Jean - Thank you so much for calming my fears. I will be sure to write down your information in hopes of an outdoor terrace lunch.

We arrived in Cadenabbia, Como today, October 1, which is just across from Bellagio and Varenna. Weather is about 65 degrees with some clouds.

We'll be keeping a daily trip blog on our blog, http://italyinside.blogspot.com, where we'd be iterested in any ideas or comments.

Terrific !
We will be there one year hence---keep me posted on temps. Take your cameras out to Isola Comacina for lunch.

Motorino, welcome to Lake Como! I had a chance to look at your blog and its very helpful comments and tips. I'm a light packer myself, so I enjoyed your packing list. Brava!

Now, get off the computer and have fun! Happy trails!

How difficult is it to get to Isola Comachino for lunch or dinner from Varenna?

Lunch is easy. I don't think the ferry schedule accommodates dinner on Isola Comacina. It looks like the last ferry departure from the island is around 4:45 pm

For lunch, take the mid-lake ferry to Bellagio and then the car ferry that runs the length of the western "leg" of the lake ("Colico/Como"). Just reverse the logistics to return to Varenna.

Here's the website for the ferry schedules. Note the schedules change Oct. 5th (and the last ferry from the island then leaves around 3:45 pm) and then change again on Nov. 2nd.

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/com/nlc_ora.html

Thanks for the info. My son recommended the res't as they ate there on their honeymoom and said it was their best meal experience. I hope the cost of worth it!

Does anyone have recommendations for vista walks/hikes in Varenna or Bellagio area? I saw someone mentioned a place that rec hikes in Bellagio, but they close after Sept.

Snow today in the mountains, October 3. Early for Lake Como.

Little colder in the towns. Scarfs saved the day, as they always do in Italy!

Grazie Motorino !