My husband and I were thinking of spending a few nights in Varenna at the end of April before heading to Tuscany. Would the weather be too cold to walk/ferry around? I understand it won't be warm enough to swim; which is OK. Thanks!
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1688 posts
Walking around when it's cool is fine by me, I'd worry more about the rainfall. The scenery will be nice on a clear day, the two or three worthy villages will be the same, if a little quieter. Some restaurants may be closed, the villas will be open but their splendid gardens not at their peak. Are you driving?
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Gundersen, undecided about renting a car. Would you recommend it? I was thinking of flying into Milan and then taking a train(s) to Varenna. From what I briefly read, it seems like if you're based in Varenna you can more easily ferry around.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1688 posts
No car needed just for the lake and ferrying around: I was going to suggest other places to visit away from the lake if you intended on using a car. Varenna is very nice. I would not delve into Tuscany without a car though.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
I would love your suggestions. I've never been to that part of Italy.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
If this is your first trip to Italy, you can probably use buses and trains to get to some of the beautiful small cities in Tuscany. Less hassle than driving, parking, possible violations, etc.
Posted by
Niagara, Ontario
1688 posts
We stayed on the west side of the lake. With a car you could make a day trip out to Locarno and Lugano, both worth a visit, the former smaller and more charming. A day trip to Bellinzona, a fabulous place. Hiking in the Ticino area of Switzerland (Chestnut Trail). I liked Bergamo a lot, just doable as a day trip from the west side, a shorter drive from the east side. Without trying to put you off, I did like the lake region but I'm not sure if I woud return again. The time of year you are planning on going may also be a little early for my liking. If you are still keen, I'd stay in Varenna for 3 or 4 nights and use public transport.
Regarding Tuscany, yes you can use public transport if you stay in Florence, say, and day trip to the larger centres and some of the Chianti villages. However, you miss out on so much of the countryside and charming villages without a car: the Chianti region in detail and especially the Val d'Orcia. If staying in the Val d'Orcia, you can also reach some of the pretty villages in Umbria. Depending on how long you are there, you can combine a stay in Florence with a base in southern Tuscany. Good luck.