lake como and Maggiore questions
Jun 22nd, 2005, 04:05 AM
#1
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lake como and Maggiore questions
Some questions if I may? 1)Can anyone recommend some good restaurants in Varenna please. (or Bellagio, we are staying in Varenna though) 2)I believe Villa Balbianello has to be booked in advance for tours - who do I go to and how do I book, how far in advance. Can I do it through the tourist office when I get there? Any recommendations for tour guides? 3)In Lake Maggiore I know you can buy a ferry/entry ticket for the Borromean Islands, can you tack on an entry to Villa Taranto as well in the one ticket price? Is this villa worth seeing? We only have one day in Lake M, rather rushed at that as we are driving from Varenna in the morning and leaving the next morning for Rome. 4) I understand from the guide books that Isola Bella cannot be entered from between 12 00 and 1.30 does anyone have experience of this, does it really close for this time. If you got there at 11.30, once you are in, is this OK? Or do they boot you out? I think I would like to hear from Bobthenavigator on this one as well as everyone else of course.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 04:38 AM
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A lot of details were given here years ago on http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1319758 - - but they the FAI has changed the URL for Villa Balbianello (and it now provides text in English!)...
http://www.fondoambiente.it/english/...nell/index.htm
You can book through the telephone number listed there (or maybe by e-mail?)
When I went in 2000, you had to arrange your transportation (by boat only) separately; we used the (skippered) craft provided through Grand Victorial Hotel Menaggio (we were staying there); I feel certain that I have read here over the years that there are various ways to get there (but still all by boat only?)
Best wishes,
Rex
http://www.fondoambiente.it/english/...nell/index.htm
You can book through the telephone number listed there (or maybe by e-mail?)
When I went in 2000, you had to arrange your transportation (by boat only) separately; we used the (skippered) craft provided through Grand Victorial Hotel Menaggio (we were staying there); I feel certain that I have read here over the years that there are various ways to get there (but still all by boat only?)
Best wishes,
Rex
Jun 22nd, 2005, 05:30 AM
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Try Vecchia Varenna on the path that goes along the shore from the ferry stop to the upper part of town. There's an outdoor area overlooking the water and an indoor part across the path that seems almost to be in a cave. Excellent food including pizzocheri, the buckwheat pasta with cheese and swiss chard that the area is famous for. The same dish is available also at the dining room of the Hotel du Lac, another fine place to eat in Varenna. Again views over the water from the dining room and I assume that in nice weather they must serve in their lovely vine-covered patio. Enjoy.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 05:49 AM
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Il Cavateppi was my favorite meal in Varenna. Its a very small restaurant, maybe 10 tables, so be sure to get a reservation. We also ate at Vechia Varenna which was very good.
when we were there, 2 years ago, we stayed at Hotel Du Lac, and their dining room was not open at dinner time. But they had a very nice lunch. And cocktails on the terrace were fabulous. It has such an awesome view.
we didn't make it to Villa Balbianello, but we did visit Villa Carlotta. Its very nice, and would make a good addtion or alternative to Balbianello.
When we were staying in Stresa, we made one very full day of visiting the Borromean islands. Isola Bella in the morning, lunch at the hotel Verbena at Isola Pescatore, and Isola Madre in the afternoon. It made for a very full day, I don't think I would have wanted to add another villa, and I didn't have to drive anywhere after. I do heartily recommend lunch at the Verbena, by the way. It was one of our favorite meals of the trip. Very pretty, and relaxing and good food.
when we were there, 2 years ago, we stayed at Hotel Du Lac, and their dining room was not open at dinner time. But they had a very nice lunch. And cocktails on the terrace were fabulous. It has such an awesome view.
we didn't make it to Villa Balbianello, but we did visit Villa Carlotta. Its very nice, and would make a good addtion or alternative to Balbianello.
When we were staying in Stresa, we made one very full day of visiting the Borromean islands. Isola Bella in the morning, lunch at the hotel Verbena at Isola Pescatore, and Isola Madre in the afternoon. It made for a very full day, I don't think I would have wanted to add another villa, and I didn't have to drive anywhere after. I do heartily recommend lunch at the Verbena, by the way. It was one of our favorite meals of the trip. Very pretty, and relaxing and good food.
Jun 22nd, 2005, 08:27 AM
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Hi Schnauzer,
When we took the boat to Villa Taranto, we had to change boats in a lakeside village enroute. I don't know if we goofed, or if there is another route that goes directly. The boat to Villa Taranto was a separate ticket.
The main attraction at Villa Taranto is the botanical gardens. When we went the villa itself was not open to the public. The Gardens were very nice, but I don't think you have time for it on this 1 day trip. It takes about an hour one way to get there.
The villa Isola Bella closes for a lunch break. Also, you buy an admission ticket for a group tour at scheduled times. You can't go in on your own. We went in May and didn't have to wait. We were able to go on the next scheduled tour.
Also, highly recommend dining at Hotel Verbano. We stayed there for 2 nights and loved the room, the view and the restaurant.
Buon viaggio!
When we took the boat to Villa Taranto, we had to change boats in a lakeside village enroute. I don't know if we goofed, or if there is another route that goes directly. The boat to Villa Taranto was a separate ticket.
The main attraction at Villa Taranto is the botanical gardens. When we went the villa itself was not open to the public. The Gardens were very nice, but I don't think you have time for it on this 1 day trip. It takes about an hour one way to get there.
The villa Isola Bella closes for a lunch break. Also, you buy an admission ticket for a group tour at scheduled times. You can't go in on your own. We went in May and didn't have to wait. We were able to go on the next scheduled tour.
Also, highly recommend dining at Hotel Verbano. We stayed there for 2 nights and loved the room, the view and the restaurant.
Buon viaggio!
Jun 23rd, 2005, 11:52 PM
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anymore info on the Villa Balbianello please. Have tried to check the websites suggested but no luck. Seems a really hard place to get info on. Even the guide books say very little. I have the times of opening etc but nothing to say how far in advance you need to book, could we do it the first day we arrive for the following day. (only there two days)? Any light on this point anyone? All other queries answered on my main questions, tks all.
Jun 24th, 2005, 03:51 AM
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I don't know why you would be unable to open the website cited above, but there are the essential details.
VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, Lenno (Como). Tel 0344 56110 - Fax 0344 55575. Only the garden is open to visits. The villa interiors may only be visited by groups (no more than 12 people) only with permission and prior booking.
Opening times 6 MARCH to OCTOBER: 10-13/14-18. Saturday & Sunday: 10-18. CLOSED: Monday and Wednesday (unless public holidays). LAST ENTRANCE: half an hour before evening closing.
Travel information Access to the villa is from the Lake. On days open for visits, there is a regular motor-boat service (not included in the entrance ticket) from the small port at Lenno (state road west 340 - Lake Como). Boat service from Como with overall discount ticket. Every Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: pedestrian access is also allowed from Lenno (about 800m).
Entrance ticket Entrance only to the garden. ADULTS: € 5.00. CHILDREN (4-12 years): € 2.50.
FAI MEMBERS & RESIDENTS: free entrance. Prices may vary if special events are held.
Parking Public parking near the small port and near the start of the pedestrian path.
Guided visits Guided visits can be organised for groups against prior booking.
Receptions The garden can be hired for gala dinners, conferences and other events.
For more information: FAI MANAGEMENT & OFFICES - Properties Office
Tel 02 46761582 - Fax 02 48193631.
E-mail: [email protected]
===============================
I would call them or e-mail them.
I don't recall these remarkswhen I was there in 2001 - - about "The villa interiors may only be visited by groups (no more than 12 people) only with permission and prior booking." - - We were part of a "prior booking" but not strictly a "group of 12 or under"; (we were a group of 7, and they put some others with us)
VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, Lenno (Como). Tel 0344 56110 - Fax 0344 55575. Only the garden is open to visits. The villa interiors may only be visited by groups (no more than 12 people) only with permission and prior booking.
Opening times 6 MARCH to OCTOBER: 10-13/14-18. Saturday & Sunday: 10-18. CLOSED: Monday and Wednesday (unless public holidays). LAST ENTRANCE: half an hour before evening closing.
Travel information Access to the villa is from the Lake. On days open for visits, there is a regular motor-boat service (not included in the entrance ticket) from the small port at Lenno (state road west 340 - Lake Como). Boat service from Como with overall discount ticket. Every Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: pedestrian access is also allowed from Lenno (about 800m).
Entrance ticket Entrance only to the garden. ADULTS: € 5.00. CHILDREN (4-12 years): € 2.50.
FAI MEMBERS & RESIDENTS: free entrance. Prices may vary if special events are held.
Parking Public parking near the small port and near the start of the pedestrian path.
Guided visits Guided visits can be organised for groups against prior booking.
Receptions The garden can be hired for gala dinners, conferences and other events.
For more information: FAI MANAGEMENT & OFFICES - Properties Office
Tel 02 46761582 - Fax 02 48193631.
E-mail: [email protected]
===============================
I would call them or e-mail them.
I don't recall these remarkswhen I was there in 2001 - - about "The villa interiors may only be visited by groups (no more than 12 people) only with permission and prior booking." - - We were part of a "prior booking" but not strictly a "group of 12 or under"; (we were a group of 7, and they put some others with us)
Jun 24th, 2005, 05:23 AM
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You don't state when you will be traveling to the Lake District, and the time of year may make a difference
as to the answers to your questions.
In May 2004, the following applied to Villa Balbianello:
You can take the regular lake ferry to Lenno, and then you have two choices for getting to the villa.
#1--Turn left off the ferry dock, and walk along the water for about 100 meters to the small pier where fancy motorboats are tied up. For a 5 Euro fee they will take you in five minutes to the villa's private dock. When you are ready to return, the information office receptionist at the villa will call for a boat to come over and take you back.
#2- Off the ferry dock in Lenno, walk strait ahead to the main street(About one block) and turn left. In about 4 blocks you will reach a playground/picnic area and there will be a dirt road up the mountain to your left. The narrow road will take you uphill to the villa's mountainside access gate. It is a pleasant 20 minute walk, mostly uphill, from the center of Lenno.
We walked to the villa, and took the motorboat for the return. This gave us two separate perspectives on the villa's grounds and its magnificent positioning on a lakeside headland.
We were offered the oppurtunity to join a tour group, but declined. You were able to see the rooms on the first floor of the villa from the center hallway where the receptionist sold tickets and provided information.
I would telephone in advance to see if you can reserve tour space, and also ask if the mountainside gate access will be open on the date you plan on visiting.
I would also second the restaurant recommendation for La Punta in Bellagio. It sits at the point of the headland facing north. Pleasant, covered patio dining,good food,lovely views, reasonable prices, and only a short 5 minute stroll from the ferry dock.
With your very limited time for Lago Maggiore, I wouldn't try to squeeze in Villa Taranto.
While on Isola Pescatore (which is called Isola Superiore on the ferry schedules), look on the main interior alleyway that runs the length of the island for a small shop that sells wonderful, hand painted fancy soaps, hand and pocket mirrors, and other personalized crafts. The artist who runs the shop will hand-paint personalized notes (names, clever sayings, birthday or anniversary messages, etc.)on anything you select. The prices are inexpensive, and the items very unique. We had her do our entire "stocking stuffer" list on our last trip. She will paint your selected items while you have a nice lunch or drink at Hotel Verbano and enjoy the views of Isola Bella.
Since you will be driving and parking a vehicle, be sure to purchase your parking pass for sufficient hours to cover you visit, and display it on the dashboard of your car. The fines for staying beyond your purchased time are steep. ( There are parking lots adjacent to all three of the ferry landing stages that go to the islands.)
as to the answers to your questions.
In May 2004, the following applied to Villa Balbianello:
You can take the regular lake ferry to Lenno, and then you have two choices for getting to the villa.
#1--Turn left off the ferry dock, and walk along the water for about 100 meters to the small pier where fancy motorboats are tied up. For a 5 Euro fee they will take you in five minutes to the villa's private dock. When you are ready to return, the information office receptionist at the villa will call for a boat to come over and take you back.
#2- Off the ferry dock in Lenno, walk strait ahead to the main street(About one block) and turn left. In about 4 blocks you will reach a playground/picnic area and there will be a dirt road up the mountain to your left. The narrow road will take you uphill to the villa's mountainside access gate. It is a pleasant 20 minute walk, mostly uphill, from the center of Lenno.
We walked to the villa, and took the motorboat for the return. This gave us two separate perspectives on the villa's grounds and its magnificent positioning on a lakeside headland.
We were offered the oppurtunity to join a tour group, but declined. You were able to see the rooms on the first floor of the villa from the center hallway where the receptionist sold tickets and provided information.
I would telephone in advance to see if you can reserve tour space, and also ask if the mountainside gate access will be open on the date you plan on visiting.
I would also second the restaurant recommendation for La Punta in Bellagio. It sits at the point of the headland facing north. Pleasant, covered patio dining,good food,lovely views, reasonable prices, and only a short 5 minute stroll from the ferry dock.
With your very limited time for Lago Maggiore, I wouldn't try to squeeze in Villa Taranto.
While on Isola Pescatore (which is called Isola Superiore on the ferry schedules), look on the main interior alleyway that runs the length of the island for a small shop that sells wonderful, hand painted fancy soaps, hand and pocket mirrors, and other personalized crafts. The artist who runs the shop will hand-paint personalized notes (names, clever sayings, birthday or anniversary messages, etc.)on anything you select. The prices are inexpensive, and the items very unique. We had her do our entire "stocking stuffer" list on our last trip. She will paint your selected items while you have a nice lunch or drink at Hotel Verbano and enjoy the views of Isola Bella.
Since you will be driving and parking a vehicle, be sure to purchase your parking pass for sufficient hours to cover you visit, and display it on the dashboard of your car. The fines for staying beyond your purchased time are steep. ( There are parking lots adjacent to all three of the ferry landing stages that go to the islands.)
Jun 25th, 2005, 01:05 AM
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thanks for the terrific info Rex and Georgine,already copied and pasted onto my "notes" We are going the second weekend in Sept and we are staying the night in Stresa so we will drop the car at the hotel first and then take the ferry to the islands. Managed to get the web site the second time Rex, I think I might have typed Balbianello instead of leaving the o off. Obviously made a difference, helps if you type it in correctly. sorry to be dopey. It is going to take us about 2hrs to drive from Varenna to Stresa (according to Michelin) will this leave us enough time even if we get up early to get from V to S and then do the three island tour? I am reluctant to give up a night at the Hotel du Lac in Varenna for 2 nights in Stresa, but do you think we should so we are in situ first thing in the morning. I noticed there was an 11.30am ferry which get to Isola five minutes later, this would then get us in before the 12.00 shutdown period. Any thoughts?
Jun 25th, 2005, 04:38 AM
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Hi Schnauzer,
I also would not trade an extra night in Varenna for a second night in Stresa. If you are willing to get up early and be on the road by 7:15 to 7:30am, you should be OK for an Isola Bella entry.
Personally, I think scheduling yourself for the 11:30 ferry would be too risky.
I believe you would defintely be safe with taking the 10:30 ferry from Stresa, which makes an intermediate stop at Carciano, and arrives at Isola Bella at 10:40.
The 11:00am ferry might still get you in safely.
Since you will be traveling on a weekend, you can expect extra traffic and tourists around all the lake attractions, and also the highways and on the town streets.
Depending on where your hotel is located in Stresa, it might be faster (and easier) to get to the Carciano stop, which is the landing stage on Viale Lido. It is closer to Isola Bella than the downtown Stresa stop, and maybe closer to your hotel.
You can use mappy.com to plot out the location of your hotel, as compared to the distances to each of the landing stages. (Once you plug in the address of your hotel, zoom "out" and the boat stations will appear on the map image, along with an approximation of distances in meters.
If "tight" on time, get a taxi to the dock rather than risking missing getting into the villa.
Once you exit the villa, you can wander the gardens as long as you wish.
As one of the other posters mentioned, the Villa Taranto was nothing exceptional.
I also would not trade an extra night in Varenna for a second night in Stresa. If you are willing to get up early and be on the road by 7:15 to 7:30am, you should be OK for an Isola Bella entry.
Personally, I think scheduling yourself for the 11:30 ferry would be too risky.
I believe you would defintely be safe with taking the 10:30 ferry from Stresa, which makes an intermediate stop at Carciano, and arrives at Isola Bella at 10:40.
The 11:00am ferry might still get you in safely.
Since you will be traveling on a weekend, you can expect extra traffic and tourists around all the lake attractions, and also the highways and on the town streets.
Depending on where your hotel is located in Stresa, it might be faster (and easier) to get to the Carciano stop, which is the landing stage on Viale Lido. It is closer to Isola Bella than the downtown Stresa stop, and maybe closer to your hotel.
You can use mappy.com to plot out the location of your hotel, as compared to the distances to each of the landing stages. (Once you plug in the address of your hotel, zoom "out" and the boat stations will appear on the map image, along with an approximation of distances in meters.
If "tight" on time, get a taxi to the dock rather than risking missing getting into the villa.
Once you exit the villa, you can wander the gardens as long as you wish.
As one of the other posters mentioned, the Villa Taranto was nothing exceptional.
Jun 25th, 2005, 04:49 AM
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Georgine, you're too good, thanks so much. An early wake up call it is then!We are staying at the La Palma which is on the water so hopefully won't be too far from the dock action, but will look at the map as well. Good tip, tks.
Jun 25th, 2005, 05:58 AM
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To "save" this thread, just save http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34639655 - - however, this is not foolproof protection against (the extremely unlikely event of) deletion by Fodor's (or some malfunction on their servers).
In that case, just "select all" (or shift mouse-select it), copy and paste somewhere (word processing program or e-mail to yourself. Or just use the e-mail function here to e-mail it to yourself.
And on the subject of copying and pasting...
<< I think I might have typed Balbianello instead of leaving the o off>>
you can avoid this problem by copying and pasting URL's - - don't fuss with re-typing them! (same for posting a URL here - - copy and paste it rather than take a chance mis-typing!)
In that case, just "select all" (or shift mouse-select it), copy and paste somewhere (word processing program or e-mail to yourself. Or just use the e-mail function here to e-mail it to yourself.
And on the subject of copying and pasting...
<< I think I might have typed Balbianello instead of leaving the o off>>
you can avoid this problem by copying and pasting URL's - - don't fuss with re-typing them! (same for posting a URL here - - copy and paste it rather than take a chance mis-typing!)
Jun 25th, 2005, 08:04 AM
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This is a very helpful thread. We are also going to the Lake District in September, staying 3 nights each at Lakes Maggiore, Como, and Garda. What is the best way to drive from Stresa to Varenna (by car) and then from Varenna to Tori del Benaco on the east coast of Lake Garda. We are then going to Ortisei in the Dolomites before heading to Venice and Milan. Should we stick to highways, backtracking to Milan, for example, when we go from Maggiore to Como, or should we go a "back" way that is scenic and slower?
I would love any other names of resturants or unusal sites. We are a bit concerned aout being "laked out," but also plan on some day trips off the beaten track and, of course, to Verona. having a car gives us some flexability.
I have been cutting and pasting info into a large word file which I will bring to Italy in paper, and my husband will carry in his beloved PDA. As I edit it, it should be quite helpful. I'm using Fodors, Slow Travel, and Trip Advisor. I did this last year when we visited soutern Spain and it was valuable. Because of the generosity of so many of you, we all really have wonderful information, so thanks.
I would love any other names of resturants or unusal sites. We are a bit concerned aout being "laked out," but also plan on some day trips off the beaten track and, of course, to Verona. having a car gives us some flexability.
I have been cutting and pasting info into a large word file which I will bring to Italy in paper, and my husband will carry in his beloved PDA. As I edit it, it should be quite helpful. I'm using Fodors, Slow Travel, and Trip Advisor. I did this last year when we visited soutern Spain and it was valuable. Because of the generosity of so many of you, we all really have wonderful information, so thanks.
Oct 6th, 2006, 04:28 AM
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There is so much good information on this thread I thought I'd add a comment to book mark it. It's fun to read these old threads and read as people plan their trips, then stumble across their trip reports months later.
Jun 17th, 2008, 10:53 PM
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ekscrunchy, i gave quite a detailed account on my trip report when I came home in regards to the Villa Balbianello. You may wish to read the updated information. Stroll down to the Italian Lakes section and you will find some extra info. Mind you that was 3 years ago now.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...uzer&fid=2
Schnauzer
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...uzer&fid=2
Schnauzer
