Adventure in Como CO, Italy!

Como-Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como–Brunate)

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure that combines breathtaking views and unique transportation with a visit to the Como-Brunate Funicular Railway (Funicolare Como–Brunate) in Italy’s picturesque Lombardy region. This iconic funicular connects the charming city of Como with the hilltop village of Brunate, offering an unforgettable journey and panoramic vistas.

Starting Point: Como

Begin your adventure in the historic city of Como, easily accessible by train from Milan in just about 40 minutes. Once in Como, make your way to the funicular station located near the lake at Piazza Alcide De Gasperi. Before you hop on, take a moment to admire the classic Liberty style of the station, which has been welcoming visitors since 1894.

The Funicular Ride

Purchase your ticket and board the funicular for a journey that climbs from 200 meters above sea level to over 700 meters within seven minutes. As you ascend, the cabin offers sweeping views of Lake Como, the Alps, and the lush forests below. This engineering marvel, one of the steepest in Europe, uses a system of counterbalancing weights, making it a unique experience for tech enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Explore Brunate

Arriving in Brunate, step into a serene world of panoramic terraces and quaint streets. Follow the footpaths that lead to stunning lookout points such as the Volta Lighthouse, which offers 360-degree views that stretch as far as Switzerland on clear days. For the more adventurous, embark on a hike along the numerous trails that branch out into the surrounding mountains.

Cultural Touch

Don"t miss out on exploring the architectural delights in Brunate, including the Art Nouveau villas and the San Maurizio Church. The area is also known for its delightful local cuisine; indulge in dishes featuring fresh lake fish and regional wines at a local trattoria.

After a day of exploration, catch the funicular back down to Como, carrying with you unforgettable memories of dramatic landscapes and engineering wonders.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Brunate

Why Visit?

Brunate Adventure Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Ascent

Begin your thrilling Brunate journey by catching the funicular from Como, which departs every 20-30 minutes from the station near the lake. This century-old cable railway offers a scenic 7-minute ride up the steep mountain side, delivering you into the heart of Brunate with spectacular views of Lake Como and the Alps unfolding below.

Day 2: Hiking the Triangolo Lariano

Fuel up with a robust Italian breakfast at a local café before embarking on a hike through the Triangolo Lariano. Accessible trails lead you to Monte Boletto, offering breathtaking vistas. For the more ambitious, a day-long trek to Monte Tremezzo is a must, featuring rugged paths and panoramic views over the three branches of Lake Como. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and a good camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Day 3: The Lighthouse and Local Delights

Start your morning with a gentle hike to the Volta’s Lighthouse, a beacon established in 1927 to commemorate Alessandro Volta, a native of Como and the inventor of the electric battery. The climb is rewarded with an unrivaled 360-degree view. In the afternoon, explore Brunate’s charming village. Dine at a trattoria to savor traditional Lombard dishes like polenta and missoltini, a local fish specialty.

Day 4: Paragliding and Departure

Conclude your adventure on a high note by arranging a paragliding experience over Lake Como. Taking off from Brunate, you’ll glide over the majestic landscape, an unforgettable way to bid farewell. Local operators offer tandem flights, ensuring a safe and exhilarating end to your Brunate adventure.

Interesting Fact: The Brunate funicular was opened in 1894 and is one of the steepest in Europe, making it an adventure in itself!

With adventures from sky-high paragliding to historical hikes, Brunate promises an exhilarating escape for all thrill-seekers.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Villa Melzi Gardens (Giardini di Villa Melzi)

Why Visit?

Adventure Day at Villa Melzi Gardens, Bellagio

Embark on a picturesque journey to Villa Melzi Gardens in Bellagio, an enchanting escape nestled on the shores of Lake Como. Renowned for its historical significance and breath-taking beauty, this day trip combines the thrill of exploration with the serenity of nature.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early from Milan, catching a train to Como from Milano Centrale which takes about an hour. From Como, hop on a C30 bus directly to Bellagio or enjoy a scenic ferry ride across Lake Como towards Bellagio, a journey that unveils the dramatic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.

Exploring Villa Melzi

Arrive in Bellagio by mid-morning. Villa Melzi Gardens opens its gates for visitors from March to November, making it perfect for a spring to autumn adventure. Purchase your tickets at the entrance (around €7) and step into a world of exotic plants, ancient trees, and sweeping vistas.

The gardens, designed in the early 19th century by architect Luigi Canonica and botanist Luigi Villoresi, are a testament to the Romantic aesthetic of the age. Meander through the winding paths, with sculptures and azaleas building up to the stunning waterfront views. Don’t miss the Japanese pond and the Moorish pavilion, which offer perfect moments for contemplation and photos.

Afternoon Activities

For the adventure lovers, take a hike up to the nearby Serbelloni Park (requires permission from the tourist office) which offers not only history but also challenging trails with rewarding views of Lake Como and the Alps.

Evening Wind Down

Return to Bellagio"s promenade for an evening stroll, enjoy a lakeside gelato, and soak in the tranquil yet vibrant atmosphere of the town before heading back to Milan.

Interesting Fact

Villa Melzi was once a retreat for influential figures such as Napoleon and Franz Liszt, adding a touch of historical intrigue to your visit.

This itinerary promises a day full of adventure, history, and natural beauty, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist paths.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Fort Montecchio Nord (Forte Montecchio Nord)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enthralling journey through time at Fort Montecchio Nord, Italy"s best-preserved World War I fortress nestled in the majestic scenery near Lake Como. This hidden gem, built between 1912 and 1914, is not just a historical site but an adventurer"s playground.

Getting There: Fort Montecchio Nord is located near Colico, at the northern tip of Lake Como. The easiest way to reach the fort is by car; it"s approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Milan. Alternatively, you can take a regional train from Milan to Colico, which takes about two hours. From Colico station, it"s a short taxi ride to the fortress.

Tour Experience

Start your adventure with a guided tour, available in both Italian and English, where you"ll explore the fortress"s four original 149mm cannons, which still boast their original war-time placements. These cannons are the only ones left in Europe from that period with their original artillery.

As you walk through the underground tunnels, you"ll feel the echoes of history around you, learning about the fortress"s strategic importance during the world wars. The tour also provides insights into the daily lives of soldiers stationed here, with well-preserved living quarters and operational facilities.

Adventure Activities

After exploring the fort, take your adventure outdoors. The area around Fort Montecchio Nord offers excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking. The nearby Sentiero del Viandante, an ancient mule track, is perfect for both activities and offers stunning views over Lake Como.

Interesting Fact

Fort Montecchio Nord was never attacked during its operational history, making it an intriguing study in military preparedness and strategy.

Wrap Up

Conclude your visit with a relaxing picnic while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Como and the surrounding Alps. This historical and adventurous tour will not only educate but also inspire with its breathtaking surroundings and intriguing military history.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Villa del Balbianello

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour Itinerary: Villa del Balbianello

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your journey at the enchanting Villa del Balbianello, located on the tip of the Lavedo Peninsula overlooking Lake Como. This iconic villa is not just a treat for the eyes but also a repository of rich history and cinematic fame, having featured in films like *Star Wars: Episode II* and *Casino Royale*.

Getting There

Fly into Milan Malpensa Airport and take a train to Como city. From Como, hop onto a local bus or ferry to the quaint village of Lenno. Embrace a scenic walk or a thrilling water taxi ride to reach the villa.

Adventure Kick-off

Upon arrival, choose to trek through the lush pathways leading to the villa. The walk is steeped in natural beauty, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. For the thrill-seekers, paragliding over the lake provides an adrenaline-pumping aerial perspective.

Day 2: Deep Dive into History and Nature

Tour the villa’s opulent interiors where intricate artifacts and historical treasures narrate tales of its illustrious past. Explore its terraced gardens, which are an adventure in themselves, featuring elaborate statues and impeccably manicured hedges designed to mesmerize.

Lake Como by Kayak

In the afternoon, gear up for a kayaking expedition on Lake Como. Paddle around the serene blue waters, exploring hidden coves and the lake"s picturesque shoreline. It"s a perfect way to intimately connect with the lake"s peaceful environment.

Sunset at the Villa

Conclude your day with a breathtaking sunset viewed from the villa’s gardens, a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the day’s adventures.

Refresh & Depart

Stay overnight in Lenno or return to Como city for more comfortable accommodation options. Depart at leisure the next day, carrying memories of a lifetime from the stunning landscapes and historical richness of Villa del Balbianello.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.