Driving from Malpensa to Bellagio
Oct 9th, 2004, 05:52 PM
#2
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Dear KLT
We just made this drive, and as far as I can tell, there really is only one route: from Malpensa to Como, then up the lake shore. Scenic is just about all there is, so no worries there.
The road from Como was certainly steep, winding and narrow as it went up the lakeside to Bellagio. If you don't mind driving on winding and narrow roads, with, as my husband just said, "people on your *^^ wanting to go twice as fast as you," you'll be ok.
Then he said, "Really, just be willing to pull over and let the people behind you go by whenever you can."
It's not that bad if you are a good driver. I'm not, but I take one with me. ;-)
We just made this drive, and as far as I can tell, there really is only one route: from Malpensa to Como, then up the lake shore. Scenic is just about all there is, so no worries there.
The road from Como was certainly steep, winding and narrow as it went up the lakeside to Bellagio. If you don't mind driving on winding and narrow roads, with, as my husband just said, "people on your *^^ wanting to go twice as fast as you," you'll be ok.
Then he said, "Really, just be willing to pull over and let the people behind you go by whenever you can."
It's not that bad if you are a good driver. I'm not, but I take one with me. ;-)
Oct 9th, 2004, 05:57 PM
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One more thought, klt. We stayed at the Belvedere (loved it; thought it was perfect) and they had free parking.
Many hotels did not and some were impossible to get a car to... just wanted to add that.
Many hotels did not and some were impossible to get a car to... just wanted to add that.
Oct 9th, 2004, 08:43 PM
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I haven't driven there (I took the bus from MXP to Como and the boat up to Bellagio) so this is not first hand knowledge but I got into a long conversation with a couple in Bellagio last summer. They had driven up from Como and said it was the worst drive they had ever done - and they claimed to have driven all over Europe. They were planning to take the car ferry from Bellagio over to Varenna when they were ready to leave the area, rather than driving back down to Como on that Como-Bellagio road.
Oct 9th, 2004, 08:49 PM
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You better not be in a rush or you will end up in the lake!. From Malpensa to COmo is a breeze just pretty mcuh highway all the way and then the fun begins with the winding roads, the buses, the trucks that look like they will not fit the road. etc. It is an incredibly beautiful drive on both sides of the lake but do resist the temptation to admire the lake--let your companion describe it to you.
Oct 10th, 2004, 07:24 AM
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To get specific routing and a map, as always, go to viamichelin.com.
The route is obvious, but you need to be sure to take the road up the WEST side of the lake toward Menaggio. At Cadenabbia, just past Tremezzo, you will see the car ferry to Bellagio. They run hourly. Plan to take about 1:30, but you may want to stop and see Villa Carlotta now rather than later. It is just opposite the car ferry. Have fun--you will love Lago Como.
The route is obvious, but you need to be sure to take the road up the WEST side of the lake toward Menaggio. At Cadenabbia, just past Tremezzo, you will see the car ferry to Bellagio. They run hourly. Plan to take about 1:30, but you may want to stop and see Villa Carlotta now rather than later. It is just opposite the car ferry. Have fun--you will love Lago Como.
Oct 10th, 2004, 05:31 PM
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We used via michelin but got SO LOST in Como...we kept going around and around, and then we drove into an alley and my husband could not get the car into reverse (having just picked it up at Malpensa after no sleep the night before on the plane)! My husband was not too happy with me...The trick is to follow the directions VERY carefully. They are great, but we were too busy looking at the beautiful sights
Oct 10th, 2004, 06:46 PM
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There are 2 routes: One is to go up the east side. This will take you directly to Bellagio, but is very very slow! We did this on the way up.
The other route is to go up the west side and then ferry over to Bellagio. Do this route. Much better road, scenic and faster.
Get a map and you will understand what we are saying.
The other route is to go up the west side and then ferry over to Bellagio. Do this route. Much better road, scenic and faster.
Get a map and you will understand what we are saying.
Oct 12th, 2004, 11:31 AM
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I agree that the west sie of the lake is a nicer drive with a better view and you can ferry across to Bellagio. Here is a link to the ferry web site http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/
Oct 12th, 2004, 01:07 PM
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We spent 3 nights in Bellagio a few years ago. We all laughed when we left on the ferry to go across to the west side and head to Milan that we were leaving with valuable information. We finally completely understood the ferry system and how it worked....now we had to leave the area! My next trip back I will have to learn all over again.
Beautiful area...no matter how you get there...just get there! Enjoy.
Beautiful area...no matter how you get there...just get there! Enjoy.
Dec 1st, 2004, 03:13 PM
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We are going to the Lakes region for the first time in April. Arriving at MXP. Will only be there for 2 nights before heading to Siena.
Given the short stay (and jet lag), I'm beginning to question whether we want to stay in Bellagio. It sounds like a much longer and more difficult trip than to Stresa, Varenna, or Menaggio.
Would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Given the short stay (and jet lag), I'm beginning to question whether we want to stay in Bellagio. It sounds like a much longer and more difficult trip than to Stresa, Varenna, or Menaggio.
Would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Dec 1st, 2004, 04:29 PM
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Sadly, that hotel is a little too pricey for us. Hotel du Lac is in our price range (about 130 euro).
I'm not finding a lot of information on Menaggio. Are there restaurants? Shops? What would the logistics be like to go over to Bellagio for dinner each night?
I'm not finding a lot of information on Menaggio. Are there restaurants? Shops? What would the logistics be like to go over to Bellagio for dinner each night?
Dec 1st, 2004, 05:30 PM
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Actually, in April the Bellavista is only 46 euro per person. Did you mean your son liked that hotel or just in Menaggio in general?
For others who may happen onto this thread, I found some good photos of Menaggio at this website:
http://www.menaggio.com/eng/tour.php
For others who may happen onto this thread, I found some good photos of Menaggio at this website:
http://www.menaggio.com/eng/tour.php
Dec 2nd, 2004, 06:42 AM
#19
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Actually, I too have stayed there but that was 1996. The hotel is not fancy, a typical 3 star, but very adequate and has a perfect location. We both liked the convenience of being able to drive from there and not mess with the car ferry to Bellagio. Menaggio is not as cute as Bellagio, just easier logistics with a car.
Dec 2nd, 2004, 07:34 AM
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Like Bob said, if you've got a car, I'd seriously consider Menaggio. It's a nice little town, not quite as scenic as Bellagio, but the ferries run all day between Menaggio, Varenna & Bellagio so you won't miss much. And it's right on a major road leading to Lugano and other places of interest.
If I were to stay there again, I'd spring for the extra $$ and stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Menaggio. The 3-star Bella Vista had decent rooms, great views and a nice breakfast...but I found the service to be a bit indifferent.
You can see some of our Menaggio (and other) pictures here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/111426084EaGejG/1
Yes, that's me having breakfast with my daughter at the Bella Vista.
If I were to stay there again, I'd spring for the extra $$ and stay at the 4-star Grand Hotel Menaggio. The 3-star Bella Vista had decent rooms, great views and a nice breakfast...but I found the service to be a bit indifferent.
You can see some of our Menaggio (and other) pictures here:
http://community.webshots.com/album/111426084EaGejG/1
Yes, that's me having breakfast with my daughter at the Bella Vista.
