We're trying to decide on Verona, Varenna, or both. We will have just been to Florence and Venice on the trip and we're already confirmed to be leaving Venice on Thurs, June 17 by train. Our departure date back home is Monday June 21 from Milan at 11 am. Why Verona? My wife is a high school English who teaches Romeo and Juliet and I'd like to go to see an opera at the outdoor theatre available the night of June 18 or 19. Why Varenna? It's our 10th anniversary and we'd like a romantic relaxing way to end a 12 day trip. I'm kind of preferential to one or the other to max either one out. But my other thought was to just take the train from Venice to Varenna with a stop in Verona for a 1/2 day of sightseeing, skip the opera, get back on the train and head up to Varenna for 3 nights and 2 full days. The other factor is we don't have plans for a rental car. If we're wanting to see and experience all of what Lake Como has to offer, should we get a car? Thanks.
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Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Hi Andy. Can't really advise on which you should choose but I can say that 2 full days in Varenna is enough time to visit the mid-like towns (Bellagio, Menaggio, etc.) and that you do not need a car to do so. You will take the ferry to all of the mid-lake towns. I would stay in Varenna and then catch a bus to Malpensa (you can reserve it at the travel agency in Varenna). We had a 10:30 am departure time out of Malpensa and we made it there just fine from Varenna.
Varenna is very relaxing and quaint. Albergo Milano is a wonderful hotel and you can get a lakefront room with a balcony since it's a special occasion. We did this & it was worth the splurge; the views were amazing!
Can't comment on Verona because I've never been there (planning to visit on my next trip though) but I can say that Varenna/Lake Como is worth a visit. Have a wonderful trip.