Slow Travel on Lake Como: Brunate & Torno, Lake Como

Overview

Explore Lake Como and its incredible scenery with a cable car, boat, and foot tour. Then, explore Brunate and visit Torno to admire the city from above. Learn the history and interesting facts about the lake while walking in the surrounding woods and tasting some local delicacies with a delicious picnic lunch.

Start at the funicular station in Como and ride up the cable train to Brunate, known as the “beautiful balcony of Como.” Along the way, your guide will share some local insight about the city, lake, and surrounding mountains, which can only be truly understood and appreciated from atop the hill. 

Next, enjoy a scenic and easy hike beloved by tourists and locals alike. You’ll pass through the area’s breathtaking landscapes, mysterious boulders, and pendulous stones, making your way to an ancient village. The hike is a perfect way to enjoy Lake Como at a more leisurely pace that’s both relaxing and fun. Finally, you’ll cross the mountains of Blevio, Sorto, and Cazzannoro and arrive at Monte Piatto. Nearby, you’ll find the so-called Pietra Pendula, a large erratic boulder that seems to lean on another smaller stone precariously. 

After a delicious picnic lunch filled with local and regional delicacies, you’ll continue toward the small village of Piazzaga, where you’ll discover the mysterious Massi Avelli (stone tombs). Then descend to the picturesque village of Torno overlooking the lake, and return to Como by boat.

Read more about unique and interesting experiences in the Northern Lakes Region.

Traveler reviews

2 total ratings, 1 with review
5.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Food
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.5
Laura jane
Laura jane W.
Tucson, AZ | Reviewed on Jun 20, 2023

Had a great guide...Dannee we had a wonderful ride up the funicular, did an incredible hike and had an amazing lunch up on the mountain. There was alittle issue with timing and we were late to our boat ride so we ended up not being able to do the whole boat ride and we ended up getting just a ride back to our hotel area. It was alittle disappointing because I would have loved to experience the boat for a couple of hours, instead we only got 30 minutes. Read more

Had a great guide...Dannee we had a wonderful ride up the funicular, did an incredible hike and had an amazing lunch up on the mountain. There was alittle issue with timing and we were late to our boat ride so we ended up not being able to do the whole boat ride and we ended up getting just a ride back to our hotel area. It was alittle disappointing because I would have loved to experience the boat for a couple of hours, instead we only got 30 minutes.

Tips for future travelers

Stay on track with the timing of your tour so you will be able to experience all of it

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Itineraries with Slow Travel on Lake Como: Brunate & Torno

Nature in Italy: Lake Como and Cinque Terre - 5 Days

Explore Northern Italy's natural charm starting with Lake Como, where you'll take a boat tour of its extravagant shore lined with mansions. Ride the funicular to the scenic vista in Brunate where you'll catch a panoramic view of Como and the stunning surrounding nature. Transfer to colorful Cinque Terre, where you'll hike from one seaside village to another while enjoying breathtaking sunsets and views of the Ligurian Sea.

History and Nature in Italy: Venice to Rome - 14 Days

Combine the historical splendor of Italy with its natural charm in this 14-day tour, highlighting the ancient cities of Venice, Pisa, Florence, and Rome with sunset gondola rides, regional dishes in local neighborhoods, and guided walking tours, plus visits to many museums, art galleries, and monuments. Enjoy tasting wine in the picturesque hills of Tuscany, plus guided tours of Siena, Vatican City, and the Roman Forum. Swap lively city centers for outdoor experiences in Lake Como and Cinque Terre, like boat tours, day hikes, and traversing the seaside in search of colorful villages.