My husband and I are hoping to spend five days or so in the Lakes, and we're planning to fly into Milan (then take the train or bus or whatever -- anyone know the best route?). We're pretty quiet people (walking and sitting types, the kind who love, love, love the Cinque Terre), so I was thinking Bellagio rather than Como, but this is all new to me. I'd be delighted to hear about people's experiences if anyone has the time to share them. Best, Nancy
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Why not Varenna, as recommended by RS? It's beautiful, there's a direct train from Milan and ferries to take you easily to Bellagio as a day trip. Definitely not the town of Como.
Posted by
Saint Helens, OR, USA
304 posts
Varenna is beyond wonderful! Trust Rick on this one. Varenna is less stuffy than Bellagio. However both are wonderful. Rail service to Varenna from Milan is excellent. Investigate apartment rentals in the town. It's so easy and fun to hop on a ferry and discover the lakeside towns, Belano, Menaggio, Bellagio & others. Such a beautiful area. Belano is a neat little town, with it's narrow prehistoric gorge and the amazing waterfalls. The only downside, I was somewhat disappointed in the quality of the food, not nearly up to snuff with Liguria, Tuscany, or Bologna (But what is?). You're gonna love it.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
8456 posts
By all means, Varenna is wonderful. Bellagio is a short ferry ride away, but unless you want glitz and high roller hotels, no reason to stay there.
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thanks, folks! Varenna sounds perfect. (Guess I should have re-read my RS guide before I posted a question, eh?)
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Can't go wrong with either. I'd say Varenna since the train station is there. I stayed at the Albergo Milano on Ricks recommendation. For Bellagio you have to use the ferry to get there after getting off the train. When leaving I like going to the station directly and having to grab a ferry first to another town then train
Posted by
Portland, OR
1091 posts
I know that all of the rick nicks love Varenna, but when we were there last year the place was overrun but all of us. It seemed like everyone in town had a blue book in hand. We really preferred Bellagio and stayed at Borgo le Terazze. Amazing views and values.