Hi we arrive at Milan Bergano airport and plan to hire a car. We are looking to stay a few night in Como moving onto Bellagio then Varenna and finally finishing at Tremezzo. Will this work ?
We have a total of 10 nights as we like to relax as-well as explore. Is a car essential ? Milan Bergamo

Welcome Cclark20, you could actually take the train to Como, visit there, then boat or train to Varenna and just stay there and visit Bellagio by ferry. I'm not sure about Tremezzo...looks like ferry then bus or cab.

(Hub and ferried from Bellagio to Cadenabbia and walked to Villa Carlotta in the rain, on the road...a little scary with cars...take a cab or bus based on that one instance)

Skip city of Como and spend your time mid lake where the views and vistas are much better. Stay in Bellagio or Varenna( we much prefer Bellagio) and visit the other by ferry. Travel to Tremezzo across the lake by ferry.

Cclark20, do you have specific interests in Como city? You might not need 3 nights there? Also, when we were there, it wasn't a straight shot via ferry from Bellagio to Tremezzo... though bus, taxi, walk not difficult. Has that changed?

You may find some helpful information in our trip report below on some of the northern lakes, including basing ourselves in Varenna and visiting your other locations via ferry with day trips. Varenna is small, but we enjoyed its quiet when we returned from our busy days. Bellagio, although more touristy, is also a wonderful place. Trip Report: Part 1 Northern Italian Lakes & Cities (12 days October)

When are you going? Ferry schedule Navigazine lago di como is Nov to March. navigazionelaghi.it. It will change at the end of March.