback highlights the stunning scenery and festive atmosphere.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Dress warmly — layers, hats, gloves, and a warm coat will make the boat and market visits much more comfortable.
• Bring a camera — the views from the boat and the top of Brunate are perfect for photos.
• Arrive early at the meeting point to avoid last-minute stress, especially if parking is tight.
• Book in advance since holiday seasons tend to fill up quickly.
• Check the weather forecast before heading out; if it’s particularly cold or rainy, you might want to reconsider timing or prepare accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for those who want a short, atmospheric taste of Lake Como’s holiday charm. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy scenic views, festive markets, and a relaxed pace. It’s not meant for anyone with mobility issues or vertigo, given the boat and funicular components. It’s especially appealing if you love capturing beautiful holiday photos or want a cozy, memorable outing with a dash of Christmas magic.

If you’re traveling during winter and looking for a romantic or family-friendly outing that combines scenery and festive cheer without a full-day commitment, this could be a perfect choice. Just remember to come prepared for the cold.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as family-oriented, the tour involves walking around markets and a short boat ride—generally manageable for older children. Keep in mind the cold weather, so dress them warmly.

How long is the boat cruise?
The boat cruise lasts about 1 hour, providing a gentle, scenic ride across Lake Como.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve ahead of time, especially during the holiday season when spots fill quickly.

What does the ticket include?
Your ticket covers the boat cruise, the skip-the-line ticket for the Brunate funicular, and complimentary drinks at the chalet (Vin Brulè or hot chocolate).

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a camera are essential for this experience.

Is the tour only in English?
The tour is offered in Italian and English, so language shouldn’t be a barrier.

What if the weather is bad?
Check your weather forecast; if it’s pouring or very cold, consider whether you’d still enjoy the outdoor portions. The tour is primarily outdoors, with limited indoor options.

Final Thoughts

This Lake Como experience offers a cozy, scenic glimpse of the lake during Christmas — perfect for those who love picturesque views, festive markets, and a relaxed itinerary. The combination of a boat cruise, market stroll, and panoramic funicular ride makes for a charming holiday outing with stunning lighting and architecture as a backdrop.

While the weather can be a challenge, dressing warmly and planning with the weather in mind will go a long way. It’s well-suited for travelers looking for a short but memorable escape into Lake Como’s winter beauty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a peaceful holiday activity, this tour delivers a peaceful, photo-worthy experience that embraces the magic of Christmas on the lake.

Remember, this experience is most enjoyable if you’re prepared for the cold, appreciate scenic views, and love a bit of holiday ambiance. If that sounds like your idea of a perfect winter day, then this tour might just become one of your favorite Lake Como memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: