This ride turns Lake Como into a workout with payoff views. You take the Como-Brunate funicular first, then switch to gravel and trail riding to earn those high lookouts. I love the way the route mixes car-free climbs with real off-road fun, and I also like that you get a proper viewpoint moment at Faro Voltiano before the big scenery on Monte Boletto. One thing to plan for: lunch is at a chalet, but it is not included in the tour price.

The vibe is simple and practical. You will ride with a professional guide, and if you are lucky you will end up with Max (Massimiliano), who is praised as friendly, route-smart, and helpful with food recommendations. The tour is a private activity, so you and your group keep the attention and pacing. The possible drawback is that this is not a casual cruise, you need comfort on off-road trails and steep uphills and downhills.

If you match the fitness level, this is a great half-day break from the usual lakeside routine. And if the weather gets rough, the operator may reschedule or refund, so you still have options.

Key things that make this MTB tour worth your time

• Funicular start saves your legs before you hit gravel and paths
• Faro Voltiano viewpoint at about 1000 meters, with wide views over Como, Switzerland, and the Alps
• Monte Boletto climb payoff with views of Lake Como, Lake Pusiano, and northern Lombardia
• Off-road trails rated S2 plus steep uphill and downhill confidence
• Chalet lunch is on you so plan a budget beyond the tour price
• Max is known for smart itineraries and food advice during the ride

How the Como-Brunate funicular changes the whole ride

Starting with the funicular is the kind of decision that makes mountain biking feel fair. Instead of grinding up the first asphalt climb, you take the Como-Brunate ride for about 10 minutes and get an early bird’s-eye look over Como city. Then you drop back into biking mode with your energy still intact.

This matters because the second half is the real work. You will be on gravel roads and paths heading up toward the Monte Boletto area. If you start biking right away, you can burn your legs early and arrive at the views already cooked. With the funicular first, the ride has more balance, more scenery, and less misery.

One detail to keep in mind: the funicular ticket status looks a bit split in the provided info. The itinerary notes admission ticket not included for the funicular, while the included list says cable car tickets are included. Don’t guess. Check your booking confirmation so you know what you will pay for on the day and what is covered.

Faro Voltiano: a short stop that adds real altitude views

At around 1000 meters above sea level, you reach Faro voltiano, the lighthouse dedicated to Alessandro Volta. It is a compact stop, about 5 minutes, but it gives you a big reward for the effort so far.

Why I like this kind of stop: it breaks up the climb psychologically. You get a reset point where you can look out across the water and beyond. From this lighthouse viewpoint, the tour highlights views over Lake Como, across toward Switzerland, and up toward the Alps. Even if the morning light is changing fast, you will feel like you are watching the region stack layer by layer.

Also, this stop is practical. You will have time to regroup, check your comfort on the bike, and get mentally ready for the rest of the ride toward the top.

The climb toward Monte Boletto, gravel to trails

Once you roll beyond the funicular portion, you move into the more classic mountain biking style of Lake Como: gravel roads and off-road paths. You are heading toward Monte Boletto, where the tour promises wide views across the lake region.

This is the part that turns the experience into something more memorable than a scenic bike rental. You get to ride actual terrain, not just flat lanes. Expect bumpy surfaces, changes in traction, and sections that ask you to keep momentum on uphills.

The tour is clear about your requirements: you should have strong physical fitness, be comfortable riding off-road trails rated S2, and feel confident with steep uphills and downhills. If you are the type who can ride in your hometown but avoids downhill turns, you might feel stressed here. If you already ride trails at home, this will feel like a challenging, enjoyable day.

Ebikes are mentioned for sizing purposes (minimum height 150 cm). That suggests you might have options, but the key idea stays the same: you will still be on off-road terrain, so having an ebike does not remove the need for control and braking.

The chalet lunch stop, and how to plan for it

At some point during the ride, you stop for lunch at a chalet restaurant. The key phrase here is own expense, meaning food and drinks are not included.

This is where the tour can be both better and harder than you might expect. Better, because a chalet stop turns a “tour” into a real meal moment with local atmosphere. Harder, because you need to budget for lunch on top of the tour price.

If you want the smoothest day, plan like this:

• Bring a snack or two for before lunch so you do not show up starving.
• Decide in advance whether you want a light meal or a full lunch, then spend accordingly.
• If your guide is Max (Massimiliano), take his lead for where to eat or what to order. In the reviews, he is specifically praised for helping with good lunch or dinner choices.

Also remember the tour runs about 3 to 4 hours total. The riding time is the main event, so lunch should be a reset, not a long sit-down that steals time from the downhill.

Downhill time: why the route feels rewarding

The route is designed so you earn the views. You start with help from the funicular, then build up altitude on gravel and paths, then end with the return downhill.

That downhill segment is usually where the tour earns its good mood. You can finally stop thinking about effort and start thinking about lines, speed, and control. If you have the skills for steep descents, the final stretch can feel like the best part of the day.

Just be honest with yourself. The tour info explicitly calls for confidence on steep uphills and downhills, so if you are cautious on descents, choose your pace and do not rush turns. A mountain bike tour is not the place to prove toughness. It is the place to manage risk while still having fun.

Bike rental, what you should choose, and what to bring

You need a mountain bike for the tour, and there is a rental option. But the included bike rental depends on what you selected. The tour lists bike rental as included only if you picked the option with bike rental. If you chose the cycling tour only option, you will be responsible for your own bike.

So before you show up, confirm two things:

• Whether your booking includes the rental bike
• Whether you are getting a standard mountain bike or an ebike, if available

If you have your own bike, that can be easier, but you still need to be ready for off-road riding and steep changes. The tour info also includes ebike sizing minimum height for ebike size purposes, minimum 150 cm. If you are using rental bikes, follow whatever sizing plan the operator uses so you feel stable.

What to bring is not spelled out in the data you provided, so I will keep it practical rather than invented: wear clothes you can move in, and dress for changing mountain weather because it operates in all weather conditions. Plan on the idea that the trails can be damp or slick, even if the sky looks fine in the morning.

Price and value, what $314.16 buys you

At $314.16 per person, this is not a budget “park your bike and take photos” outing. But it is also not a luxury private chauffeur-style tour. You are paying for a guided ride over real terrain, plus the funicular component, all handled as a single experience.

Here is what is included:

• Professional guide
• Cable car tickets (with the earlier note to verify your confirmation, due to the funicular admission line)
• Local taxes
• TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
• Bike rental only if you selected the cycling tour with bike rental option

What is not included:

• Food and drinks
• Bike rental if you selected the cycling tour only option

When the price feels like a bargain:

• If you do not want to figure out transport, bike logistics, and route planning yourself
• If you value a guide who can pace you for off-road S2 trails and keep you safe on climbs and descents
• If you want the funicular help instead of biking the asphalt grind

When it might feel expensive:

• If you already have the right bike, are an experienced trail rider, and would rather create your own route
• If lunch splurges and add-ons make your total spend creep up

For many people, the value comes from the guide and the saved effort from the funicular. Even if you are a strong rider, route selection matters on trail systems.

Weather, timing, and the fitness check you should not ignore

This tour operates in all weather conditions, so you will be riding outdoors. The company says you should dress appropriately, which is obvious, but important. In mountain areas, conditions can change fast, and the trails can behave differently than you expect.

They also note that in cases of extreme weather, your tour may be rescheduled or fully refunded. That is the practical upside of booking a tour that expects weather, not a fragile plan that collapses at the first cloud.

Timing-wise, you are looking at about 3 to 4 hours. That is a good window for people who want a meaningful experience without losing an entire day. It is also a short enough timeframe that a rain slowdown is less likely to become a full-day disaster.

The tour requirements are straightforward:

• Minimum age 14 years old
• If you are under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• You need to be comfortable on off-road trails rated S2

That passport requirement is unusual for some day trips. Do not treat it as optional. Pack it.

Finally, it is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. For couples, friends, or small groups, that can make the day feel less crowded and more flexible.

Should you book this MTB Lake Como mountain views ride?

Book it if you want a half-day that trades lakeside lounging for real movement and strong views. The combination of a funicular start, a quick but meaningful Faro voltiano stop, and the climb payoff around Monte Boletto is a solid recipe for a day that feels worth it.

Do not book it if you are not ready for off-road riding rated S2 or you are uncomfortable with steep uphills and downhills. This is not a beginner-friendly spin around the waterfront. You can still have a good time, but your confidence level matters.

If you love the idea of riding with a guide like Max (Massimiliano), who is praised for knowing the best mountain itineraries and for pointing you toward good food, you will likely feel looked after. And because it is private, your group gets the focus.

If you match the fitness and riding comfort, I think you will come away feeling like you saw Lake Como from the right angles, the ones that take a little effort to reach.

FAQ

How long is the MTB tour around Lake Como?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours.

Is bike rental included in the price?

Bike rental is included only if you select the option that includes Cycling Tour with Bike Rental. If you choose Cycling Tour Only, you bring your own bike or handle rental separately.

Do I have to stop for lunch, and is it included?

There is a lunch stop at a chalet restaurant, but food and drinks are not included, so lunch is an own expense.

What kind of rider fitness level do I need?

You should have a strong physical fitness level, and you must be comfortable riding off-road trails rated S2 with confidence on steep uphills and downhills.

What is the funicular portion and how are tickets handled?

The tour includes a short funicular ride to Como-Brunate that lasts about 10 minutes. Cable car tickets are listed as included, but the itinerary notes admission ticket not included for the funicular, so confirm your booking details.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 14 years old, and guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.