I know I need to take a combination of train and boat to get to Bellagio from Venice. Is it basically taking a train to Milan, then train to Lake Como, then boat to Bellagio? Is there a shorter/faster option?

We took a train to Milan and transferred to a train to Varenna. From Varenna, it's a short ferry ride to Bellagio.

Or,train to Milan, then train to Como ( latter about 40 minutes ).

Ferry to Bellagio

You can look at ww.bahn.de. Click on " International Travelers " for English version.

Hi Monica - Train timetables Venice-Varenna are on:

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

For ferry timetables Varenna-Bellagio go to:

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/c...ora_t4a_e.html

Hope this helps ...

Steve

I too would opt for the Milan to Varenna by train, then quick and frequent ferry to Bellagio. Getting the ferry from Como to Bellagio is an extremely limited thing. I suppose if the times worked out it could be OK, but the ferry from Varena to Bellagio is so easy and available whenever your train gets in.

Wow, thanks everyone! Exactly what I needed to know.