I am looking at taking a trip to the lakes area of Italy as it is the last part of the country I have yet to explore. Which lake would be better to spend the most time? There are four of us and we enjoy nicer hotels and dining as well as some outdoor activities. I speak some Italian, and we are all pretty experienced travelers.
Any advice would be appreciated. Grazie!
Lake Bellagio? Are you perhaps trying to decide between the towns of Como and Bellagio on Lake Como? I haven't been Como, but Bellagio is very nice and I recall seeing some nice hotels there.
Yep, as Frank said, there is no Lake Bellagio. Bellagio is a town on Lake Como, as are the villages of Varenna or Menaggio, all three of these towns are midway up the lake from the Town of Como. I think most savvy travelers don't sleep in the Town of Como, even though it's name is Como--you can do better with any of the three villages mentioned in the 2nd sentence.
The town of Bellagio is on Lake Como.
It’s probably the lake’s most famous village. Touristy but nice.
Varenna and Menaggio, across the lake from Bellagio are also very nice. The first one is a smaller village, the latter not much bigger than Bellagio.
Bellagio has the higher end hotels, in general. You can certainly get around easily and take the ferry to get to the areas mentioned. Re the Town of Como ,it is at the far end of the lake and to me not an interesting town either. It is a transportation hub and average town.
U should be quite content in Bellagio with it many views and pricey tourist lodging and dining.
ktlb4,
When is this trip taking place? You could certainly spend some time on Lago di Como and stay either in the towns of Varenna or Bellagio, which are both in the mid-lake area. If you decide on Varenna, you could look at Royal Hotel Victoria, Albergo Milano or Villa Cipressi. All of those should meet your criteria. If you'd prefer to stay in Bellagio and have a large budget, have a look at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.
You might also consider Lago Maggiore and the town of Stresa. It's easily accessible and has lots of posh hotels lining the lakefront. Check the RS Italy guidebook or Trip Advisor to find something that fits your criteria. As well as touring the Borromeo Islands, Mt. Mottarone or other local sights, you could also take a day trip to Locarno (CH) via the scenic Cento Valli Railway. Whilst in Locarno you could visit the Madonna del Sasso Monastery, take a trip on the cable car to Cardada for some incredible views, stop in the Casino and try your luck, or perhaps just do some shopping at the local Bucherer store for that CH 25,000 Rolex watch that you've always wanted. After touring Locarno, take the boat back to Stresa in the early evening.
Buon Viaggio!
