Have a single night to stop over after riding Bernina Express en route to Venice to pick up rental car next morning. Considering Varenna. Would arrive about 3 pm and leave right after breakfast. Would this be worthwhile for such a short stay? Any other recommendations? Specific hotels would be helpful. Minimum double bed and private bath and quiet at night. Willing to pay more for extra comfort, views and convenience. Would like to keep under $300 USD. Thank you
Posted by
Connecticut
695 posts
Varenna is small prominent and quiet on Lake Como. Further south with more options are Lecco and Malgrate on the lower tip.
Posted by
Irving
3277 posts
Varenna is out of the way and in the opposite direction of Venice. Are you thinking about Verona?
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
We like Varenna, Hotel du Lac, lake view room with balcony . These hotels book up quickly, and you probably won't want to leave.
From Varenna, the regional train takes you to Milan Central (1 hour) and then you catch the train to Venice. We find it quite easy. Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
MaryPat, there are no direct trains between Tirano and Venice; the mountains are in the way. From Tirano one must head west and south toward Milan, at least as far as Lecco, to find a track that connects to Venice. See this rail map of Italy:
https://www.italiarail.com/italy-rail-map
The Swiss rail map shows the same thing:
Varenna would be a nice stop; we have done that ourselves and enjoyed having the afternoon and evening there. We like Albergo Milano and they do have quiet lakefront rooms (there is no traffic on the “street” along the lake below the hotel, only foot traffic. Their terrace restaurant is very nice, with a lovely view over the lake. Unfortunately they have a 2- night minimum at some times of the year.
When is your trip?
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
Lola, there are worst options than having to stay two nights in Varenna. 😉 we were just there this past May, 2023, and will return!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17562 posts
We prefer 2 nights in Varenna ourselves, but I suspect they do not have that much time.
Posted by
OP
Vancouver Canada
15 posts
We are mid September so the two night minimum applies. Have emailed Hotel Du Lac. Thanks to all for your suggestions. Will check out the other towns too.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5649 posts
Jill, you may want to check out our favorite Venice hotel, Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente , on the quiet back canals, Cannaregio area, where you can get a sunset pix without anyone in the frame. It's about a ten minute walk to a vaporetto stop on the Grand Canal, and a ten minute walk from the Alilaguna (airport shuttle) stop at Madonna dell'Orto. Lots of charm and great service. Safe Travels!