We are travelling from Paris by train towards Milan. What town/city you would recommend for a three night stay if we are trying to see some of the lake area? Then going to CT by train for an additional 3 nights. Accomodation seems limited. Is it a must in advance or are B & B readily available? From there what would be the best/direct route to Venice? Again likely by train.
Our first Italian adventure, thanks for any help.
Posted by
Raleigh, NC, USA
28 posts
Did you say when you are going? I think reservations are nice to have, I know a lot of places will get booked up. I don't think you need to pre-book the train but will defer to someone else to confirm that.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Brenda, The usual favourite with many here is the town of Varenna on Lago di Como. It's an easy trip from Milan. You should have lots to explore there for three days. If you're travelling from Paris, you'll need to first get to Milano Centrale and then transfer to the Regionale going to Varenna (the trip is 1H:03M). There are departures about every two hours. You can't buy Regionale tickets in advance so you'll have to purchase when you arrive at Milano Centrale, either from the staffed ticket office (2 floors down from track level - usuallly a horrendous queue) or the Kiosks. One IMPORTANT point to note - with all Regionale trains, YOU MUST validate your ticket in the machine prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or risk hefty fines which will be collected on the spot (the fines start at €50 PP). The same fines apply for those who don't have reservations on trains where these are compulsory. As this is your first trip to Italy, I would highly recommend having a look at the Italy 2013 Guidebook (the Library should have a copy if you'd rather not buy one). If you want to buy one, Munro's has them listed for $27.95. The books have lots of listings for Hotels, restautants, sightseeing, transportation, etc. The information could conceivably save you a lot of money. Here's a few listings for hotels to get you started. When is your trip? I'd suggest booking SOON! > Albergo Milano > Villa Cipressi > Hotel Royal Victoria > Albergo Olivedo > Hotel du Lac > Eremo Gaudio (up the hill - beautiful views!) Varenna is a great location for touring other points on the lake such as the posh resort of Bellagio, Menaggio, etc. It's also a great location to just relax and enjoy Il dolce far niente. Happy travels!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
My favorite Lake Como stop is Varenna. Trains leave Milan Centrale about hourly and take an hour. I prefer to have a reservation in hand for shoulder or high season. Ferries run frequently between several of the lake towns from Varenna. Travel to Venice from Varenna by returning by train to Milan and taking the Venice train from there.
Posted by
OP
Victoria, BC, Canada
3 posts
Can you recommend any accomodation in Verenna? Do we need to prebook the train?
Thanks for your help!
Posted by
OP
Victoria, BC, Canada
3 posts
Lots of good information, thanks very much!