3 nights in Varenna /Lake Como in March

I think it might be a bit pre-season then, but Rick Steves' Italy guide has excellent recommendations on just what to see and do. We enjoyed our hike on Il Sentiereo dei Viandante, which is also in his book. Don't miss Villa del Balbianello!

I went to Varenna in late March a few years ago. The weather was cool, but lots of sun. We stayed at the Albergo Milano and took the ferry to Belagio and Menaggio. We also took a bus from Menaggio to Lugano, Switzerland for a brief visit. From there we took the train Como for another brief visit and then took a fast ferry back to Varenna.

Assuming the public ferries are operating that early in the season, the postcard views are to be had from on board a ferry in the middle of the mid-lake area between Varenna-Menaggio-Bellagio.
That's on the lake. Not driving around it or training away from it.

My favorite excursion in Varenna was the cooking class at nearby Il Caminetto. It was fairly inexpensive, easy (free pick-up & drop-off near our hotel), entertaining & delicious!

There are also buses that go to the towns around the lake, if you find the ferry too chilly at that time of year. Views can be affected by weather (rain/fog), so it's good to have a backup plan.

thanks for all the good suggestions! :)

Even if you do not go tot eh cooking class at Il Caminetto be sure to eat there. I could not believe that they would actually come and pick us up then bring us "home" after dinner.