Lake Como or Siena in Italy

Isra, it depends on what you like. Each is charming and beautiful in its own way. Each has a good ion of sights and places to eat. Siena is a hill town, very different in feel from flatland Florence, lots of history and art (more medieval whereas Florence is more Renaissance). Lake Como gives you more options for places to visit (the little towns along the coast), and it's a big lake surrounded by mountains, so it has different attractions than Siena. On Lake Como, you can take the ferry to practically every town along the lake, and for a different view, take a bus back to your starting point. So do you want to spend your day in a more relaxing environment (Lake Como) or go for more history/art/culture (Siena)?

I'm a huge fan of the Lake Como area. If you want laid back and relaxing (throw in romantic), you can't do better than Lake Como. We stayed in Bellagio and used ferries to visit and explore the lake-side villages.

I'm a huge fan of the Lake Como area. If you want laid back and relaxing (throw in romantic), you can't do better than Lake Como. We stayed in Bellagio and used ferries to visit and explore the lake-side villages.

I love Lake Como, but with only one day, Siena might be a better choice. It seems more "see-able" in one day than Lake Como does.

I would definitely pick Siena over Lake Como, but I see that your itinerary is mostly cities. So in your case, I would choose Lake Como to experience some beautiful landscape along with the city experience.

If only one day this is a no brainer. Sienna. You really need more time for the Lake Cuomo area

What's your mode of transport? Without a rental car (or even better, a motorcycle) your options at Lake Como are limited with only one day at your disposal. Lake Como is shaped like a Y upside down. By train you can reach Como on the southwestern branch then visit that side by bus or you can reach Lecco on the southwestern branch. From Lecco the train goes up the Eastern shore of the lake. If you choose that option I'd take a train to Varenna and then the ferry to Bellagio (in the middle of the lake). That's what I've done once. I'm not too impressed by Lecco or Como, so if you go definitely head north (via bus or train) to the mid lake. The best towns are in the midlake areas: Bellagio, Lenno, Tremezzo, Menaggo and also Varenna, they are connected by bus and ferries. Over Como you can go up the funicular to Brunate and see a fantastic view. But if you only have a day and you don't have a car (or a motorcycle), Siena is probably a better option. It's easily accessible from Florence (my birthplace) with a Sita bus from the Station (next to the Bar Deanna). Siena is about 1 hour from Florence. Even in that case though, consider renting a car for a day, so you can visit Siena, Monteriggioni, San Gimignano and maybe drive the via Chiantigiana (wow! that'd be a busy day!).

While, I adore Lake Como, I'd opt for Siena since you only have a day. Siena is a great place to visit and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Hi Everyone, Thank you for all the helpful feedback. We have decided to spend a day in Varenna and will try to see the nearby town of Bellagio. It was tough to chose but in the end we decided that our trip is full of big cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome and Venice and Varenna would be a different experience for us. We are planning on catching the train from Milan to Varenna and our next stop will be Venice. Leaving Siena and the Amalfi Coast for our next trip to Italy :) Thank you!

You can use the ferry to go to Bellagio and elsewhere at the Centro Lago area (Center Lake). All timetables for trains and ferries here: http://www.comoeilsuolago.it/orariocentrolago.htm