Funicular Rides in Italy: the 8 Rides Worth Booking

1.Panoramic Walking Tour with Funicular

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 828 reviews · 2 hours · from $24Our pick

Ride the Funicolare Centrale from Augusteo to Vomero, then walk downhill through Via Palizzi, the Petraio stairways, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and the Spanish Quarters. Guides such as Virginia, Roberta, Miri, and Barbara add local stories and practical context. You finish at Pignasecca Market after two hours and about 24 dollars per person.

“Simoni was a very knowledgeable and likeable guide and we learned so much about both present day Naples and its history. He was not at all phased by conducting the tour in both English and French. A great tour and would highly recommend 👍”

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2.Capri: DIY Day Trip with Blue Grotto, Funicular & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 129 reviews · from $152

This self-guided Capri package gives you boat tickets, a Blue Grotto stop, buses to Anacapri, a Mount Solaro chairlift ride, a three-course lunch at La Giara, and the funicular back to Marina Grande. There is no guide or fixed schedule, so you set the pace and arrange the day around ferry times and queues.

“We went with three adults, and two small children and experience was absolutely amazing! This tour was the best of all the excursions we did, in all 13 cities! Allowed us to go at her own pace, and stay longer or last time in something that did not interest us. Having been to Capri before and walking way too much. This was a great tour that included the funicular, chairlift, bus, ride, and boat ride! We didn’t get to do the blue grotto because the weather was really bad, but we were able to still see it.”

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3.Genoa: Guided Panoramic City Tour with Funicular

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 24 reviews · 3 hours · from $42

Spend three hours exploring Genoa’s hills, ancient creuze, and medieval streets with a guide who may bring a small guitar and sing original songs about the city. You’ll ride public lifts and a funicular or bus, stop at several viewpoints, and return through a colorful hillside neighborhood. Comfortable shoes are essential.

“Great tour and stories about the background and history of Genoa. We learned a lot about the culture and saw areas we would not have known to explore.”

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4.Lake Como: Easy Mountain Trek with Funicular & Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 24 reviews · from $203

Meet your guide in Como for a seven-minute funicular ride to Brunate, then walk through forest paths and small villages to Monte Piatto and Piazzaga. Enjoy a local lunch in a mountain baita before descending by foot to Torno and returning by boat. Guides including Mikael and Fiamo bring local context to this six-hour outing.

“Great adventure. Amazing views. A guide who talks about the area with passion. You could also eat a good traditional meal during the trip. An attraction worth recommending”

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5.Lake Como Boat Tour with Brunate Funicular and Scenic Views

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Start in Como with a one-hour shared boat ride past Blevio, Villa d’Este, Villa Erba, and the Mandarin Oriental. Then use priority access for the Brunate Funicular and explore Brunate on your own. English and Italian guidance is available, and captain Alessandro may be at the helm.

“There appeared to be some confusion as the owner of Salimar Boat Tour didn’t know about the change in time from 9 something to noon. Fortunately, another boat was available, piloted by captain Alessandro.”

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6.The Grandeur Of Como: Villa Olmo and Brunate Funicular

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 14 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $252

Explore Como’s old center and Villa Olmo with a private English-speaking guide, then ride the funicular to Brunate for wide lake and mountain views. Guides such as Emmanuele and Leonardo have led this route, adding local stories and good photo stops. The tour runs about three hours and includes both admission tickets.

“The walking tour with Leonardo was exceptional! He was extremely knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. We especially like the walk to the funicular and the amazing views.”

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7.Como-Brunate Jeep Sightseeing Tour & Funicular Rail SKIP THE LINE

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $82

Ride an open-top Jeep from Como into Brunate with an English-speaking driver, passing Liberty villas, old churches, and panoramic viewpoints. The small group, capped at eight, includes access to the basement viewpoint at Volta Lighthouse. You can return by funicular from the upper station, but that ticket costs extra.

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8.Verona Private City Tour including Arena and Funicular for Kids and Families

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $237Top rated

Meet your English-speaking family guide in Piazza Bra for a three-hour private tour of Verona. Enter the Roman Arena, see Juliet’s Balcony and Romeo’s House, hear stories shaped for your children’s ages, and ride the funicular to Saint Peter’s Mount for city views. Guides such as Maria and Giulia have led this experience.

“We always book a kid friendly tour for any new European city we visit. This has been the best so far! Our guide, Giulia, was so aware of the kids. As soon as they needed "something" she had a game or a scavenger hunt ready for them. The three hours went by like a breeze. The kids had so much fun and were engaged the whole time! Would recommend to all of my family and friends!!!”

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