We will plan a trip to Switzerland for a couple of weeks and a few days at Milan. We try to figure out how to plan a day trip to Bellagion and Lake Como in a day. It is better travel to these two places from Lugano or Milan? We are not good at direction and we are in the 60s years old travellers.
We saw a day trip tour from Milan but seemed to be able only to visit a couple of hours in each places. We are greatly appreciate any plans you can advise us.
Thanks,
Jason
Take the hourly train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino on Lake Como. Walk down hill to the dock and take the shuttle ferry to Bellagio. Reverse back to Milan, of course it is now uphill from the Varenna dock to the train station. Get the Trenitalia app on your phone so you can buy your ticket for the return trip.
I saw another post mentioned Varenna is worth a visit. So is it same instruction that you gave me earlier?
Thanks,
On
Yes. depending on your time, you could also visit places on the lake, like Menaggio.
Sam, Thank you so much for your information! As I further reviewed your suggestion and looked at the map.
Plan 1:
One day: Since we will be staying at Lugano for a couple of days. Take bus from Lugano to Menaggio (1 hour 10 min)., then take the ferries to Bellagio(Do we need to reserve the ferries tickets in advance to and from Bellagio?. On the return trip, just do the reverse.
On another day: Take the train from Milan to visit Varenna and Lake Como.
VS.
Plan 2
Take a train from Milan to Varenna, Lake Como and Bellagio.
What is your thought as regarding which plan is better?
Thanks again!
Jason
Well from Lugano you are a lot closer to Lake Como. I don't think the mid-lake shuttle takes reservations. It runs between Menaggio, Bellagio, and Varenna pretty much continuously.
Here is the website, but it does not look like the summer timetables are up yet.
https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en/tickets-and-timetables-lake-como/
I would highly recommend spending a night or two in Varenna. It's more relaxing to be able to stroll and enjoy the lake towns, and not be confined to a day trip.
Safe Travels!
Spend a night on Lake Como in either Mennagio, Bellagio or Varenna. They are very near each other.
It doesn’t make any sense to return to Milan in between these visits.
Also just beware that the ferry stations in Varenna and Mennagio are simple and straightforward but Bellagio can be a bit crazy. There are more docks, more ferry lines and many more people so give some extra time when leaving Bellagio versus the smaller towns.
Have a great trip,
=Tod
Thank you so much to you all provided the information. It is really helpful! Have a great day!
