What should I see if heading to Lake Como from Milan?

Hi, We return for our 5th trip to Lago Di como in mid April...In my opinion, you should get to the lake, find a wonderful central place and visit little villages around the lake by boat/hydrofoil, walk the Roman roads to castles/villages, visit gardens, eat great food, pick a single cafe/bar for your espresso/latte/ cappuccino each morning and have wonderful time enjoying a wonderful place. Pinch yourself even so often to remind yourself what a wonderful place you are in with your husband. Ciao! Carol

Hi, We return for our 5th trip to Lago Di como in mid April...In my opinion, you should get to the lake, find a wonderful central place and visit little villages around the lake by boat/hydrofoil, walk the Roman roads to castles/villages, visit gardens, eat great food, pick a single cafe/bar for your espresso/latte/ cappuccino each morning and have wonderful time enjoying a wonderful place. Pinch yourself even so often to remind yourself what a wonderful place you are in with your husband. Ciao! Carol

Pam, Spending a week on Lago di Como (Varenna) is probably a bit "long" but two or three days would be perfect. You could enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Varenna and take day trips to Bellagio, Mennagio or other locations along the lake. With the remaining time, you might consider a few days in Verona OR a few days in Stresa on Lago Maggiore. While there you could take a day trip to Locarno, Switzerland on the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning via boat in the late afternoon. It's a bit of a long day, but very enjoyable. Happy travels!

Bergamo.

I'll second Bergamo. Close by, about an hour or so from Milan. Easy connections to Milan and a lovely city. Lots of accomodations and food. Here are a couple of articles to pique your interest: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/north/8445817/Bergamo-Italy-a-cultural-city-guide.html http://solotravelerblog.com/solo-travel-destination-bergamo-italy/

What about taking a train from Como area to Cinque T and spending one night? Could I then train from Cinque T back to Milan?

Pam, You could certainly take a train from Lago di Como to the Cinque Terre, but the route would vary depending on which town you'll be staying in on Lago di Como. If you were staying in Varenna, you'd have to go back through Milano Centrale (travel time 1H:03M). Varenna is absolutely the best place to stay on the lake (IMHO). You'll have to decide which of the five towns you want to stay in when you visit the Cinque Terre. Many here prefer Vernazza but I like Monterosso. It's the largest of the five and has the best selection of hotels and restaurants and the best beaches. Cheers!

thanks for such great feedback I went ahead and booked 3 nights, beginning with an arrival on Sunday at Albergo Lenno Looks like a bus goes straight to train station from there.
Looks across to Bellagio. Will decide if we want to train into Switzerland or train down to Cirque and stay overnight, then head towards Milan again Many options and choices to make!

Pam, "Looks like a bus goes straight to train station from there" Are you referring to the pay-per-use Hotel Shuttle or another Bus? Also, have you researched the options for getting from MXP into Milan?