We're planning to spend 3-4 days exploring the Lakes region in early June before taking the train to Barcelona for a cruise. Any preferences for which lake to be "home base"? Also, do you know how easy it is to rent a car so we could drive between the lakes and even over to Switzerland? Hotel recommendations also appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32456 posts
Patti,
Either lake would be a good choice. Have a look at the description in the Guidebooks to see ifto spend in that area, your time for touring will be somewhat limited.
Both lakes are an easy trip by train from Milano Centrale (about 1 hour). A few thoughts on both....
Varenna is a good "home base" for touring the area around Lago di Como, such as Bellagio, Menaggio or even the town of Como. It's also a wonderful town to just relax, hike, tour Villa Cipressi and/or Villa Monastero, etc.
Stresa is a good "home base" for exploring Lago Maggiore and area. A nice day trip from Stresa is to take the scenic Centovalli Railway to Locarno, Switzerland (change in Domodossola). Have a look around Locarno (the Madonna del Sasso Church just above the town is beautiful) and then take the boat back to Stresa. If there's sufficient time, a short Gondola ride to Cardada (above Locarno) provides awesome views of the lakes. There's a restaurant adjacent to the Cable Car terminal, where one can enjoy a "cool one" or a fine hot meal while watching the Paragliders sail by.
While in Stresa you can also tour the Borromeo Islands (Isola Bella, Pescatore, Madre) or take the Gondola up Mt. Mottarone. Stresa is also a nice town to just "relax".
With such a short trip, I wouldn't bother renting a car. The destinations you'll be visiting are easily accessible by rail. Note that for driving in Italy, you'll need the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L.
Happy travels!
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, United States
11 posts
Do you know if you can get from Cannero on Lake Maggiore to lake como by train? or what would be the best way? Thanks