Lake Como region.....Does anyone love this area?

Hi Sandi Don't omit Lake Como. We spent two nights there in September 2010 and would have enjoyed one more. We stayed in Bellagio, but you can easily get around the lake on the ferry. One thing we figured out is that during the day if you see a restaurant with lakeside views that you'd like to try, they'll let you reserve a table with a view for later. We always had the best seating at dinner! The walkins were placed on the second row of tables from the lake. Enjoy it Andrea

We also loved Lake Como. We were there for 3 nights (2 full days). We stayed in Varenna. One day we took the ferry to Villa Carlotta, then over to Bellagio. The following day we took a super fun cooking class at Il Caminetto (reserve well in advance). They picked us up at 10:00 am and returned us to our lodging at 5:00 pm. We then wandered around Varenna. We could have stayed longer...

Sandi, we loved Lake Como too (the mid-lake region). We stayed in Varenna for 2.5 days & liked it so much that we are returning for 3 days this year. I was actually planning to visit either Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda this year but kept thinking about Lake Como & then decided to return to Lake Como instead of one of the other lakes. We found Lake Como to be very relaxing & a much slower pace. Varenna is a quaint & picturesque little town and I just loved it. There aren't any major tourist "must sees" such as museums, etc. but it's just pretty and relaxing. Since you & your husband aren't "big city types", I think you would like Lake Como, specifically Varenna.

We have had several recommend the Hotel Albergo Lenno at the lakes area.
We plan to stay there 3 nights in May. We are trying to decide if we should take a train to the Cinque T area or not since all the reconstruction issues. Really want to see it for two days, but have't heard for sure if it will be worth our time this year. Our friends all LOVE the Como area for 2-3 days.

I also love that area and given the choice between more days in Tuscany or the lake... its a toss up for me. But, this will give you a bit of variety and it is very special and relaxing at the lake. With 4 nites in San G if you have a car you still should be able to see lots in Tuscany and visit a number of other villages/towns.

Sandi, Yes, I definitely love visiting Lago di Como and especially the town of Varenna. I try to get back there every few years, but not sure if that will be possible this year. As the others have mentioned, there are no Museums or other attractions of that kind, but the ambience is wonderful, and it's a great "home base" for visiting other parts of the lake by boat. Pam, I'd suggest including a visit to the Cinque Tere if possible, as there are few "reconstruction issues" to be concerned with. It's important to remember that three of the five towns were not impacted by the floods, so it's "business as usual" there. Only the "old town" part of Monterosso was affected, and recovery there has been remarkable! The only town where you might see construction activity is Vernazza, but despite that many businesses will be open and ready to host visitors. I'm planning to return to that area this year and have no concerns about "reconstruction issues" at all. Cheers!

The town of Como does not = "Lake Como."
As others have mentioned, the Lake Como highlight for many is the mid-lake region, not the town of Como at the south end of the Lake.

Oh, I just love Lake Como! I stayed in Varenna(recommended by Rick) both times, and ferried to other small towns. As a landscape painter, I loved the colorful buildings, the mountains, the lakeside promenades in every town.And the sunsets were just gorgeous!A very relaxed pace.I will return. I wouldn't think to combine Lake Como with Tuscany, but if you have the time to travel between, go for it! Both are worthy of your time & money, both beautiful, but different. I haven't stayed in San Gimignano, so I can't comment on that town in particular. Even tho' you don't like cities, Siena does not have a big city feel and it's definitely walkable & worthy of at least a 1/2 day visit. It's one of my favorites, and, like you, I prefer small towns & countryside.
If you are not convinced about Lake Como, then go to Cinque Terre, as mentioned by Ken. Another colorful area of great beauty and serenity.

I would love to know where you've heard this "lukewarm reception." Everyone I know who's been to Lake Como (including us and George Clooney) really loved it. We stayed in Varenna. Now as Kent pointed out, I have heard lukewarm things about the town of Como, as opposed to the lake.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments on the area! I really did think this area would really appeal to my husband and I , but there were a few people who told me they really didn't care for the Lake Como area. We do have a place right across the lake from Belagio and Varenna. It has a balcony and is in our price range. Hotel Villa Marie? I am looking forward to this part of our trip! Any good day trip itineraries for us? Thanks!!!
Sandi

For a day trip to enjoy the scenery, you could just take the ferry up to the northern end of the lake. We did that, walked around a bit, had some lunch, and came back to our home-base in Bellagio. It was very relaxing and a lovely way to see the lake. Next time I go, I want to do more hiking out of Bellagio and Mennagio. We've been twice now and plan to return every few years.

Sandi, I love the Lake Como area, and I actually love the town of Como as well. The lakes are so different from Tuscany, I think you'd enjoy the change. If you love great wine, you might want to daytrip into Montalcino while you're in Tuscany for the Brunello and the small town, medieval ambience of the place.

don't know Lake Como but I can help you with Lake Maggiorie. I have stayed there twice and am going back in September. Let me know if you want information from there.