I'm hoping for suggestions for traveling from Varenna on Lake Como to Lake Maggiore. We will be a group of four, including my elderly father, so I'm trying to find the simplest form of transportation. I was thinking we could either travel from MXP to Stresa and spend a night in Stresa, then onto Varenna for three nights or stay in Varenna for four nights then onto Lake Maggiore for one night before heading to Lerici.
I would GREATLTY appreciate any help. Thank You!
I am thinking going to Stresa first by the direct bus would be easiest. Then to Varenna with a single change on the same level at Milano Centrale. Taxi transfer at Varenna lodging from the station. Then taxi back to the station for train to Milano Centrale and another change on the same level for an IC train direct to La Spezia
Why going back and forth MXP to Lake Maggiore (Stresa) to Lake Como (Varenna) back to Lake Maggiore (Stresa) to Liguria (Lerici)
If you arrive at MXP you should go to Lake Maggiore (Stresa) first, which is near the MXP airport, then to Varenna on Lake Como (via Milan),, then straight down to Lerici, still via Milan.
From MXP to Stresa you can take either the SAF2000 alibus, or, if the times don't work well, take a taxi to Gallarate train station (15 min from airport) then a train straight up to Stresa.
I think you need to try to do two nights in Stresa. The Borromean Islands are a must see and it would be hard to fit all this in if you are just staying one night there. I think it would be too much of a rush and with your elderly father too tiring. From Milano Centrale there is a direct train to Stresa. If your next destination is Varenna, then you will need to return to Milan and change trains for Varenna-Esino. Its a very easy change at Milan station (Train direction Tirano). We used Taxis in Stresa and Varenna to get to our hotel. The distance from the trains to most hotel is not far, but with hills and luggage we gladly paid the 10 Euros.
I agree with spending two nights in Stresa. I spent a day there in July and have to go back.
