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Lake Como in November

Posted by on

Hello! We have a group of people (5 total) staying in Bergamo the week of Thanksgiving, starting 11/22. We would really like to go see the Lake Como area for a day trip one day. I have a few questions:
1.) Late November....will the towns be open much for visitors or do things mostly shut down(Bellagio, Como, Varena, etc)
2.) I know this is a personal preference but for a day trip, which lake town makes the most sense to visit? I've read about hills, my mom is 77 she will be with us and she gets around well but if one town is an easier walking town than the next that would be better.
3.) We read about ferries, etc going from town to town. Thoughts on seeing various sides of the lake versus hanging out in one area?

Again, I realize these are personal preferences, interested in others experiences and ideas here.

Thanks very much!

Posted by
471 posts

We were in Como in May and it is a beautiful place. For a day trip and in November? I'm not sure. It would have to be carefully planned. While the ferries are lovely, it takes a long time to get from one place to the next. Como to Bellagio must have been a couple of hours. The fast ferry gets you there quickly but isn't as scenic. In November, the schedule would be reduced. You might want to think about how to kludge ferries, trains and perhaps a van or car into the picture.

We did not really go to every town. Due to ferry timing, we pretty much got off and on at Varena. Bellagio was one of our favorites but very hilly. Como is pretty easy to navigate once you are in town. Villa Carlotta had some strategically placed elevators that made walking around easier. Being dependent on ferries would make for a long day. Did we like Lake Como? Oh yeah!

Posted by
11647 posts

We have had four trips to Lake Como, one for two weeks, never have had a car. We stay in Bellagio and yes it is uphill, several staircases or take the road up and around, easier. A friend who was due for a knee replacement after her visit, did fine in Bellagio. Lenno was flat and you access beautiful Villa Balbaniello from there by pathway. Also Mennagio is flat. I have never been to Lake Como in November always visited in Sept/October. We heard it can get foggy in November. Before leaving for Bellagio, call a restaurant or hotel there to ask about conditions.

Posted by
700 posts

I think you can train to Como, then boat or bus to Bellagio. That bus takes about an hour from Milan to Bellagio, or an hour from Bellagio to Como as I recall. I also recall some small roads without enough room for one car in each direction, and the bus driving these roads. Not sure how many times a bus has gone into the lake.

You might also consider Lake Garda. I think the famous picturesque castle of Sirmione, hot spa, and home of opera diva Maria Callas on Sirmione are not a bad place to visit too. There is Descanzo de Garda and then a 20 minute ferry to Sirmione. There is also Lake Magiore - with Stresa and the little islands with palaces.

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