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Private driver/guide for Como

Posted by on

We will be traveling to Italy in July specifically to attend a concert in a venue north of Como which a friend of ours will be conducting. We purchased a (non-Rick Steves) package for 3 days Milan, 3 days Como, 3 days Venice, with trains in between. We're trying to determine the best way to get to the concert, which is at the Teatro Tones Natural, an amazing-looking outdoor venue which is 1 1/2 hours or so north of Como.

A private driver to the event would cost around 500 Euro. Renting a car is a possibility, but it seems all car rental agencies are closed on Sundays, and since our event is on a Saturday, we would have to rent the car for two days (Saturday-Monday), which is around 350 Euro.

I am wondering if it's more feasible to get a guide for the day (or two days) in Como, so we can at least get more "bang for our buck" -- or if anyone knows of a guide/driver that might be less expensive? We were hoping to not spend more than 300 Euro, but obviously less than that would be even better! (We do have an extra ticket to the concert that we might be able to give to the guide, if the Ticketmaster Italia policies allow - researching that now.)

TIA for any suggestions - Linda from Oysterville

Posted by
1916 posts

This is about a 1.5 hour drive by car as you said. The other option is a train from Como-S. Giovanni to Domodossola which takes 2:50 minutes and then a bus to Oira and then it is unclear how you would get to the theatre, taxi I assume. All in all it looks like a 3:50 or more trip depending on your bus connection by public transportation. Not sure the ability to get back the same night from the concert.

Contact your hotel in Como, they may have a cheaper solution for you.

Posted by
11 posts

Thank you, Threadwear -- I like your idea of taking the train to Domodossola. I am going to look into staying the night at a hotel near the train station and hiring a driver from Domodossola, which might prove to be more feasible.

Posted by
34140 posts

Thing is, train from Como (by the way, are you staying in the industrial city of Como or somewhere further up the lake?) to Domodossola isn't so straightforward. It is on a different line on the way into Milan. So it would be train from Como or Varenna to Milano Centrale and back out again to Domodossola. Then cab. Then cab after the concert - maybe you will want to hang out with your friend?

I'd be tempted to pay for the extra day of car rental (and regulars here will not expect me to say that!!) and do the car rental. The drive wouldn't be too tough and you could leave the quarry whenever you wanted (watch the wine intake though). Maybe your friend could get you VIP parking?

Too bad you'll be on Como... it would be really easy from Lake Maggiore - just a quick hop to Domo from Stresa or Baveno.

Whatever you do it sounds like a real barrel of fun!! Wish it were me.

Posted by
11 posts

Thank you, Nigel -- after discussing with my husband, we've decided to go ahead and rent the car. It will end up being the least expensive solution with the most options. At least we will be able to use it to explore the region on Sunday, then we can return it on Monday and get on the train to Venice for the rest of our trip.

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