Need Expert Lake Como Itinerary Help.
 

I will be at Lake Como for 4 nights. The first evening I will get acquainted with the hotel. I have 3 full days left, but am staying at Villa D'Este, so I want to have time to relax there too, so I will devote a day to silk shopping in Como, maybe Brunate, and the hotel. I have received advice from Rex and others not to miss Villa del Balbianello, so I plan to spend one day touring it and having lunch or dinner at Isola Comacina. Can this be done in a 1/2 day or will it take the entire day?<BR>Do you recommend lunch or dinner at Isola Comacina. How long a trip is it from Villa D'Este?<BR>I only have one day left. Should I spend all day at Bellagio or visit Varenna, Tremezzo and Bellagio in a whirlwind tour. <BR><BR>If I want to see beautiful gardens, would the Gardens of Hotel Villa Cipressi or Villa Carlotta be better?<BR><BR>Is the funicular to Brunate worth the time?<BR><BR>I appreciate your help and advice. Thanks, Kay<BR><BR><BR>

Villa Balbianello need not occupy more than half a day. We spent much of the afternoon cruising the rest of the lake on a private boat, which is available from Grand Hotel Victoria (Menaggio).<BR><BR>I don't know anything about access to, nor dining on Isola Comacina.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Thanks for your timely response Rex. I understand that Isola Comacina is in Lenno and it appears Villa Dell Balbianello is too, so that is why I have them together. I know you really like Menaggio from your postings, and will try to see it if time permits. I am thinking about giving Tremezzo a miss, but not sure if Villa Carlotta is worth the trip over there. The hotel also offers a lake cruise and I was thinking of just seeing the other Villas from the boat - that is why I am asking so many questions. Kay

I just read my post and realize it is confusing. I believe Isola Comacina is very close to Lenno, not in Lenno, and I have the name of restaurant there that is supposed to be very romantic, just can't remember it right now.

YOu don't say when you will be at Lake Como. If it's the spring or summer, then Villa Carlotta is worth a visit. Also, consider the Villa Monastero in Varenna, as well as walk around that charming town.

Thanks Howard, I will be there mid-May.

We were in Varenna n early June last year. The weather can be pretty iffy here at that time of year, even though you will surely see jasmine and bougavilla blooming everywhere. Varenna is charming, albeit small. We never got to see the Fiumilatte (the world's shortest river?) Go to http://www.varennaitaly.com/inglese.html<BR>for some great photos and detailed info. The gardens are beautiful and you get some great views of the lake. Still - maybe a half day's visit. Bellagio was very pretty, too - and the shopping here is much better than Varenna's - lots of silk scarves and other trinkets. I would dine here, shop, and maybe go to Varenna for a quick visit. The Ferry is cheap and runs often between these two towns.<BR>

Thanks Ann! Did you visit Tremezzo's Villa Carlotta or Menaggio?

No, I am afraid we were only in Varenna for a few days and didn't get to see the other Villas. Try this link, too. We took the ferry over to Menaggio, but didn't explore the town. From what I read, there wasn't too much to look at there anyway. Try this link too = great info here. http://www.lagodicomo.com/menu-ing.html

I have to add this - I was just amazed at the vegetation around here - Switzerland is on the other side of the lake (at least it's real close) and yet there were lemons and oranges and plms and other luscious vegetation. I am from the South and I felt as if I was in Charleston with a twist! Enjoy - Lake Como was one of our most memorable experiences out of our two weeks in Italy - and that includes Venice!

<BR>Thanks so much Ann. I am going to check out that link now! Greetings from Texas.