Well everyone on this website has been so helpful so far, figured I'd go for it again!
My friend and I will be flying out of Milan after visiting Cinque Terre, Lake Como, and maybe Florence. I was originally thinking that we would just take a day trip to Lake Como and then head back to Milan for the night, but I have heard that there is not a whole lot to see in Milan (although probably some fun clubs/bars to go to at night). Do you recommend staying a night in Lake Como (or one of the Lakes in that area) and just skip the night in Milan, or should we stick with a daytrip to Como and night in Milan? Our flight is not until about 6:30 pm from Milan.
thanks again!
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
You could do both if your flight leaves at 6:30pm. Spend the day and night at Lake Como; it's really a special experience. Someplace in Varenna would be my first choice, with short ferry trips to the other towns. There are frequent trains back to Milan from Varenna, so you could get there the next day with time to see the Duomo and Galleria and get to the airport early enough for your flight.
Posted by
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
705 posts
I'd stay at Lake Como. It is really beautiful and just magic at night. We stayed in Argegno at the Villa Belevedere which is right on the lake and 2 minutes from the ferry stop. Most rooms overlook the lake and the view is breathtaking. The other really pretty town is Bellagio and that can be almost a day trip in itself.
Posted by
OP
San Diego, CA, USA
29 posts
Thank you all for your suggestions! It looks like Como won! We are looking into staying in Varenna. I am willing to sacrafice a night of partying for a night of R&R and beautiful surroundings! Any suggestions on specific places to stay in Varenna that are not too pricey? Thanks again!!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
My vote would also definitely be Lago di Como (and more specifically Varenna as mentioned in another Post). It's only about an hour from Milano by rail, and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy life.
If you're mostly interested in clubs & bars, then Milano would likely be a better spot. You won't find much "night life" in Varenna.
It's unfortunate that you only have one night to spend as there are many great places to tour in that area. Spending an afternoon in Bellagio is one possibility (access either the Traghetto or smaller passenger boat right in front of Albergo Olivedo in Varenna).
Happy travels!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Marni,
Check Rick's Italy Guidebook to get suggestions for places to stay. There are LOTS of choices, depending on your preferences and your budget.
BTW, be ready to disembark from the train as soon as it arrives in Varenna/Esino. It only stops for about a minute!
I stayed at Albergo Olivedo and really enjoyed my visit there. It's close to the boat docks and a bit "noisy" at times, but I didn't mind; that was part of the experience. It's more of a "old world" Hotel and a classic "back door" experience, but the food was wonderful! It's also fairly close to the train station.
There was a larger Hotel close to the Piazza that would be good too. As I remember, it was the Royal Hotel Victoria, or something like that?
Be sure to walk on the promenade along the lake (stopping to sample the Gelato, of course, and perhaps some Vino!).
I suspect you'll find as I did, that having visited there once, you'll be anxious to return! Enjoy Lago di Como!
Happy travels!
Posted by
Morro Bay, California, USA
57 posts
Agree with your Lake Como choice, as we stayed in an apartment in Bellagio last May - loved it! Be sure to take the boats and cruise the lake, stopping at Villa Carlotta and also Menaggio. We loved the nights in Bellagio for strolling, dinner, and fun. Awoke in the middle of the night to see the moon through the skylight. Loved strolling in Varenna in the afternoon. Great choice.