Maybe I am a cynic but this is OP's first posting having joined this month. Also the posting gives very little backgound and so far no response to many postings.

Perhaps everyone should hold off until we know more.

nscope - you still here?

The first time I went to Lake Como was in May 2006. We stayed in Varenna and took the ferry to Bellagio a couple of times. I liked Bellagio--not crowded, nice shops, had lots of charm. I stayed in Cernobbio this past May and ferried up to Bellagio. I could not wait to leave Bellagio. The crowds were incredible, not at all the peaceful place I remembered from 2006. While there this year we also stopped at Varenna and it has not lost its charm and appeal; in fact, I think it is more charming than years ago.