Hello all, we are booking our Europe travel in September and finding nothing available for our first destination, Varenna on Lake Como. As we are flying into Milan in the morning we are looking to take the train from Milan Centrale directly to our final destination. AI tells me the most direct service other than Varenna would be Lecco or Como as we are trying to avoid a train then ferry (as for example going to Bellagio). I have seen no positive posts regarding Lecco so considering Como but it seems so far off the beaten path. I'd appreciate your feedback and suggestions for example staying in Milan and making a day trip or an alternate area in the lake district. Thanks much!
Posted by
New England
12149 posts
We have spent four lengthy vacations in Bellagio. Stay away from the crowded waterfront and go up the hill a bit. Perfect with beautiful views!! And once at the top of the hill, you can travel down the other side.
Posted by
Bend, OR
2028 posts
You might look at Stresa on Lake Maggiore. I love Varenna, we’ve been there twice, but there’s been many comments lately on how crowded it has become, long ferry lines, etc. and you’re late in trying to book.
Posted by
OP
22 posts
Thank you - i'm going to look at Stresa
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
3052 posts
hey hey pthome56
you can also look at lake garda. many small towns around the lake. it is kinda late but i'm sure you can find something.
the lakes will be crowded with it still being high season, harvest season for wine & olive oil
lakegardatravel.net
we stayed in bardolino late september/early october for their annual wine festival (festa dell uva). was great right on the lake with a ferry dock to cruise around the lake with gorgeous lake and mountain views. check either lower lake or upper lake with many liking malcesine upper and others liking sirmione lower. it gets very crowded with daytrippers form milan, verona, and other towns nearby. look at getting around the lake, trains, buses, ferries. two lanes roads can get very busy with traffic if driving
look at things to do & see, pescheira del garda is a transportation hub
earthtrekkers.com lake garda
it's your decision what suits your best vacation style. good luck and have a great time
aloha
Posted by
Coral Gables, Florida
580 posts
Have you looked in booking.com?
I'm going in early October, and at least on my dates, there's a lot of properties in Menaggio and Bellagio. Right now I have a reservation for a hotel in Menaggio, but thinking about canceling it and staying in Bellagio.
I stayed in Como about 8-10 years ago, and I think I would rather stay in Menaggio, Bellagio or Varenna.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17914 posts
There are available spots but they are expensive.
How about venturing outside the places overrun by tourists like Varenna? People don’t have to go to the places that Rick Steves suggests. Those are generally super popular and expensive.
How about looking at Lake Iseo? Try. Trains go there too from Brescia, along the Eastern shore, and the beautiful Peschiera Maraglio can be reached by ferry. But the real gem is Lovere, on the north side. I bet Rick Steves won’t tell you about that one. If he knows the place he probably keeps it for himself.
Prices on Lake Iseo are probably half what they are in Varenna and Bellagio.