alison

finally pinning down our itinerary -- but one piece is missing. I can't seem to find exact info on driving from Lake Como to the lakes to the west. We would want to be in Varenna without a car and pick up car to drive to Orta or Maggiore. Is this possible? How long a drive/ferry? If we decide to stay in Orta, would we have time to explore Stresa and its sights on our way to Orta? And would this work in reverse? having car in Orta and taking full day to get to Como area and dropping car there where we won't need it and taking train back to milan. Thanks so much -- have appreciated everyone's input. As soon as i have this last bit of info, will post my planned itinerary and ask for critiques!

alison

topping...i really need some input. thanks.

Doble_Vergasser

There is a Europcar office in the town of Como.

Viamichelin gives 1hour 20minutes from Como to Orta San julio. Viamichelin and Mappy both have easy to use websites that produce maps, estimated times and written directions.

bobthenavigator

Alison, your best option is to rent from Autoeurope in the city of Como--at the south end of the lake. From there you have 2 ways to drive to Orta---the fast way via north end of Milan. or the scenic way via Lugano and Locarno. Keep the car and drop it at Malpensa as you depart. Get a good map !

alison

Thanks for the quick response. i found the routing through the north of milan, but does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the scenic route via lugano? either direct or including appropriate stops. would it be a day trip to visit the islands off stresa from orta and make it to varenna by dinner time? is the long drive particularly scenic? thanks again.

bobthenavigator

You could do it in 3.5 hours but I would take 6 with stops. See the Borremean Isles as a day trip from Orta--take the back roads via Gignese. If you like flowers read about Villa Taranto. The drive down the west shore of Maggiore is very scenic.