We will be in Bolzano (Castelrotto) this June and want to go by train to Varenna (Lake Como). Is it possible to go directly to Varenna without going back to Milan first?
My search on trenitalia shows that you will have to go through Milan. Not a surprise, since Varenna is a very small town. It will take 5 to 6 hours.
I agree with Michael's research. All train runs from Bolzano to Verenna go through Vernona and Milan. There is one run that takes 4.5hrs. but most are closer to 5.5hrs-6.0hrs.