I will be staying in Varenna for 2.5 days this coming September. I'd like some advice on where to visit. On our last trip to Lake Como we visited Villa Carlotta, Menaggio, Bellagio & of course Varenna. What other towns can you suggest a visit to? I'm considering a visit to Como itself but I've heard mixed reviews on whether it's worthwhile. Any opinions on this are welcome. Also, is Villa Balbianello worth a visit? Thank you in advance for your input.
Posted by
OP
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Susan, we stayed at Albergo Milano on our first trip and will stay there again this coming September. We love it there. On our first trip we stayed in the hotel itself in a room with a lakefront balcony but on our upcoming trip we are staying at the annex (Casa Rossa) in a room with a lakefront view/balcony. The hotel is great. Splurge for a room with a lakefront balcony; you will not be disappointed. They also offer optional dinners which are highly regarded. Book ahead if you are interested in this hotel; they book up fast.
Posted by
Trussville, Alabama
61 posts
Sheron, where will you be staying in Varenna? We will be going next spring and looking for a place to stay. Thanks, Susan
Posted by
Trussville, Alabama
61 posts
Thanks Sheron, will check it out! We are going next spring! Excited!
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
Along with the other places mentioned by other posters add Lugano Switzerland to your list. Not that far away and really nice.
Posted by
Long Beach, CA, USA
359 posts
I think Como is worth a trip and it's a nice scenic trip on the lake
I'll be in Bellagio again in Sept also, going to Villa B and Como again
Posted by
OP
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
I hadn't considered Lugano but would love to go there. Is this a feasible day trip from Varenna? From preliminary research it looks like I would need to take the ferry to Menaggio & then a bus to Lugano. Does anyone know how long the bus takes? Is Lugano a picturesque town to walk around? Are there any "must sees" in Lugano?
Posted by
Cernobbio, Como, Italy
1 posts
Bellano is nearby and worth visiting. It has nice restaurants by the lake and peaceful beaches. http://www.comoguide.com/bellano-italy.html
Posted by
Farmingville, New York, USA
381 posts
I can't answer your question on the bus to Lugano. I drove there from Menaggio and it took about an hour and half. It really is a very nice city. It is on a lake and has lots of nice walking areas. Shopping is big there also. If you have the time and the bus is too hectic it is worth the trip.
Posted by
OP
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Giorgio, Thank you for the suggestion to visit Bellano. It looks like a nice town and I will definitely add it to my list.