We are going as a family on a RS tour this June, flying into Milan where we plan to stay for 3 nights. We are thinking about taking the train and spending a day at Lake Como. We are not sure of what would be the most interesting things to do given the limited amount of time. Perhaps visiting Varenna and Bellagio, which appear to be the two places not to be missed. Any suggestions?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Take the train to Como, take the ferry to the stops you want, and just walk around a bit, perhaps have a casual lunch in Varenna. There are some churches and some interesting villas/gardens but these are two towns where I just wander around.
If you don't want to stop in Como, there's a train station in Varenna (buy roundtrip tickets in Milano, the Varenna station was unstaffed the last two times I was there).
Posted by
Indiana
917 posts
We stayed one night in Varenna and loved it! It's very laid back, the scenery is gorgeous, you can wander the village, have lunch at a cafe and enjoy the people. They do not sell train tickets at the station, so be sure to have your return ticket before you leave the village. This was one of our favorite stops in Italy. Enjoy!
Posted by
Tucson
4183 posts
We spent a few days in Varenna at Lake Como back in 2011. We got the day pass for the ferry one day and just rode around to all the stops, twice. You can get off and back on at any of them. We had lunch at one, in a tiny place off the main area.
Even without any Clooney sightings, the lake is more beautiful than we imagined. No matter how you do it, do it. It will be well worth the money and time.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, OH, USA
79 posts
Thank you. That's helpful.
Posted by
California 🦋
5293 posts
Roger,
My mom & I stayed in Varenna for 3 nights & enjoyed it very much.
We also cruised the lake via ferry (purchase the day ticket)-- here is the website for ferry schedules: http://www.navlaghi.it/eng/c_illago.html
We took a bus to Como on a day trip & ate the best pizza!
Posted by
Northern California
2 posts
We too are looking at visiting the lakes in late May, having about 3-1/2 days in/out of Milan (arriving Fri afternoon, departing Tues eve). I've read on other posts that Lake Garda appears to be the favorite but hubby wants to see Como too. If we rent a car, could we do 2 nights in Varenna, then 2 nights in Garda? Would that be rushing it and instead just spend the entire time at Como? Thank you.