Como and Brunate Food Tour

Tucked along the picturesque shores of Lake Como, the Como and Brunate Food Tour offers travelers a delightful culinary adventure. This small-group experience takes participants through the historic heart of Como, where they’ll sample local delicacies at family-owned establishments. But the real highlight? A scenic funicular ride up to the charming hilltop village of Brunate, where a mouthwatering lunch at a local restaurant showcases the region’s finest flavors. It’s an immersive journey that promises to tantalize the senses and leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich gastronomic traditions of this stunning Italian locale.

Key Points

• Immersive culinary exploration of the Lake Como region, including stops at family-owned delis, bakeries, and historic wine cellars.
• Sampling a variety of local specialties, such as handmade pasta, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie, with insights into their history and traditions.
• Scenic funicular ride to the hilltop town of Brunate, offering panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
• Lunch at a renowned local restaurant in Brunate, featuring regional dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
• Small-group tour with a maximum of 12 travelers, led by an English-speaking guide who provides insights into the local cuisine and history.

About the Tour

The Como and Brunate Food Tour offers a delightful culinary exploration of the picturesque Lake Como region in Italy. Priced from $206.26 per person, this small-group tour (maximum 12 travelers) takes you on a walking journey through Como, stopping at 8 authentic locations for food sampling.

Included is a roundtrip ticket to ride the funicular up to the charming town of Brunate. With an English-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy personal attention and insights into the local cuisine and history.

Moderate fitness is required for the fair amount of walking involved. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Exploring Como

As you start the Como portion of the tour, the guide leads you through the charming historic center of the city.

You’ll meander through cobblestone streets, admiring the stunning architecture and bustling piazzas.

The first stop is a family-owned deli, where you’ll sample locally-cured meats and cheeses.

Next, you’ll visit a traditional bakery, savoring the aroma of freshly-baked breads and pastries.

The tour continues with a stop at a historic wine cellar, where you’ll learn about the region’s winemaking heritage while tasting some of its finest offerings.

The Como segment provides a delightful introduction to the area’s culinary delights.

Sampling Authentic Flavors

After exploring the historic center of Como, the tour continues by sampling the authentic flavors of the region.

The guide leads the group to eight different food stops, where they can taste local specialties like handmade pasta, artisanal cheeses, and charcuterie. At each stop, the guide provides insights into the history and traditions behind the dishes.

The highlights include a visit to a family-run deli and a stop at a lakeside cafe for a lakefront view.

The tour culminates with a funicular ride up to Brunate, where guests enjoy a lunch featuring regional cuisine while taking in the panoramic vistas.

Journey to Brunate

Having explored the historic center of Como and sampled the authentic flavors of the region, the tour then takes guests on a journey to the picturesque town of Brunate.

The group boards the iconic funicular railway, which has been transporting visitors up the steep incline since 1894. The 7-minute ride offers:

1. Breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.
2. A unique perspective of the charming city below.
3. An opportunity to appreciate the engineering marvel of the funicular.

At the top, the tour continues with a stroll through the charming streets of Brunate, providing additional culinary and cultural insights.

Dining Atop the Mountain

The tour culminates with a delightful lunch at a renowned local restaurant perched atop the Brunate mountain.

Guests ascend the historic funicular for a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps.

At the restaurant, they savor regional specialties crafted from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu features dishes like handmade pasta, grilled meats, and seasonal produce.

Diners enjoy the tranquil ambiance and friendly service as they relish the stunning vistas.

This mountaintop culinary experience provides a fitting finale to the day’s food-focused exploration of the Lake Como region.

Tour Highlights

The Como and Brunate Food Tour offers a delightful sampling of the culinary delights and historic charm of the Lake Como region.

Led by a friendly English-speaking guide, the tour includes:

1. A walking tour of Como with 8 authentic food sampling stops, allowing guests to enjoy the local flavors.

2. A return ticket on the funicular railway, whisking visitors up to the picturesque mountain town of Brunate for breathtaking views.

3. Included gratuities and personal attention in a small group setting, ensuring an intimate and memorable experience.

Practical Information

When booking the Como and Brunate Food Tour, travelers can confirm their reservation within 48 hours, subject to availability.

The tour meets at Piazza Alessandro Volta in Como, where you will find the Taste & Travel Italy tour guide at the statue. The tour concludes back at the meeting point.

The departure time is 9:30 AM. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate level of fitness, as there’s a fair amount of walking involved.

Participants should dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. They can bring a reusable water bottle, as water is available for purchase nearby.

Any dietary requirements should be advised at booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on select days of the week, though the exact schedule is not provided. Travelers should check with the tour operator for the current availability and book accordingly.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups, allowing for a more personalized experience. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary and meeting times to suit their group’s preferences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t currently offer any discounts for seniors or children. However, private groups can be arranged, and the operator may be willing to accommodate special requests. It’s best to check with them directly about any potential discounts or customization options.

Can the Tour Be Booked in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour can be booked in several languages besides English. Customers should check with the tour provider about availability in their preferred language when making their reservation. Multilingual tour guides may be able to accommodate different language needs.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration or Add Extra Stops?

The tour duration and stops can be customized upon request, subject to availability. Travelers can inquire about extending the tour or adding extra food sampling locations to personalize their experience.

The Sum Up

The Como and Brunate Food Tour offers a delightful immersion into the culinary traditions of Lake Como. Participants will explore the historic center of Como, sample local delicacies, and embark on a scenic funicular ride to Brunate, where they’ll savor a delicious lunch showcasing the region’s finest flavors. This small-group experience provides an authentic taste of the area’s rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.