I have a few questions about Milan and Bellagio, any feedback is helpful!!
I am looking to spend 5 days in Bellagio at the end of May, is the weather good then? Is 5 days too much time to spend there? I am looking mostly just to relax and venture to the surrounding towns and areas like Varenna and really anywhere you can get by the ferry. I think we are staying in Bellagio, what might a typical 5 day itinerary look like? I am having a hard time finding an itinerary for that long, we are looking to relax and just take in the views.
Also what are must sees for 2 days in Milan???
Again, any tips or things to note would be so helpful, thank you!!
Posted by
near San Francisco
5593 posts
I stayed 2.5 days in Varenna and could easily have spent a week around Lake Como, exploring! I'll share my itinerary, and perhaps with input from others you will compile your own ideal itinerary:
Day 1 (arrival, 1/2 day) explore Varenna, walk along the promenade along the lake, dinner in Varenna overlooking the lake
Day 2 ferry to Bellagio, visit town, explore outside town; we walked for miles and hours on the paths and back roads, found a coop market and picked up a picnic, ferry back to Varenna for dinner
Day 3 (buy unlimited ferry pass) explore towns and sights around the lake, Menaggio, Lenno, Villa Carlotta, etc.
You can easily expand Days 2 and 3 into 5 days of "relax and venture" !!
Posted by
near San Francisco
5593 posts
In Milan, of course there is the many-spired Duomo. The rooftop with its views is one of my favorite European cathedral memories. Also the Castello Sforzesco and the Last Supper (book ahead.) My family is (quite) a bit on the techy side, so we really enjoyed the National Museum of Science and Technology, Leonardo da Vinci.
Posted by
61 posts
We stayed in Bellagio in Sept. We rented a boat. Took ferries to Varena and spent time and had lunch exploring back streets and churches , took a tour of Villa del Balbianello, that was beautiful. Stunning Villa on incredibly well managed grounds. Made me wonder if the crew from the Masters Tourney consulted!!
Loved Milan. You can get anywhere on Metro. Last supper is a must. It is deteriorating , see it now. Michaelangelo's unfinished Pieta in Sforza Castle is worthy. Plus there is a huge park to relax and enjoy the day after the museums. Take the lift to the Duomo Roof and walk among the spires. Have a Spritz at Bar Brera. Buy a Ferrari shirt at the Ferrari store. Head downstairs to drive a Ferrari simulator! The bag the give you is worth it alone! Spin on your heel on the Bull's testicles for good luck!
Enjoy!
Posted by
Chicago
792 posts
I stayed 4 days in Bellagio at the end of May 2 years ago. Weather was gorgeous. It could be quite warm during the day so I was happy a chose a hotel with a pool. Evenings were perfect.
If like an action packed trip, 5 days may feel like too much. If meandering and lounging with some hiking mixed in sound good to you, you could stay in Bellagio indefinitely.
I recommend making dinner reservations. I didn't the first two nights and it was difficult for me to find a place to eat. I also hired a driver (Bellagio Taxi service, I think) from Milan rather than do a train/ferry combo. It was expensive but if you have a group to share the cost, you may feel it is worth it.
Posted by
11700 posts
We have been to Bellagio four times, once for two weeks and never ran out of things to do on the lake.
Our favorite Villa was Villa Balvaniello. We took the ferry to Lenno and walked to the Villa one time, took a water taxi another time.
You can take ferries all over the lake which we have done, from one end to the other.
You also can explore the peninsula where Bellagio is located., walking up to Hotel Belvedere and down the other side, the east fork of the lake.
Walk from Bellagio thought the Melzi Gardens to
Alle Darsena di Loppia, wonderful.
Walk north out to the point beyond the town. Fabulous views of lake and Alps. Have lunch or dinner at panoramic La Punta.
Posted by
Buford, GA
29 posts
I've stayed there 3 times. Three days at a time, IMHO, is about right.
Posted by
Sunriver
1321 posts
I agree 3 days is plenty for Bellagio and I LOVE Bellagio. But I also think 2 days is one too many in Milan. The weather in May should be good. We were there Mid May and Mid Sept and had great weather with May being a little cooler especially at night.
Posted by
California 🦋
5301 posts
There are plenty of sites to keep you occupied for two days in Milan.
If you’re interested in seeing the ’Last Supper’, you do need to book your tickets just about now.
I spent a few nights in Milan, at the beginning and at the end of my trip, last May and the weather was very pleasant.
Besides visiting the highlights of Milan, I also enjoyed visiting many of the churches, and the Cimitero Monumentale (cemetery) listed on this website: Top 16 Tourist Attractions in Milan
You may also enjoy the very modern shopping mall across the Porta Garibaldi train station.
Have a wonderful trip!