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Changing Varenna plans for July 2025

We arrive Milan July 31. I booked Aug 1-4 in Varenna and had planned to train to Rome that day for a cruise departure at 7 pm. on August 4. Having read about the train disruption, I am pretty sure I need to change my plans. Also, I'm not interested in waiting 2 hours for a ferry. Yes, it's summer, but the only other time I have been to Lake Como, it was also summer. I understand now how much more crowded it is.

I need help with a new plan. Is it possible, with the train situation to do this:
July 31 stay in Milan
Aug 1 train/bus to Varenna, stay 2 nights
Aug 3 Varenna to Verona
Aug 4 Verona to Rome

I want to go to Bardolino wine region which is near Garda. I'd be willing to give up a night in Varenna, and only spend one night there, but I don't think it's doable. Trying to leave Varenna and go somewhere else before heading to Rome. Verona? Bologna?

Posted by
12528 posts

cruise departure at 7 pm. on August 4.

Did a quick look and it appears Verona to Rome Termini is a 4.5 hr trek. Then add another 1.5 hrs to the cruise terminal, from Termini add some transfer time at Termini and it gets close to 6.5 hrs of travel. ( if everything runs to schedule)

If the boat departs at 7PM, I suspect boarding ends sometime earlier.

I hope you are an early riser, and don't forget the Tums.

Posted by
278 posts

Thank you for the reality check, now I am changing everything and will start a new topic.