accommodations northern itlay?

Rick promotes Varenna, a fine spot. But the good folks of Menaggio, across the lake, feel he has over-promoted Varenna and given short shrift to Menaggio. Menaggio is worthy of your consideration and since it's not in Rick's book, sleeping accommodations are easier to book there because a million people don't have the Menaggio websites, and you have the view of Varenna and Bellagio from the other shore.

Re Sept vs October at Lake Como: 2007 is only one year but for what it's worth, I was there in the 3rd week of Sept 2007 and although the weather was in the mid-60s to low 70's in the day, already by mid-Sept the temps fell abruptly after the sun went down and you couldn't eat comfortably outside. And then, I know people who went there in October and the weather had turned and was not the best. You're pushing your luck, weather-wise, if you go to Lake Como in October vs September. Since you appear to have a choice, maximize your chances of decent weather. It's a summer place. I'd say the earlier in Sept, the better.

I agree with Kent, go in September. I have a friend who rented an apt. in Bellagio for a month(lucky gal) from mid-Sept.-mid-October and she said it was really getting cold by the end of her stay. Remember Lake Como is in the mts. where it is always cooler than say Venice or Milan. But do go!!

Both lakes are great but Garda is much more populated and crowded, at least along its southern shore third.
If you are going to photograph gardens, September is to be favored over October, tho the best will likely have passed. We got an apt overlooking Lake Como in Varenna from Hotel Montecodeno, in 2004