Brunate is all steep streets and big views. This Como Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour trades uphill walking for an open-top ride, then gets you to the Volta Lighthouse basement with guaranteed line-skip. I like that it caps at eight people, so the pace feels human, not cattle-car. I also like the mix of stops in Brunate’s historic core and Liberty-villa lookouts, with the Como panorama as the payoff.

One drawback to keep in mind: timing at the lighthouse area can matter. There’s a real-world example of ticket-office staff cutting off sales close to closing time, so plan to arrive with enough margin and don’t count on last-minute changes.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small group (max 8): less waiting, smoother flow through photo stops
• Skip-the-line access to the lighthouse basement: no hanging around for your turn
• Open-top jeep in Brunate: fewer steps on steep streets, plus great sightlines for photos
• Volta Lighthouse area on Tre Croci Mount: about 25 minutes for the big-view moment
• Two-way Como-to-Brunate funicular option: you can ride down on the funicular if you want (ticket not included)

What this tour is really good for (and who should book)

This is a short, high-impact sightseeing loop in the hills above Lake Como. If you want the Brunate-to-Volta-Lighthouse views but you’d rather not do a full day of stair climbing, this tour is built for you. The open-top jeep matters here. It saves your legs on steep lanes, and it helps you see different angles as you move between viewpoints instead of walking back and forth.

The second thing it does well is simplify the hard part: getting to the viewpoint area without losing time in queues. The tour includes guaranteed skip-the-line access to the lighthouse panoramic basement, which is the view that most people actually want from this stop.

This tour also fits people who like structure. It’s about 2 hours, with set stops and short time windows at each point. If you’re the type who likes to know what happens next, you’ll appreciate that.

If you’re a slow traveler who wants long hangs for photos and shopping, the built-in stop times might feel a bit tight. You’ll still get enough for the highlights, but this isn’t a “linger all afternoon” kind of outing.

Price and value: why $82.21 can make sense

The price is $82.21 per person for roughly 2 hours. On its face, that’s not “cheap,” especially when Italy is full of free viewpoints. But you’re paying for three real services:

1) Transportation by open-top jeep up into Brunate’s hill zone

2) A professional English-speaking driver guiding the route and stops

3) Skip-the-line access to the Volta Lighthouse panoramic basement

Funicular tickets are not included, and food/drinks aren’t included either. But the tour’s core value is the combination of transport + time savings + guaranteed access where it tends to get crowded.

Another quiet value point: the group size is capped at eight. Less time coordinating with large groups means fewer delays at each stop, and more time for you to enjoy the view without feeling rushed.

Your timing, your ride: meeting point and flow

You start at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, 22100 Como and the tour ends back there. It’s also noted as being near public transportation, which is helpful if you’re combining this with other Como sights.

You’ll be in an open-top jeep, so plan for sun and wind. In summer, bring sunscreen and sunglasses. Smart casual is suggested—think comfortable shoes and layers you can tolerate while the jeep moves.

One practical tip: because this is weather-dependent, if your travel week is changeable, you’ll want to book with a backup plan in mind. The experience notes that it requires good weather.

Stop 0: Brunate’s ancient core and Liberty villas

Before the churches and viewpoints, you’ll get a look at Brunate’s ancient village and the 19th-century Liberty villas along the way—specifically Villa Antonelli and Villino Rubini. Even if you’re not a “villa person,” this part sets the scene. Brunate isn’t just a viewpoint. It’s a hillside community with a distinct architectural flavor, and seeing a few exterior landmarks helps the rest of the tour feel more grounded.

This also explains why the jeep ride is part of the value. You’re not just jumping between dots on a map. You’re moving through the town’s layout efficiently—especially on steep streets that aren’t fun after you’ve already walked a lot in Como.

Stop 1: Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo (about 10 minutes)

Next up is Chiesa di Sant’Andrea Apostolo. The church is dated back to 1340 and later renovated in the 16th century. The key here isn’t that you’ll do a long museum-style visit. It’s that this stop gives you a quick reset: a historic interior moment that breaks up the viewpoints.

Admission is listed as free. Expect a short stay—use it to step inside if it’s open, or at least take a moment to read the feel of the place. A 10-minute church stop is exactly the kind of “small time, big atmosphere” moment that makes hill-town tours satisfying.

Stop 2: Via Pissarottino viewpoint and Liberty-villa sightlines (about 10 minutes)

Then you’ll reach Punto Panoramico di Via Pissarottino for another short stop. This area is tied to Liberty villas and the Pissarotino Fountain zone.

Why it’s worth your time: this is where you start seeing the “Como city and lake” story widen out. You get that early taste of the panorama before the main event at the lighthouse. It also helps you pace your photos—do the quick framing here, then save your best shots for Faro voltiano.

Stop 3: Chiesa di San Maurizio (about 10 minutes)

The tour continues with Chiesa di San Maurizio, a smaller church dated back to 1592. Another free stop, another short pause.

If you’re trying to decide whether this kind of church stop is worth it, the honest answer is: it depends on your mood. If you like architecture and quiet interior spaces, these short church visits add charm without eating your schedule. If you’re mainly view-obsessed, you might consider this a pleasant breather rather than the main attraction.

Stop 4: Faro voltiano (Volta Lighthouse) and the basement view (about 25 minutes)

This is the anchor stop.

You’ll visit Faro voltiano, the Volta Lighthouse viewpoint. The information you’re given places the lighthouse as a famous 1927 structure, a 29-meter tower built on top of Tre Croci Mount. The tour includes free access to the lighthouse panoramic basement, which is where you get the sweeping panorama of Como, Lake Como, and the Alps panorama.

What I like about this setup is that the basement access is the tour’s “locked-in” value. Even if you’re not trying to climb further, you still get the view that sells Brunate. The basement time is about 25 minutes, which is just long enough to find a good spot, snap photos, and enjoy the scene without feeling like you rushed.

Also, this is where that real-world timing issue can bite. There’s at least one story of ticket-office staff refusing certain ticket sales when it was close to closing time. So treat the lighthouse stop as your priority and avoid running on fumes. If you’re hoping to do anything extra at the site (like paying to go higher), give yourself slack.

One extra detail from independent site info shared by visitors: there can be a small fee to go up 144 steps to the top for some views. The tour itself guarantees the basement access, so use any optional stair climb as a bonus, not a requirement.

Stop 5: Funicolare Como Brunate upper station, shops, and optional ride down (about 10 minutes)

Finally, you’ll stop at the Funicolare Como Brunate upper station. This is mostly about finishing smoothly and grabbing last-minute souvenirs. There’s time for shops, and you can optionally ride the funicular down to the starting area.

Important: the cable-car (funicolare) tickets are not included. So if you want the funicular ride down as part of your itinerary, budget for it separately.

This stop is only about 10 minutes, so don’t plan a big shopping spree here. It’s a “wrap-up” moment: a convenient way to transition back toward Como without you thinking through how the transport connects.

Open-top jeep reality check: what to expect on the ride

The open-top jeep is part of the fun, but it changes how you should prepare. Expect sun glare, wind, and dust depending on conditions. The smart move is to wear something that handles that and bring basic sun protection—especially if you’re visiting in peak summer.

The upside is that you’ll often get photo angles through the front and sides of the vehicle that are harder when everyone is packed into a closed bus. Also, you’ll likely feel less strain from the steep roads compared with doing the route on foot.

And because the group max is eight, you’re less likely to feel like you’re being herded. That smaller group size is a big deal in hill towns where every minute counts.

Guide or driver: how the Volta learning piece likely works

The tour description points to learning about Alessandro Volta with a local guide as you explore Brunate. At the same time, what’s clearly listed as included is a professional English-speaking driver, and a separate “guide” is listed as not included.

So here’s the practical way to handle that: expect Volta context from the English-speaking driver as part of the ride and stops. If you want a dedicated, in-depth guided talk (as opposed to commentary), check with the provider before you book, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Is this worth it versus doing it on your own?

If you’re traveling at a slower pace, you might be tempted to mix the funicular with a local shuttle or taxi up to the lighthouse area. That can work, and you might find options with regular departures when you’re there in person.

But the reason this jeep tour feels like better value for many people is simple: time. Between transport plus skip-the-line access plus an efficient route through Brunate, you don’t have to coordinate your own timing. In a place where the best views pull people in at the same time, that matters.

This is especially true if you’re doing Lake Como as a quick trip from somewhere else. The short duration makes it an easy fit.

Who this tour suits best

This fits best if you:

• Want major viewpoints without climbing steep streets for hours
• Prefer a short, structured loop around Brunate
• Like small groups and hate waiting around
• Want the Volta Lighthouse basement view without extra hassle

It’s not the best fit if you:

• Need lots of free time at each stop for wandering and lingering
• Get uncomfortable in open-air vehicles in wind or sun
• Are planning to rely on additional ticketed access at the lighthouse close to closing time

Should you book the Como Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour?

I’d book it if your top priorities are quick panoramic payoff, less walking, and guaranteed access to the Volta Lighthouse basement. The combination of open-top transport, small group size, and skip-the-line access is exactly the kind of value you feel when you’re short on time in Lake Como.

I’d think twice if you’re trying to build a very flexible day around the lighthouse top access or if you arrive with a rushed schedule. The lighthouse area can have rules tied to time windows, and you’ll want to prioritize that stop.

If you want a smart way to see Brunate’s best views in about two hours, this is one of the more straightforward options.

FAQ

How long is the Como-Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour & Funicular Rail?

The tour is about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Piazza Alcide de Gasperi, 22100 Como, Italy, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the ticket price?

Included are free access to the Volta Lighthouse panoramic basement, guaranteed skip-the-line, a professional English-speaking driver, and transportation by open top jeep.

What is not included?

Not included are funicolare (cable-car) tickets, food and drinks, and a guide.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How big are the groups?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

Do I need to buy the funicular ticket separately?

Yes. You can optionally take the funicular ride down, but funicular tickets are not included.

What should I wear or bring?

Smart casual dress is suggested. In summer, sunscreen and glasses are recommended, and the tour is in open air so comfortable clothing helps.