Arriving in Venice by ship and driving to Bellagio on a Tuesday in October. Staying one night in Bellagio. Any suggestions would be most appreciated upon a route leaving Bellagio on Wednesday morning until we catch a flight out of Milan Saturday evening. We like small local hotels and restaurants and would enjoy driving to Switzerland if it worked out. I thought about ending on Friday night at Lake Orta.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Have you already booked your hotel in Bellagio and have you looked at a map of Lago di Como?

Bellagio sits at the tip of something of a peninsula, so it is not the most convenient spot on the lake for a layover. Since you are thinking of heading into Switzerland, you might consider staying in Menaggio instead. It's a 10 minute ferry ride from Bellagio, but you won't have to retrace your driving steps the next morning when you leave.

I agree, stay in Menaggio, and I would stay 2 nites. From there, I would drive via Lugano to Locarno and Ascona at the north end of Lago Magggiore. Either stay in Ascona or further down the lake in Stresa. As much as I love Orta, you can also easily day trip there from your Maggiore location. See the Borremean Isles near Stresa and read about Val Verzasca just north of Locarno. That will be a nice trip---have fun !

Thanks for both your replies. I have already booked one night in Bellagio - can I take the car ferry across the lake and continue to Mennagio from there?

Any suggestions if I base my 3 nights in the Bellagio area for a hotel?

Sorry, I meant to say if I base my self in Menaggio for 3 nights.

Grand Hotel Menaggio--very nice 4 star at the boat dock
Hotel Bellavista--adequate 3 star almost next door with a pool.

http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/itali...indicecomo.htm

bookmarking for Lake Como boat timetable

Bergamo is also in easy reach by ferry and rail from Menaggio or Bellagio and is well worth a visit. The Old town on top of the hill is a wonderful pace!

Cheers,

Bill

Thanks for all your help - will look up the web sites.