Lake Como - Day trip from Milan - doable?

Stella,

It's absolutely an option! I know because I did the same thing a few weeks ago.

I'd suggest travelling to Varenna, which is about the middle of the lake. Check the "Departures" chart in the station to see which train you'll be using (Varenna-Esino is an intermediate stop on the route to Sondrio or Tirano, as I recall).

The easiest method I found to buy tickets was the ticket machines downstairs (next to the ticket office). The machines there would accept Euro cash as well as credit cards, while those on the main floor only accept credit cards (and there was usually long queue's). DON'T forget to validate your tickets!

The train ride from Milan is listed at 1H:03M (be prepared to disembark promptly as the train doesn't stop long). The train you'll use probably has a Lever to release the door - be sure you're familiar with it. I'd recommend taking an early train and then returning to Milan at about 21:00 (that will give you a full day to explore).

I'd suggest walking down from the station to the small bridge, turn left & then right and go down towards the lake. When you pass the Ferry dock and Albergo Olivedo, continue along the lakeside promenade and then uphill into the main part of the town. For lunch you might consider Al Barilott (across from the Church - it's also a Net Cafe). I enjoyed the Panino & Wine (say "Hi" to Claudia & Fabrizio for me).

In addition to exploring Varenna, you can take the boat to Bellagio (about 20 min.), Menaggio or other locations. Before returning to Milan, you might consider a fine meal at Albergo Olivedo which is right across from the Ferry dock (the Ravioli is excellent). There are also two beautiful gardens you can explore in Varenna (Villa Cipressi & Villa Monastero). Use a combo ticket to tour both.

For other sightseeing suggestions in that area, check the Italy 2009 Guidebook.

Happy travels!

Hi Ron,

Thank you so much for the information! We will definitely put this on our list of places to go.

Will definitely say 'Hi' to Claudia & Fabrizio for you as well.

Thanks again - Stella

Sorry Ken - had Ron in Rome on my mind! :) Stella

A couple of years ago I took the early morning train from Milan to Lake Como (town),walked around the town then hopped on the ferry to Bellagio. Wandered around there and had lunch at a restaurant a short 10 min. walk up to the left from the ferry dock (it overlooks the water and a nice view over to Varenna. Then back on the ferry to Varenna. Varenna was my favorite town, but the ferry ride from Como to Bellagio had spectacular scenery. Then it was an hour train ride from Varenna to Milan, arriving in the early evening. Very worthwhile, as there really isn't all that much to see in Milan, altho an opera performance at La Scalla is magical!

Very easy to do. The train ride is about 30 minutes and then a bus ride into town. You might like taking the funicular up the mountain to a nice little town overlooking everything. The funicular is along the lake to the right.

Buon viaggio,

RB

Thank you All - appreciate the input and glad to see that it is an option for us.