Munich To Como

Hi. Verona would be a great stop for a night. Enjoy your trip!

There is a direct overnight train from Munich to Milan (CNL 40485 departs Munich around 9 p.m. and arrives Milan the next morning about 9 a.m.). From Milan, it's about an hour to Como. If you take the train during the day, it's a beautiful ride over the Brenner Pass through Austria and I'd agree with Bob and stop for a night or two in Verona. See this website for ideas on what to see: www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/verona-i-vn-vr.htm

I would second Verona as well. It's an often overlooked gem in northern Italy.

DJ

One minor point to clarify..... Are you going to the city of Como, or another of the towns on Lago di Como?

I'm thinking about taking train to Verenna and staying there or Bellagio. Suggestions?

Personally, I prefer Varenna over Bellagio. My favorite hotels are the Albergo Milano and Villa Cipressi. I'm not sure what time of year you will be going, but be aware that the Lakes will be pretty quiet this time of year. Many hotels and restaurants may be closed for the season. I'd definetly contact hotels ahead to be certain. Getting to Varenna is easy by train. It's about an hour from Milano Centrale station, where you will arrive from either Verona or Munich on the night train. I suggest buying a round-trip ticket to/from Varenna at the station in Milan, as the Varenna train station is unmanned. There is a travel agency next to the station in Varenna which does sell tickets, but I'm not sure it's open in the off season. These tickets must be validated before boarding the train or you can get a stiff fine from the conductor. Look for the box on the platform and within stations. If you want to go to Bellagio, you will take the train to Varenna, then walk from the station down to the ferry dock and take a ferry to Bellagio (ferries every 30-60 min.), just buy ticket from the ticket window on the dock.

I am going with my husband the middle of May. My daughter and her friend may join us. Is May off season? Also, do know of any 2-3 bedroom places that would rent for 3 nights?
Thanks so much for your help.

Mid-May will be a perfect time to visit the lakes. Albergo Milano has triple rooms and also rents several apartments which can sleep 4 people. Otherwise, you could get two double rooms. You might also check www.airbnb.com for other options.

Thanks for the clarification on which location you're going to. My suggestion would be to stay in Varenna as it makes a great home base location for visiting other parts of the lake, including Bellagio. It also has a nice lakeside promenade and I always enjoy taking a stroll along there after supper and watching the boats. There's a good range of accommodations in Varenna, and Albergo Milano that Rich suggested would be a great choice. However, you'll need to book early as they're very popular. If you can't find a vacancy there, you could also try Villa Cipressi or Royal Hotel Victoria. Staying in Varenna will also make your outward trip a bit quicker.

One minor point to mention is that the station there is officially called Varenna-Esino. You may want to buy both your inbound and outbound tickets at the same time, as ticket facilities in Varenna are limited. DON'T forget to validate tickets prior to boarding the train on the day of travel, or you'll risk hefty fines.