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Week around lakes Como and Maggiore

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We are two seniors in late 60s in good enough shape. We like adventures. In October we’re taking train from Milan to lake Como . We want to stay in Varenna for 3-4 days. We plan to take train to Varenna and explore by foot, boat, ferry, etc. Want to stay in Lake Maggiore area for 3 days. We are thinking of renting car for lake Maggiore if it’s needed. Afterwards we’d like to take train through the Alps and make our way to London.

Do you have suggestions for this trip? We have our eye on inn in varenna (Albergo Milano). So I think we’re okay for lodging there. Do you have lodging and others recommendations for Lake Maggiore?

Finally, do you know of a booking service or travel agent for train through alps etc?

Any and all tips and suggestions are welcome!

Thanks!

Posted by
17857 posts

A car for lake Maggiore is not absolutely necessary. You can go to Stresa by train (via Milan) and stay in Stresa, which is a good base for the islands and also there are buses to lake Orta. I like the Hotel Milano Speranza Du Lac, right in front of the lake ferry Embarcadero. Lake Maggiore has more to see than Lake Como, in my opinion (Borromean islands, Cannobio, Lake Orta, Orta San Giulio, Cento Valli railroad, Locarno, etc.) so I would probably stay on lake Como 3 nights and Stresa 4 nights,

Posted by
177 posts

I'm staying in Stresa this July. We'll have a car because we're driving there from Bologna and will drive to MXP when we leave. While there are a few activities that make having a car more doable: alpine coaster in Mottarone, winery in Angera; the main attractions are all reachable by ferry: Borromean Islands, Eremo di Santa Caterina del Sasso, gondola at Funivia del Lago Maggiore. That said, Switzerland is only an hour drive away and a few cute towns are less than 45 minute drive.

Since you're continuing your travels beyond Lake Maggiore, it would be easier to forego the car rental and use ferries/buses.

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