We have 2 1/2 days in the Lake Como area. With enjoying Varenna the first afternoon and touring the lake on the next full day, do you recommend staying there for the final day or adding the train into the Alps? We then leave late morning on the following day. Thank you so much.
Posted by
125 posts
You will love Lake Como! Where are you leaving from?
Posted by
OP
70 posts
Milan Malpensa
Posted by
238 posts
I would stay in Varenna. We've visited the the lake once before, staying in Bellagio, for four nights and wished we had more time.
We are returning this year, this time to Varenna, and again having four nights. We are catching the Bernina Express after that but only because we need to get to Switzerland for our three week trip there. I wouldn't give up Lake Como just for a train trip.
Posted by
125 posts
We were in Varenna for 3 nights and I thought that was about right.
I think it depends on when this trip is. We were there in the beginning of last October and it was very hot, if you are interested in relaxing and some beach/water time, I would stay in the area. We did a 4 hour picnic one day and headed up to the mountains and it gave us a taste of the mountains and put the Bernina Express on our bucket list.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g187837-d25801325-Exclusive_Picnic_in_the_Foothills_of_the_Alps_with_the_Lake_Views-Varenna_Lake_Com.html
I wouldn't do the train before May. If you are high energy and like a small bite of different experiences, go for the train. But it is an all day commitment. I must say there isn't that much to do on the lake. We are not shoppers and visited a couple of villas and gardens. But it is a fantastic experience to relax and enjoy the ambiance. What else are you doing during this trip and which experience fits in the best with that? Enjoy!
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
My sister in law just did this with one of her Varenna days.
Double check the logistics - the Bernina Express left very early (for round trip same day), so they had to hire a driver to get them from Varenna to the starting town of Tirano early in the morning. Train from Varenna would have been too late. Also, they were advised to bring a picnic lunch - the return to Tirano was such a short stop in St. Moritz they would have no time to actually dine in a restaurant.
That said, she loved it, even the picnic part was fun (she went in April/May), and would do it again.
Posted by
Dutton, Virginia, USA
39 posts
I will be in Varenna in September and did consider taking a day trip on the Bernina Express. After a lot to research, I decided to stay on Lake Como since I only have 3 nights. I arrive in Varenna after a flight to Milan on a Sunday afternoon and have a rental house on the old goat path between Varenna and Vezio Castle, about 10 minutes uphill from Varenna. I decided the short hike was well worth it because of the amazing views from the two balconies. The owner provides transportation to/from the train station which will be a big help with luggage.
After I get checked in at the house, I plan to visit Vezio Castle and spend the evening relaxing on my balcony with a bottle of wine. The next morning, I will take the ferry to Bellagio for a 3 hour lunch cruise on a mahogany boat with Bellagio Water Limousines. (I was surprised it's only 75 Euro plus costs of lunch.) After the cruise, I plan take in the sights in Bellagio. The next morning, I have a boat rented in Varenna for four hours and will take a picnic lunch with me. I would suggest you consider this boat rental. I'm using Rent a Boat Varenna which offer rentals from 1--5 hours and offer maps with suggested routes. No boaters license is needed and no experience needed - they will go over what you need to know before you leave the dock. On return from my cruise, I'll walk around Varenna and have a nice dinner before I retire to my balcony for more wine. LOL The next morning I'll take the train to Lucca.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
511 posts
I am considering the same options as the OP so I appreciate this discussion. While staying in Varenna in mid-October, I tentatively plan to do a day trip on the Bernina express route but on a "regular" train . If my understanding is correct, by taking the regular train, you don't need reservations so you could decide depending on what you feel like and the weather while you are in Varenna. Also, there are more trains per day on the schedule so the logistics are not as tight. I believe you can get off and on if you wish.
Posted by
125 posts
This was a good post that addresses this
Posted by
OP
70 posts
Thank you so much for all of these suggestions. We will be there in early October arriving at Varenna on Wednesday afternoon, unless we stop at another lake spot on the way. We will tour the lake spots Thursday, unsure about Friday, and fly home from Milan mid afternoon on Saturday. All of this input is helpful. We, too, are not shoppers so much, and we tend to like new experiences like the train suggests. That being said, soaking up more of the lake’s beauty is also appealing. Thanks again.
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
Anne said: " The next morning, I have a boat rented in Varenna for four hours and will take a picnic lunch with me. I would suggest you consider this boat rental. I'm using Rent a Boat Varenna which offer rentals from 1--5 hours and offer maps with suggested routes. No boaters license is needed and no experience needed - they will go over what you need to know before you leave the dock. "
This is exactly what we did, and it was easy peasy! Highly recommend! Have fun Anne!