Hi

I am wondering whether it would be possible to sart in Menaggio, visit Villa del Balbianello, Villa d'Este, Villa Carlotta, Bellagio and staying in Varenna can be done in one day in July? The distances don't seem that far away, and I can't imagine I would need to spend more than 2 hours at any one of the above locations.

I'm hiring a car from Lugano and will spend about 2-3 days (depending on how much time is necessary). The plan is to head towards Bormio after the Lakes, and then do the Stelvio pass and onto Davos.

With this in mind and considering that I will have a rental car, should I base myself in Menaggio, Bellagio or Varenna or the 2-3 nights or maybe should I stay in a different town for each night?

As I am planning on being there around 20-22 July, is it possible to just try to find accommodation when I'm there (hence giving myself maximum flexibility) or would I need to book (and therefore have to pre-pay) accommodation in advance?

Menaggio is only an hour from Lugano. Bellagio and Varenna are best reached by ferry from Menaggio.

I think you can chance it and not make lodging reservations.

I stayed in Bellagio. One day I did Carlotta in the AM, had lunch in Mennagio, went back to Bellagio and did a private boat tour to Balbianello in the afternoon.

Getting between Varenna, Mennagio and Bellagio is easy and quick.

The hydrofoil to Como takes about 45 minutes, one way - it may stop at Cernobbio for d'Este - not sure.

Things to consider: At Balbianello, some days are boat access only, some days walk-up access is allowed.
Villa d Este is a hotel. I think lunch reservations will get you treated as a 'guest'. Having a car will make this more doable.

I would be hesitant to go without reservations as the better hotel values fill up quickly.

Also, matching up hotels and car parking at Lake Como can be difficult. (Very few private, parking spaces in Bellagio).