I am planning to go to both lakes in June, but cannot determine number or days to stay in each, 3 or 4 each. I would also like to visit both Locarno and Lugano, but we won't be renting a car, is it feasible? Thinking of staying in either Bellagio or Varenna in Lake Como, and either Stresa or Cannero in Lake Maggiore, but not sure if Cannero is easily accessible to other sights. Any comments help.<BR>

Millie, You can train to Varenna,Stresa, and Lugano all from Milan. I do not think you can access one to the other without going back.<BR>I would stay in Stresa and Varenna if you plan train travel. You can ferry to Mennagio on the west shore and bus to Lugano for a day---not hard to do.

Thanks for your reply, Bob. I just checked the FS sites and found that there are trains from Como (Nord Borghi / Nord Camerlata / Nord Lago / Giovanni) to Stresa, does anyone knows if any of these stations in Como town? Are we better off to go from Varenna to Como by ferry / hydrofoil and train to Stresa, or return to Milan and train to Stresa, or better still rent a car from Como and drive to Maggiore?

Stayed in Stresa and took the train from Stresa to Locarno. We did not have to go back to Milan, but we did have to change trains once. It was absolutely beautiful! Reminded me of Alaska, a little bit. The scenery was wonderful. You need your passport, as they do have agents that get on the train at the border and check your passport. Took the boat back from Locarno to Stresa. Had a sandwich in Locarno. One piece of meat with 2 slices of bread. Nothing else. Came to $9 US. The train ride up was the awesome part, not the boat ride back. we just did it as a day trip. I liked Lake Como and Maggiore both. We took the little ferries around Lake Como, but didn`t go to Lugano. Stay half the time in each place. I did like Varenna too. Quiet and quaint. You can visit Bellagio and the Villa Carlotta via ferry. Where ever you go you will have a great time.

We love the Italian lakes, did a full vacation there one year and never tired of them. We always rent a car so I'm no help in the train department except to say that having a car can be helpful so don't reject that idea. On Como, either Bellagio or Varenna would be fine. Though the former probably has more to do directly within the town itself, both are delightful and afford the same access by ferry and hydrofoil as the other. Don't forget Menaggio on the western side of the lake. It has several nice hotels and, again, the same access on the lake as the other two. <BR><BR>We've stayed in both Stresa and Cannero Riviera on Lake Maggiore. Stresa is bigger and has more activity but I liked Cannero better because it's smaller, quieter and to my mind prettier. Both have access to the boats on the lake though Stresa is, of course, much closer to the Borremean Islands that you must see. <BR><BR>Though we've been thru Locarno and Lugano several times we've only stayed one night in one or the other (can't remember which) but never miss the darling little market in Lugano. It's small but one of the most picturesque ever. You might want to extend your time in area to include a side trip and one or two night stay on Lake Orta. It's smaller than the other lakes but very quaint and pretty, has good hotels and a really "homey" feel. Wherever you go in the Italian Lakes, you'll enjoy yourself.

Hi Millie! We trained from Milan to Stresa & stayed on Isola dei Pescatori at Hotel Verbano (only hotel on the tiny island). We loved it & would recommend highly. Only 14 rooms, dead quiet at night & the only restaurant on the island open at night with very good food, exceptional wine list. We had 2 days & 2 nights at Maggiore & could have used one more to take the hydrofoil up to Locarno. Really enjoyed both Stresa & Cannero too. Visited the islands & Villa Taranto.

Julie and Bob,<BR><BR>Between Como and Bellagio which is more delightful and where would you stay. Need lodging recs. Thanks, Sally

Hi Millie. Sounds like you're planning a wonderful trip. I wish you could do a three-lake trip. Lugano's lake has beautiful Morcote and intriguing little Gandria. Lugano is a very interesting small city; the frescos of S. Maria Degli Angioli are super.

Thanks everyone, your advise is always appreciated! Julie, I am interested in staying in Hotel Cannero mentioned on your previous thread, how convenient is the island to other sights? is the ferry / hydrofoil schedule flexible? My main concern is not be able to return on time to the island after day trips. Am I missing something big for not staying in Stresa?

Hi Millie: I think we have a couple answers mixed up, but here goes. The Isola dei Pescatori (& the other two Isola Madre & Isola Bella) is just a few hundred yards from Stresa. Public boats that serve the Borromean Islands as well as the other lake side towns ended at 7PM when we were there. I don 't remember what time they started in the morning, but it wasn't early enough for the train we wanted to catch. The Hotel Verbano arranged for a private boat (more expensive of course) to pick us up at our preferred time. The same can be done in the evening. We loved all the islands & also the town of Stresa!

There are several threads on this site dealing with accommodations in the various towns on Lake Como. Just do a search on Lake Como or each of the towns. We stay in Menaggio at the Grand Hotel Menaggio and like it very much. Be sure to ask for rooms with view of the lake. It's right next to the ferry stop and so very convenient. Probably around $150 per double. I think they only have showers and twin beds. Another nice hotel in Menaggio is the Grand Hotel Victoria. Older and a big grander than the Menaggio at the other end of town and with pool in back of hotel rather than on lakeside. In Bellagio writers here are fond of the Belvedere or some such. The Florence near the ferry stop looks nice in an old fashioned way. Lovely indoor and outdoor restaurants. In Varenna, I like the Hotel du Lac. Many other good hotels in all these places and elsewhere on the lake. I'd not stay in Como town. It's bigger and not as charming as the smaller lake towns. <BR><BR>Stresa is a very resorty town and very close to the islands. Lots of tall hotels lining the lake. That's why I prefer Cannero Riviera from which you can reach Stresa and the islands by ferry (though you are at the mercy of the ferry staff who periodically strike but that's normal for Italy)and stay in a smaller lakeside town. We stayed at the Hotel Cannero there, again with lakeviews, pool and right by the ferry stop. It's on the mainland, not an island. Nice hotel.

My favs include:<BR>Bellagio---Hotel Belvedere<BR>Stresa---Villa Aminta<BR><BR>It is hard to do the Lakes without a car

Hi Bob, took your advice, and we are going to stay at the Belvedere in Bellagio AND Villa Aminta in Stresa. We got a great rate through Expedia for Villa Aminta....192 Euros a night. I don't think that is too bad for a 5 star hotel, yes? Thanks again Bob!<BR>Judy

Judy, The Villa Aminta used to be a 4 star and about $150. They went "Hollywood" last year and raised prices alot. I feel your price is fine for what you will get. Have fun !