In planning 3 European trips in the past 3 years, I've read hundreds of posts on these forums, and always found the info I wanted, but this is my very first question!
I'm kicking off my first visit to Italy with a couple days in Milan, arriving Saturday February 4th around 6pm. Planning on 1 full day to see Milan, and 1 full day to visit the Lakes as a daytrip. The order will probably depend on weather; if Sunday's weather looks clear we'll visit Como that day. I'd appreciate some tips on getting the most out of this day. I've read that the funicular up to Brunate is worthwhile, as well as the ferry or hydrofoil to Bellagio. Would this be a nice itinerary for a first-time visitor? Thanks all!

Ferry to Bellagio would give you a good view of the lake. It's prettier mid lake.

You are short changing both sites, they both need more than a day.

If the day is sunny but very cold, you might prefer to take the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna instead of the ferry, and especially not the hydrofoil. Cold wind could force you inside for most of the long trip. Even if you opted for it one way, you might want the train for the return trip.

Others find a lot to do in Lago di Como, presumably when the weather is nicer, but for me, the only reason to be at the lake is the view. In late January, I'd go for lunch in Bellagio, and that's it.

If you get lousy weather, consider the 55-minute ride by train to Bologna. Saturday is more interesting than Sunday, because all the shops are open. Other day trips might be Torino (for all it's fascinating museums), or if it is sunny on the Riviera, you can go there for lunch if you are willing to spend 2-2.5 hours on the train. Venice is also 2.5 hours from Milan.

Here's a fairly good website for weather forecasts, but generally speaking, you can't trust them far in advance.

http://www.ilmeteo.it/meteo/Bellagio

You should check the weather for Bellagio in the morning of the day you plan to go, because sometimes it can be nice weather in Milan and not nice on the lake. The Metropole Hotel also has a live webcam.

http://www.albergometropole.it/lake-como-webcam.htm

If you aren't carrying a computer connection, you hotel will check the weather for you.

There's a street masrket in Como on a Saturday which was busy and interesting. From Como you can take the ferry to Bellagio which takes about 2 hours and shows quite a lot of the interesting villas and the little towns along the shores of the lake. Bellagio is lovely and a good place to stop for a meal and to wander round the streets, gardens and shops. If you don't want to take the ferry back to Como for the train, do the short 15 minute hop from Bellagio to Varrena and take the train from there. The station in Varrena is about 15 minute walk up a very steep hill so you might want to do the journey in reverse.

Forgot to add that you need to get the train to Como Nord station which is right by the lake.

I've walked to the Varenna station from the ferry dock, and while it is uphill, it is not so daunting that I had any difficulty with it, and I had luggage.

My recollection, however, is that you can't buy train tickets at the station -- but they may have changed.

Isola Bella,BEAUTIFUL your best bet from Milano 30 miles or so north of MXP http://www.viator.com/tours/Milan/La...rom-Milan/d512

www.bellagio.info awesome for an overnite as a day trip you will be training and or ferrying all day several hours each way.I would not chance a day trip there.Have donethe train to Varenna personally involves MANY changes a long slog then station FAR removed from Varenna not wise. Take fast train to Como San G station then fast ferry to www.bellagio.info pearl of thelake if you elect an overnite.

My vote is the hydrofoil to Bellagio. It's a beautiful part of the lake and a wonderful little town.

There are NO changes on the train from Milano Centrale to Varenna. It takes just over one hour. The trains leave every hour from Milan. Use the Trenitalia website to see.

If you do not have mobility problems and are not carrying luggage, there is no problem walking to the train station in Varenna from the ferry dock. But if you like, you will find taxis at the dock.

If you want to take the hydrofoil, just be aware that you will probably want to sit inside for most of the trip, since February temperatures on the lake hover around freezing, even during the day, but especially with a wind chill.

Also make sure you are looking at the right ferry schedule for February 2012.

To use the commuter trains from Milan to get to Como station stops, use the Le Nord website.

Wow! Thanks for all the great tips so far everyone.
I've spent some time on these 2 websites (rail transport and water transport, respectively):

http://www.trenord.it/IT/
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/index.asp
http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/file2..._Rapido_Cn.pdf

Based on info gathered there, I've assembled the following proposal, for next Sunday February 5th:
1. Take the 9:20 train from Milano Centrale to Varenna (looks like about a 1 hour trip)
2. Take either the 11:40 or 13:00 ferry (15 minutes) to Bellagio
3. Take the 17:04 "servizio rapido" from Bellagio to Como, arriving at 17:54 (can't find any connections earlier in the afternoon; also can't find any "slow ferry" options)
4. After dinner in Como, take the train back from Como to Milan N. Cadorna (I see 4 options between 19:17 and 21:17)

I'm considering moving this to Monday if weather is bad (wet or snow) on Sunday (in which case we'll do Milan Sunday)...this also offers a new option which is the 15:25 'rapido' from Bellagio to Como, not available Sunday.

Long term forecast for next Sun/Mon calls for daily highs below freezing. Will definitely check local conditions before heading out for the day (thanks for the tip zeppole).

So, it appears 'doable' to 'hit' Como, Varenna and Bellagio in one day, but is it necessary? Should we just concentrate on Bellagio and Como?

Looking forward to more great tips everyone!

If I had only two of those three, it would be Varenna and Bellagio.

The high mountains mean a somewhat earlier sunset. By the time you get to Como, it will be nearly dark. You might want a quick sip of something warming before catching the train back to Milano, but I don't think lingering in Como makes sense. A stroll about tiny Varenna, a 1:30 long lunch in Bellagio, a stroll around Bellagio.

Wear shoes with good traction. If it has been freezing there, ice doesn't melt in shadowy corners, and you'll want good traction getting on and off the boats as well.

There is one more option. Personally, I would take the bus from Bellagio. It is one hour all along the lake and through the villages. The fast boat is like sitting in an airplane.
Not easy to see the sights. Bus tickets at tabbachi shop under arcade and they are cheap and run frequently.

For lunch in Bellagio try Bilicus. Up Serbollini, the main up down passage, almost to the top on the right.

bookmarking

Bus sounds like a better option to me than a hydrofoil. Weather forecast for this weekend is for sun but below freezing. Bundle up!

Once again, many thanks for everyone's help. I'm leaving 8-degree Canada for sub-zero Europe tomorrow (first Belgium then onto Milan on Saturday!) I hear Italian soccer matches are at risk of postponement this weekend. Crazy weather!

Still willing to accept any last-minute tips if anyone has any other info. Will be monitoring the forums as I travel as they`re such a great source of info. Grazie!

Just be careful about ice underfoot. In lieu of soccer matches, you might want to do a very serious comparison study of hot chocolate, Belgium vs. Milan. Lots of great cold weather food in places you are going.

zeppole - I love it! I'm always happy to take part in comparison studies of hot chocolate, and to extend my research to desserts, beer, wine, etc! You've been a great help, thanks.

My most memorable hot chocolate was the thick stuff in Barcelona...heavy enough to anchor a churro...mmm!