Lake Como Area

Kristin, The most popular stop on Lago di Come with many here is the small town of Varenna, which is in the mid-lake area on the east shore. It's almost directly across from the town of Bellagio. Varenna has easy access to trains and Ferries, and is small enough to be easily walkable. There's a nice promenade that winds it's way along the lake from the Ferry docks to the main part of town. It's very popular for those taking part in the evening Passeggiata. Varenna has some nice, smaller restaurants, a few Gelato shops, etc. A week is probably a bit long to be spending only on Lago di Como, although if you're planning to use it as a home base to explore the area it may be about right. You might also consider splitting your time between Lago di Como and another location. The Cinque Terre may be more enjoyable for the girls, as they'd be able to hike the trails, lay in the sun (Monterosso has the best beach), swim, etc. There are also lots of nice shops in each of the five towns where they could indulge in some shopping. Happy travels!

The whole point of Lake Como is that there isn't much to "do." As Rick says, there are very few "turnstile attractions," and the reason to go is "to see how low you can get your pulse." I was there for 3 nights and loved it (could easily have stayed another day), but I don't know if a full week would interest teenagers. Make sure they're committed to the "sweetness of doing nothing" before renting a place in the area for that long. I loved Varenna and wasn't taken with Bellagio, but most like both. I agree that the mid-lake area is good, as in addition to these two, you also have Menaggio, and you get between them by relatively frequent ferries (which are the "public transportation" in this area). To get from Varenna to Rome, you take a regional train from Varenna to Milano Centrale, then a Freccia train from Milan to Rome. From Bellagio or Menaggio, the easiest way is to take a ferry to Varenna, then the trains. Both towns have bus service, but it's not as direct.

How about Lake Garda - instead of Como.
I like it a bit better and more things to do, more charm - in my opinion.

I think Frances has a great suggestion. A week at Lake Como would bore most teens to death. If you go to Lake Garda you could go to Verona. There is much to see there that doesn't involve Romeo and Juliet, but there is that connection. You could do a day trip to Venice and there are a variety of other places you could choose from if they get bored at the lake. Don't shortchange Paris. How much time do you plan to stay there?

Kristin, a week is definitely too long for Lake Como unless you plan to explore the lake end to end. We stayed in Varenna and liked it the best of any of the mid-lake towns. It's quaint and fun to walk around. I think 2-3 days for Lake Como is enough. There's not much to do there so teenagers might get bored quickly. It's definitely worth a few days though because Lake Como is so pretty.

Lake Garda is better with kids. Better beaches, just as beautiful, quaint villages, near beautiful Verona and above all, plenty of entertainment for the young. There is a safari drive park with real animals (make sure not to rent a convertible or you will be dinner to some lion): http://www.parconaturaviva.it/ There is also a mega theme park with plenty of rides:
http://www.gardaland.it/resort-en/

We haven't been to Lake Garda....but have been to Lake Como/Varenna/Bellagio and Cinque Terre. I tend to like Ken and Harold's opinions. After a family trip I asked my wife and daughter (not a teenager) which place they enjoyed the best and CT, Vernazza was their favorite.