Thanks rgucla - good info; wasn't sure how to get from train to ferry.

I am in Italy now, stopped at an internet point to get out of the sun for a while and rest.

We were in Lake Como last week. Stayed in Varenna. We were so happy that we chose Varenna instead of Bellagio. Bellagio, of course, is beautiful, but Varenna is more peaceful.

We stayed at Hotel Du Lac in the Oleander Room -- a suite really with a sitting area and a huge private terrace. We loved Varenna. We ferried across to the other towns a lot.

Favorite restaurant was Bilacus in Bellagio. A pretty terrace restaurant with excellent service and food.

Do not miss Villa Balbionello in Lenno. Be sure to take the house tour as it has many museum quality artifacts. Tour is 45 minutes. You will love Lake Como. Wish we had added one more day there and cut a day from Tuscany.

Thank you luvtotravel - sounds like you're having fun. I've noted the restaurant and Villa. How many days did you spend in Lake Como area?

Buon viaggio!

Maire

I just have to throw my two cents in here. I think you ought not to worry about shops being open in either Bellagio or Varenna. Shopping here is not the best, and you will be in Florence and Rome, and maybe (I think, if I'm following the thread correctly) Venice, so why shop in Bellagio? You'll be in the greatest shopping cities in Italy, and Bellagio and Varenna have very little to offer in shops to peek into.

Ride those boats, stroll along the lake and visit historic villas.

And after saying all that, even if you remove shopping time, I think an extra day would be wonderful because it is so beautiful and relaxing on Lake Como.

And your two travel days won't really be two full travel days... you will stay have plenty of time to see some sights if I understand correctly and the two travel days aren't from home, but in between Italian cities? Am I reading you correctly?

Thanks, Tuscan. Yes, you're correct. And riding/walking around seeing the beautiful area is more appealing to us than shopping.

Maire, we were in Varenna for four nights -- not nearly enough. I agree to save shopping for the big cities. I did manage to buy a silk scarf in Bellagio for 5 euro, but it was probably imported, not local.
Diane

Bellagio shopping: I've bought beautiful things (at very friendly prices) made of olive wood -- bowls, plates, boxes, trays, salad servers, etc. Prices for silk scarves, ties and clothing are not bargains, but I've purchased some very high quality items over the years. Boxes with mosaic tops, art prints and paintings, jewelry (again, generally no bargains), dishes, decorative glass, children's toys (including a beloved painted wood Pinocchio marionette which hangs from a stand by my tree every Christmas).

Varenna shopping: Jewelry made from natural things like semi-precious stones, crystals, wood. Food items like olive oil (including infused varieties), dried mushrooms, etc.

I'm not much for spending a lot of time shopping anywhere, but I enjoy a little shopping here because there isn't much duplication and the shops are small and close together.

thanks Diane and Jean.