We will be arriving and leaving from Turin late June. We want to stop in Varenna to see Lago Como and Bellagio. What else should we see or do in that part of Italy? Parlo Italiano cosi cosi. Leggo Italiano abbastanza bene.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
It was not clear from your question whether you plan to do Varenna from Turin/Torino as a day trip? That would be about 300 miles roundtrip. Other things in that part of Italy? Besides Turin, Milan is on the route between the two locations, so that would be a possibility. Lago Maggiore and Lugano are other possibilities.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32384 posts
Jim, My question is the same that Kent mentioned. Are you just going to be making day trips, or will you be staying for a few days in Varenna or other locations? One other place you might consider is Stresa on Lago Maggiore. It's a great location, and you could take a day trip to Locarno via the scenic Cento Valli railway if desired, with the return by boat.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32384 posts
Jim, Varenna and Stresa are each about the same distance from Milan (about an hour by train). In terms of "what to see or do in that part of Italy", I'd recommend having a look at the Italy Guidebook. A few suggestions: > Varenna: visit the gardens at Villa Cipressi & Villa Monastero (buy a combo ticket for both); take a day trip to the "posh" resort of Bellagio; tour other Villas along the lake, or towns such as Menaggio; enjoy the ambience of Varenna along the lakeside promenade, enjoy some Gelato and possibly some of Laura's excellent Ravioli at Albergo Olivedo (right across from the Ferry dock - doesn't open for dinner until 19:00 as I recall). > Stresa: Visit the Borromeo Islands (Isola Pescatore is small with some nice restaurants - Isola Madre is the largest with some nice gardens - Isola Bella has a large Mansion which can be toured along with some ornate gardens, complete with Peacocks); take the Cable Car to Mount Mottarone - tour the Alpine gardens at the mid-point Alpino area and then proceed to the top via Chair Lift for an incredible view (provided it's not "hazy" that day); take a day trip to Locarno (Switzerland) via the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning by boat later in the day (regular train to Domodossola and then Cento Valli from there). I can provide a few ideas for Locarno if you're interested. There's LOTS to see and do in that area, depending on your interests, the time frame and of course your budget. Cheers!
Posted by
OP
Springfield, USA
3 posts
We had been thinking of taking a couple of days to get to Lake Como, and the question was what to do from there...I will definitely check out Stresa as well.