Tries2PakLite

Yes, that number is correct, there will be 14 of us traveling from Venice to Bellagio. When we traveled in a smaller group we would rent a car and drive, but this trip is a whole new ball game.

Has anyone traveled by train from Venice to Como, then by ferry to Bellagio? Was it easy to do? With luggage? With a large group?

Has anyone rented a van to travel in? Is it easy to navigate the narrow roads and highways? Is there room for luggage in a van?

We will be looking into the cost issue and the van issue in the next few days, but I thought someone out there might have some useful information they would like to share.

This is totally new territory for us and we could really use some help. Thanks in advance.

Jean

We've never travelled internationally with a group that large, but our experience closer to home is that it's difficult to get everyone together to leave. I would think trying to catch a train departing at a specific time might create an incentive to get moving. With a group of that size, I would definitely purchase tickets in advance.

I'm also not familiar with renting a van in Europe, but I'd be surprised if you could rent one that would hold all 14 people and their luggage. I think you're looking at needing two (or even possibly three) vehicles. Think long and hard about where you're going to park when you get to Bellagio.

JerryLoyd

Took the ferry from Bellagio to Como, and then the train to Venice. We walked with luggage from the ferry dock in Como to the train station. However, I would definitely take a taxi/van the next time especially with a large group. The train (Venice-Como)has a stop/transfer in Milan. If you do the train/ferry you have several additional transfers of people and luggage. Likely a train change in Milan, Off the train-into a taxi at Como, Out of the taxi onto the ferry, Off the ferry to the Bellagio hotel. Although the train and ferry are beautiful rides, if it were me I would seriously consider the van option and costs.
Bless you for taking on this responsibility. Have a great trip.

Dukey

IF, and that is a big "if," you decide to do this by public transport you may find it easier to take a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna (the trip takes about 1 hr and 25 minutes) and then a ferry from there over to Ballagio (10-15 minutes max).

If you do the auto/van route you could also drive to Varenna and ferry over from there. This road route might be a bit easier to manage than the road directly to Bellagio.

Tries2PakLite

Interesting, that was my pre-edited post. I wonder what happened to the edited version? Oh well, not too much difference between the two.

Tries2PakLite

Hmm ... I was really hoping that someone would say "take the train, it's a piece of cake."

First, thank you Jean, Jerry and Dukey for your feedback. We did figure on more than one van or SUV or such. It looks like we may be traveling caravan style.

I guess that we will have to explore both scenarios fully to see what will be easiest. I think that cost will have to be secondary in this case. And we will look into going to Varenna to catch the ferry.

Boy, I can hardly wait till we all go out to dinner the first night.

Thank you again for your help. I'll post when we have some info to share. There may be someone else out there who is thinking of taking on a similar challenge.

Tries2PakLite

This board is giving me fits!!

Peggyann

I have traveled to Italy four times with family/friends groups of 12 to 17. We always rent cars, three or four and last year five. The way we make it work on the roads if we are driving caravan style is to have a walkie talkie in each car. The pressure is on the lead car so the best navigator is in that one. We have had a blast!

Also, going out to dinner is always the best part of the day. We call ahead and sit at one big table, probably driving the kitchen a little nuts. We eat and drink and end up passing plates around for tastes. It somehow always works out with our family group that different couples or twosomes of sorts pick up the tab so that it sort of evens out in the end. We have had the best times. You kind of have to travel with folks who share a sense of fairplay.

Enjoy Bellagio, it is a beautiful spot.

Jean

If you train, the Venice-Milan-Varenna route is very easy. Just be ready to exit the train at Varenna. It's a quick stop.

If you drive, make sure you have the parking thing figured out. Bellagio's public parking is very limited.

Also, many feel the road to Bellagio is a tough drive. We don't think so, but you must have a good map. It will take longer than you think, but the views are beautiful. And then the car(s) will probably sit unused until you depart Bellagio.

tuscanlifeedit

Take the train; it's a piece of cake. ;-)

Tries2PakLite

tuscan -- thanks! I needed that. ><

Tries2PakLite

topping

Big_Red

Take the train it's a piece of cake. You don't have to go as a group of 14. Assuming that most of your party is adults, then let them go in smaller cliques.

There is one thing that I remember, departing Milano Centrale the first tracks that you see are the big trains heading to Rome, Florence, etc. The train to Varenna is small and behind the bigger trains. You will not be able to see it because the bigger/longer trains will be blocking your view.

Some people have talked about your taking the ferry from Como. As far as I know there is passenger boat service going north from Como but the car ferries only operate at midlake.

Tries2PakLite

Red -- thanks for the info regarding the car ferry. We are adults and teens and one preteen, so we should be able to navigate pretty well.

We still need to look into the logistics and the cost of the cars vs. the train. My husband is on car rental duty and has to get on the phone. Getting so many people orgainized and in step can be so much fun.

We have 7 weeks, that I'm sure will zip past while we aren't looking.

Big_Red

If you will be done with any rental cars when you get to Lake Como, then there is a drop off office in the town of Como. I believe that it is a EuropCar office, and AutoEurope does business with EuropCar. I believe that EuropCar - Como is closed on Sunday and has only morning hours on Saturday.
The three rental car approach is going to approach 1,000 Euro. You can hire minivans for 400 to 600 euro per day plus excessive kilometers, but your group will need two. A single vehicle for your group would be a small bus. I could not get a price for train tickets.

Your Venice hotel might be able to recommend a mini van and driver. If you went this route then your group could spend some time in either Vicenza or Verona (or both or elsewhere).

Enjoy yur trip.