We are flying into Milan on a Thursday morning, last week in October, and leaving on a cruise from Venice on Saturday, which actually overnights in Venice Saturday night. We plan to go to Lake Como first and then head to Venice on Friday. We were thinking of taking the train, but were wondering how to split up the day. If the ride is beautiful we thought we should leave Varenna midday and travel while it's light; or would it make more sense to have more of the day in Varenna and travel, at least part of the way, in the dark. Thank you!
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1649 posts
We didn't take the train, but drove from Verenna to Venice, and once we got out of the Lake Como area, I don't remember any great scenery that would be missed. I'd maximize your time in Verenna and arrive in Venice in the evening.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I took the train during the day, and like Karen, don't remember any scenery. But I sure remember what I saw in Varenna and Venice! Maximize your time in these two wonderful places, and don't worry about "missing" anything on the ride between them.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32396 posts
Stephanie, If I read your post correctly, are you only planning to stay one night in Varenna? Although you're arriving in Milan in the morning, it will likely be afternoon before you arrive in Varenna as you'll have to get to Milano Centrale first. That will only leave about 24 hours to see the town. I suppose the trip will be worthwhile as Varenna is beautiful (but you'll probably wish you could stay longer). Are you boarding your cruise on Friday or Saturday? I'd suggest travelling mid-day as you originally planned, so that you'll arrive at your Hotel / Ship at a reasonable hour to get settled. You'll have to check-out of your Hotel in Varenna ~11:00, but they may be willing to store your luggage for a few hours. Once I've checked out, I usually prefer to get moving to the next location. The train ride from Milan to Varenna is rather unspectacular as I recall, mostly a series of small towns. However, it becomes more scenic once the lake comes into view. The ride from Milan to Venice is quite pleasant, with some nice scenery. One important point to mention. The train from Milan to Varenna is 1H:03M. Be prepared to disembark promptly as it only stops for a minute or so. You'll go through a tunnel just prior to arrival in Varenna. Be sure you're clear on the method for releasing the doors. Depending on which Hotel you're staying in and how much gear you're hauling, you may be able to walk to your Hotel. Happy travels!
Posted by
Ontario Canada
688 posts
Stephanie Have you ever been to Venice before?? If not I would suggest you head directly there and spend quality time in a facinating city (IMO). As Ken and other posters mentioned the time you get to the train station up to Varenna would be mid day at the least which does leave 1-1/2 days on Lake Como, which is okay.
Posted by
OP
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, United States
7 posts
Thank you all so much! your information is so valuable. We have been to Venice twice, but never to Lake Como, which is why we thought we would try to get in a day in Lake Como. Unfortunately our time is limited because of work schedules. Would have loved to go to Cinque Terre also.
Posted by
Atlanta
5273 posts
Stephanie, the train ride from Varenna to Venice is nothing special. As much as I love Venice, if you have been there several times, spend the time on Lake Como.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Agreed that the train ride between the two is nothing remarkable. Stay in Varenna.