After a 12 day exploration of the Piedmont region and Venice, my friend and I will be leaving Venice and heading to Lake Como area. We have 6 days to explore this area. We are thinking of having our base be Varenna. Which train is best to take from Venice to Varenna? Any suggestions of interesting stop off points with must-see attractions on route? Once in Varenna we would like suggestions on must-see places to visit or must-do activities. (I am worried that there might not be enough to see/do to fill the 6 days.) On the 7th day, I will need to travel back to the MXP airport.....train ticket suggestions, logistics, etc.?
Betty
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
Which train is best to take from Venice to Varenna?
Except for views and ferries, the best train is the one suggested on trenitalia.com when you put Venezia S. Lucia as departure station and Varenna-Esino as arrival station. If you want to take a ferry, write either Como Nord Lago or Como San Giovanni in the TO field.
Malpensa station is listed as Malpensa Aeroporto on trenitalia.com
Again, search trains departing from Varenna-Esino or Como to find the best solution for you.
Posted by
OP
Colorado Springs
23 posts
Yes, will be flying home from Malpensa airport.
Posted by
Cincinnati, Ohio
303 posts
I would suggest you take a Frecciarossa train from Venice train station ( Santa Lucia) to Milan's train station (Milano Centrale). This trip takes about 2 1/2 hours. You can purchase these ahead of time online. I use www.trainline.eu as it is easier for me to navigate. At Milano Centrale you will need to purchase tickets to Varenna-Esino. This ticket will need to be validated before you board. This trip takes about an hour if you get a direct train. The departure board may list the train's destination as Tirano, but it stops at Varenna. Plan on disembarking quickly as this is not a long stop.
As far as what to see, I always recommend visiting Villa Balbianello. We took the Varenna Taxi boat tour of the mid lake region and the tour of the Villa was included in the price. Don't miss the sunset over the lake and the mountains. Park yourself at a cafe, order a glass of wine and savor the moment. It is a gorgeous place.