Day Trip From Venice to Lake Como?
 

Is this possible? I'm staying in Venice for 8 days with my wife and wondering if we should try a day trip to Lake Como, or shorten the stay in Venice and spend a night two night in Lake Como. if so where? Any input welcome. Thanks.

I wouldn't advise a day trip simply because you would be very rushed and that is simply not what Lake Como is about.
My advice would be to stay in the Lake Como area for two nights. I can only comment on one hotel because it is the only one I have stayed at. It is the Hotel Eremo Gaudio in Varenna, and I cannot imagine a more spectacular view than the one there.
They have a website with pictures if you want to check it out.

Absolutely leave Venice to allocate at least two nights to Lake Como...

... though this presumes a trip between early April and late September?

You COULD day trip to Lake Garda - - but again, why? why pay for that expensive lodging in Venice (and the "time cost" to get into and out of Venice) only to ride away and come back again at the end of a long day.

When you are ready to see other places besides Venice, then leave Venice and its high lodging proces behind (they're worth it, but primarily for the purpose of experiencing Venice!)

Best wishes,

Rex

Yes, two nights on Lake Como, preferably in the mid-lake area (Bellagio, Varenna or Menaggio, in order of my personal preference).

For some, EIGHT nights in Venice would be more than enough (and you are obviously thinking already that it might be).

I would agree that for Lake Como, the mid-lake area is wonderful and very different from other places/cities in Italy.

If you do this can you either fly in and out of Milan or into Venice and out of Milan?

5 nights is plenty in Venice and 2 days is enough for Lake Como unless you are really into "serenity". Save a day for the hustle and bustle of Milan!

How would you recommend traveling from Venice to Lake Como. I am planning a trip that starts off in Venice, then to Lake Como, next Portifino, and finally Milan. I am struggling with the best way to get from point to point.

Thanks!

Train to Milan (3 hr) change for Como (40 min) hourly links on each. But too far for an enjoyable day trip. In Como buy boat passes to tour the lake -upay off if only taking a few trips.

There is a train that goes direct from Venice to Como itself ( well there was in 2000). You can then take train Como to Milan and onwards. The train system works so well and is so easy to organise ! Thank you Benito !! ;)

You can always train from Venice to Milan and then catch a train from Milan to Varenna. Varenna is on Lake Como and Bellagio and Como are easily accessible by ferry or hydrofoil. Just check Trenitalia and see what train times work best for you.