Hello everyone!
I have a free day in Milan in October 4th and want to take a day trip to Lake Como. I am thinking train from Milano Centrale to Varenna and then ferry to Bellagio and split my day in half at both locations. Does this sound like the best itinerary or should consider something else? We just want to walk around have some luch with a view and have a relaxed day.
Thanks in advance
Yes, this sounds good.
You can even turn it into a loop: go to Varenna, ferry to Bellaggio, then ferry (or bus C30, can be faster) to Como, where you can take the train back to Milan. Como Nord Lago Station is a few steps away from the ferry dock with trains to Milan Cadorna, and if you take the bus you can stay on until Como S. Giovanni which has slightly faster trains to Milan Centrale.
Como itself is worth exploring if you still have time (you probably won't).
Thanks Balso, that actually sounds like a great idea! I wish I had more time but doing the loop will allow us to see an extra city. Thanks for the recommendation!
Ok, so I haven't been there, yet. We are going mid October. I have done a lot of research because that is what I do. ;) My impression is that Varenna is worthwhile, but has less to see than Bellagio, so keep yourself flexible. Also have you looked into Villa del Balbianello? It was a setting for a few movies and looks gorgeous. We were planning to stop there on the way to Bellagio. We will be using the midlake ferry, and it's my impression, that the villa is a short walk from the ferry stop. In Bellagio, about 10 minutes north of town, we will be checking out the punta Spartivento. If you come across any special viewpoints or restaurants while you are there, I'd love it if you'd post them or message me!
If you take the C30 bus from Bellagio to Como San Giovanni train station, I have some additional info. (We took this bus last May.) You can buy the bus tickets at a place close to the ferry dock in Bellagio. It is not a tobacco shop, maybe a bar. Nonetheless, there is a sign in the window that says they sell bus tickets. You should stop here when you arrived in Bellagio to find out the bus departure times. The bus stop is also right across from the ferry dock. The ride is over an hour, and be sure to sit on the right to see the lake from the bus. San Giovanni is a ways from the dock and the center of Como. Then you are faced with purchasing train tickets back to Milan.
Since this is a day trip from Milan, it might be easier to take a regional train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino train stop which is an hour. Walk to the ferry dock, following signs. Ferry to Bellagio and explore this village (peruse Rick Steves Italy book and focus on the section on Bellagio). Return to Varenna and walk the lovely promenade. Maybe take a mid lake boat tour in the Varenna Taxi boat. They also include a tour of Villa Balbianello in one of their tours. Return on the regional train back to Milan. This region of Lake Como is very picturesque. You may not miss seeing the village of Como.
Hi Jules! I'm also going to be in Varenna mid October. When do you arrive?
Hi,
I am also going to Milan mid Oct and am traveling solo and am beginning to think I made a mistake..LOL
I have never been out of the US and am feeling overwhelmed by the trains! I am staying at the Hotel Indigo and am trying to figure out a good day trip to Como/Bellagio and don't understand what trains to take. Please help.
Thanks
Judy
The easiest thing to do is to take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna Esino, and a ferry from Varenna to Bellaggio. Then back.
The "loop" I outline earlier, is more difficult for "unseasoned" travellers.
No reservations needed: go to the station, buy ticket at a counter (queue) or ticket machine (easier). Check times on www.trenord.it, there is an English version of the website.
We arrive Varenna on October 18.
We're renting a private boat tour through Taxi Boat Varenna on Oct 20th. There's room for up to 5 at the same price (so 2 extra seats) if anyone is interested. The boat tour is 2.5 hours long and is called the "george tour" if you want to look it up. :-)
I visited Villa del Balbianello this spring and it was fabulous. I took the ferry to Lenno from Varenna and it was a bit of a walk to the villa but a lovely walk.
In Bellagio, I recommend a lakeside lunch at Hotel Florence.
Lake Como is so beautiful.
Ferry to Lenno and a walk on a wooded path to the Villa is not difficult at all. We went inside the Villa one time, but the beauty is the setting, garden. We usually have lunch in Lenno.
@Jules, I will definitely try to squeeze Villa del Balbianello now that I saw the pictures. I will be more than happy to share some pics and things worth spending time on. Thank you everyone for the recommendations. Seems like wherever we go, we will have a great time. Time to plan a 2nd trip back to Como lol
