Como and Brunate Food Tour

Como and Brunate Food Tour: A Flavorful Day in Lake Como

Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Como, tasting delicious local foods, and ending your day with a scenic ride up to Brunate for a leisurely lunch with one of the best views around. This 5-hour guided experience combines culinary delights with a touch of history and culture, all for a reasonable price of around $226 per person. With a small group limited to 12 travelers, you’ll get plenty of personalized attention from your friendly guide as you explore bakeries, wine shops, and historic sites.

What we love about this tour is how it balances tasty food stops with cultural insights—you’re not just eating, but also learning about Como’s past and its local traditions. Plus, the ride on the funicular to Brunate offers a memorable twist, giving you panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One thing to keep in mind: this tour involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. It’s especially ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and those who enjoy a leisurely, authentic experience. If you’re after a well-rounded, immersive day that blends local flavor with spectacular scenery, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic local food: Sample genuine dishes at multiple stops, including bakeries, cafés, and wine shops.
• Cultural insights: Visit historic sites like Como’s cathedral, town hall, and the monument of Alessandro Volta.
• Scenic funicular ride: Enjoy a memorable trip up to Brunate for lunch with breathtaking lake views.
• Small group experience: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible and informative: Your guide mixes food, history, and local stories for a well-rounded experience.
• Good value for money: Combines food, transportation, and sightseeing into one engaging package.

A Deep Dive into the Como and Brunate Food Tour

Starting in Como: Discovering the Heart of the City

The tour kicks off at Piazza Alessandro Volta at 9:30 am, a perfect starting point in the historic center of Como. Here, your guide (whose passion for the city is contagious) begins weaving stories about Como’s past, all while you’ll be tasting your first bites of local specialties. The walk through the ancient streets reveals the charm of medieval architecture and vibrant market stalls, setting an authentic tone for the day. We loved the way the guide took time to personalize the experience—pointing out hidden corners and sharing stories behind each landmark.

Visiting Iconic Landmarks: A Blend of History and Culture

The itinerary includes several short stops to admire some of Como’s key sights. The Monument of Alessandro Volta is a reminder of Como’s contribution to science, as the inventor of the first electrical battery. It’s a quick 15-minute stop, but one that adds a meaningful layer to your visit. You’ll also see the Piazza Cavour, a lively waterside square where locals congregate, and the Cattedrale di Como, with its stunning white marble façade and imposing dome—perfect for architecture buffs.

Other notable sites include the Broletto, the Town Hall with medieval roots, the Teatro Sociale—a cultural hub—and the Basilica di San Fedele, one of the oldest churches in Como. The Porta Torre, a well-preserved Romanesque tower gate built in 1192, provides a tangible link to the city’s medieval past. Each stop is designed to give you a snapshot of Como’s layered history, making the walk both informative and visually interesting.

Sampling Como’s Culinary Treasures

The core of the tour is the food tastings at several authentic locations. We sampled a variety of local fare, including salumi, cheeses, baked goods, and traditional Italian snacks. The guide ensures you get a real taste of Como, not just touristy bites but genuine gems that locals love. The stops are carefully curated to showcase regional ingredients and cooking styles, with the opportunity to try wines from distinctive cellars that pair beautifully with the food. One reviewer happily exclaimed, “We enjoyed sampling many food options and learning about the area,” which perfectly captures the spirit of this experience.

The Scenic Funicular to Brunate

After a solid 2 hours of walking and tasting, the tour takes a delightful turn. You’ll board the funicular for a memorable ride up to Brunate, a picturesque village perched above Como. This short, scenic trip offers sweeping views of the lake, mountains, and the charming rooftops of the town below. Once in Brunate, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a 19th-century villa, a peaceful setting that complements the spectacular scenery. We loved how this part of the tour offers both culinary indulgence and visual grandeur—a perfect way to unwind.

Final Moments and Reflection

After lunch, you might choose to explore a bit more of Brunate or simply soak in the views before heading back down on the funicular. The overall pace is relaxed, making it suitable for most travelers with a moderate level of fitness. The tour ends back at the starting point, leaving you with a full belly and plenty of new stories to tell.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The small group size (max 12) is a significant plus, allowing your guide to offer personalized insights and ensuring you won’t feel rushed. The combination of cultural sightseeing and culinary exploration makes this experience particularly valuable—you’re not just nibbling, but also gaining understanding of Como’s history and daily life.

One of the best aspects, highlighted in reviews, is the quality of the wine and the delicious local foods, which elevate the experience beyond just a walking tour. The views from Brunate are often praised as “incredible,” and the fact that the lunch is served in a historic villa adds a special touch.

Considerations

Since the tour involves a fair amount of walking, comfortable shoes are essential. Also, as it operates in all weather conditions, dressing appropriately and bringing a rain jacket or sun protection depending on the forecast is wise. The price, at roughly $226, is reasonable considering it includes food, tastings, a funicular ride, and guided sightseeing, but it’s worth noting that extra drinks and meals outside the program are not included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to food lovers eager to taste authentic local dishes and culture buffs interested in Como’s history. It also suits those who enjoy a leisurely pace and are comfortable walking. If you’re traveling with a sense of curiosity, want a well-rounded introduction to Como, and love enjoying spectacular views while sampling good wine and food, this tour is a fantastic choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 5 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the tour isn’t specifically designed for children, families with children comfortable walking and sitting through tasting stops will enjoy it.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes delicious food tastings at several locations and a lunch in Brunate. Additional drinks and meals outside the program are extra.

What are the start and end points?
The tour begins at Piazza Alessandro Volta and concludes back at the same spot.

Is the tour accessible for people with limited mobility?
The tour involves a fair amount of walking and some steps on the funicular, so it’s best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 55 days in advance is typical, as this tour is popular and limited to a small group.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Are there vegetarian options?
Please inform at the time of booking if you have dietary requirements; the guide can often accommodate such needs.

The Sum Up

The Como and Brunate Food Tour offers a captivating blend of local cuisine, historic sights, and stunning lake views—all within a manageable 5-hour span. It’s particularly well-suited for foodies and culture seekers who appreciate small-group intimacy and authentic experiences. The inclusion of a scenic funicular ride and a leisurely lunch in a historic villa makes it a memorable day that balances flavor, scenery, and storytelling.

For travelers who want a taste of Como’s culinary traditions paired with beautiful vistas and a bit of historical context, this tour delivers on all fronts. The emphasis on genuine local food and personalized attention makes it an enriching addition to any Lake Como itinerary, especially if you’re eager for an authentic, relaxed experience that captures the essence of this enchanting region.

In essence, whether you’re a foodie craving Italian flavors, a history buff interested in Como’s landmarks, or simply looking for a memorable way to enjoy the lake’s scenery, this tour offers excellent value and a heartfelt taste of Italy.