After reading many posts here on the Italian Lakes, I have narrowed down my itinerary to include these three stops (Bellagio, Orta, and Lugano) for 8 nights. I will not have a car. Any thoughts on how to travel among these three locations? How long it will take to travel each leg? Is it possible to base myself in two hotels and do a day trip to a third?

Thanks much.

Diane

Diane - Bellagio and Lugano are only a 1 hour bus + 10 mins. ferry ride apart (via MENAGGIO) - so you could choose either as a base and day-trip to the other.

Here's the link for the bus timetable (C12) between LUGANO-MENAGGIO:

http://www.sptlinea.it/pdf/C12.pdf

You can find Lake Como ferry timetables between MENAGGIO-BELLAGIO on:

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/itali...indicecomo.htm

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To travel from LUGANO to ORTA one option would be to take the famous CENTOVALLI train route from LOCARNO - connecting in Domodossola for Orta.

Total journey time for the Centovalli route would depend on train connections at Locarno and Domodossola, but actual travel times are approx:

Lugano-Locarno 55 mins
Locarno-Domodossola 2 hours
Domodossola-Orta 1hr 15mins

http://www.centovalli.ch/orariLD1_e.htm

For Domodossola-Orta timetables see:
www.trenitalia.it

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Steve has a good solution--Orta is not easy to access without a car but I do love it. The other option would be to trade Stresa for Orta. There is a boat/bus trip out of Lugano that will take you to Stresa on Lago Maggiore. The trip is also very scenic. The train does not service Orta directly. The stop is several miles away and you will need to taxi to Orta San Guilio.

The taxi from the train station to Orta was only 10 euro. The same driver charged us 12 euro to go back. He said uphill cost more.

The Centovalli train is one of my favorite views in the world.

This is all excellent information. Here is another question: What about getting to/from Malpensa Airport? I have the option of flying in and out during the early afternoon. Is it feasible to go direct to/from the Lakes to/from the airport bypassing Milan center? Again, must use public transportation.

Regarding staying in Stresa and daytripping to Orta, what is the best way to get to Orta from Bellagio? Although I must look into the Centovalli route now that I'm learning how scenic it is.

Diane - There's a direct Airport Shuttle service between Malpensa and Lugano. Here's the link:

http://www.busexpress.com/shuttle.asp

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From Stresa to Malpensa one option is train from STRESA to GALLARATE (30-45 mins) - from where there's a regular bus connection from the station to the airport.

There is also a direct airport shuttle between Stresa and Malpensa in high season.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Steve James, you are a treasure. The people who frequent this board are so lucky to be able to obtain free advice from someone as knowledgable as you. I know that several of my trips have been made easier by information I've received on this board from your posts. Thanks.

Thanks for the kind comment, Julie

Diane - I missed your Bellagio Q - sorry.

I think your best route Bellagio-Orta will be by train from Varenna (10 mins ferry ride from Bellagio) via Milan.

You would have to change trains at MILANO CENTRALE and also at NOVARA.
The minimum journey time is 3hrs 50'.

For timetables see:
www.trenitalia.it

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Re. the STRESA-MALPENSA Airport Shuttle service I mentioned above, this runs daily from 25/3 - 31/10.

I'm with Julie - thanks Steve James for your help and advice! You've helped us out with our honeymoon plans - THANKS!!!

Steve rocks !