Tell me all about Lake Como?

Where in Lake Como? I'm assuming you've already read the info in the Italy guidebook and watched the video? Always a good starting point.

When is this occasion? Have you watched Rick’s videos and read the guidebook? Looked at other guidebooks like Eyewitness Guides, etc.? (try the library). What kind of experience are you looking for? Have you been to Italy before?

It is hard for anyone here to tell you “everything” when we don’t know where to start.

It is one of my favorite places to visit in Europe. Switzerland I honeslty thought was the most astonishingly beautifull, but I loved our 4 days spent in Lake Como. We arrived in September. Wanted to stay in Varenna but the hotel I had selected was full so ended up staying in Bellagio, the jewel of the lake. It lives up to its name. We enjoyed strolling the streets, drinking aperol spritzes, taking the ferry to different villages on the lake and seeing the pretty homes. We even toured the gardens. It is a place to slow down and relax in.

What time of year do you plan to be there?

Debbie, you have to help us help you. Details please.

I agree with the other posters, help us help you. You really need to do some basic research.

Almost ten years ago, in 2014, we spent four nights in Bellagio as part of our 30th Wedding Anniversary trip to Italy.

While there, my husband asked me what was over the amazing mountains that surround the lake. I told him that it was Switzerland and St. Moritz.

We said then that we would try to come back for our 40th, and we are doing just that later this year. This time we will stay in Varenna, and after four nights, will spend three more weeks in Switzerland, starting by going over those mountains to St. Moritz and continuing on from there.

It is truly one of the most beautiful and relaxing places on earth, and we have been to lots of places. I cannot wait to get back there. Try very hard to find a hotel with a terrace on the lake, it is worth every Euro.

I would be booking very soon though, the best places book out early. Our stay is in late September this year and I booked in July 2023. Some rooms were already gone.

How many days? Are you hoping to explore beyond the edges of the lake? Culinary trip or sightseeing? Budget?

I'd be interested to hear about Como experiences as well. Planning April 2025. Starting in Zurich, day of arrival in Varenna we will have ridden the Bernina Express across the Alps. 3 nights at Hotel Olivedo, supposedly near the ferry. Will take it once to Bellagio I would imagine, just to see it, if a nice day could puddle-jump to some of the burghs on the western shore. Or do it another day. Any of them stand out?