Hello (for the upteenth time),

We are struggling to choose a base for our 4 days in the Lake District.

We are coming from Lucern so we only have 3.5 days. We definately want to see Bellinzona and are considering seeing Varenna/Bellagio one day and maybe Lugano-Marcote another day.

We are taking the train from the Lakes to Venice and want to expediate our journey to that city.

We are thinking of basing in Como as its the easiest connection to Venice....we are also considering Lugano. We don't see many reviews or pictures of the city of Como itself - any thoughts?

We will need budget accomodation whereever we end up 50-70E/night.

Thanks,

Molly

I should mention - we will not have a car - public transport only.

Cheers,

MollyB

Considering that you have only three days and plan to go to Lugano and Morcote, then Como might be your better choice. Primarily because Como is 70 minutes from Lugano by train. Other routes probably take multiples more time.

If you do select Como for your base, you will discover that there are three types of boat service out of Como. There is a local, small boat service, with about three dozen boats a day, going as far north as Torno/Moltrasio. There are boats that traverse the full extent of the lake - about a dozen a day. Some of these are hydrofoils (fastest with fewer stops) and some are normal service boats.

We have only made shopping trips to Como but it is mentioned in a lot of travel books. Como has a silk weaving industry that is hundreds of years old.

We have not stayed there but the Garni Corona, up in Menaggio might fit your budget. They have a website. There is also a hostel up in Menaggio.

Yes, if you want to stay midlake, Menaggio would make a good base. There's a bus to Lugano from Menaggio. Why do you want to go to Bellinzona? I think of it as a place to change trains. Have I missed something?

From Menaggio you could take a ferry across Lake Como to Varenna and catch the train there to Milan and Venice. But probably the hydrofoil to Como and the train from there would be quicker.

Thank you both for your thoughts.

One of the main drives for this 4 day portion of our trip is visiting the 3 Unesco World Heritage castles in Bellinzona. That should take us one whole day I think.

Menaggio....we need to re-read our travel guide - is that in Como City or is it another town?

What are your experiences with the attractiveness of Como (the city not the lake)? Is there nice architecture and pedestrian streets?

Can you see Varenna and Bellagio in one day or is that too rushed?

Whew! We have so many questions about how to best spend our 3.5 days.

Cheers,

Molly

Menaggio is a mid-lake town on the western shore, more or less opposite Bellagio and Varenna. I'd pick Menaggio over Como under almost any circumstances.

There is bus service between Menaggio and Lugano, and the ferries between the three mid-lake towns (Menaggio/Bellagio/Varenna) are frequent and short (10-15 mins.). (Fast ferries between Como and mid-lake are less frequent and take about an hour.)

If you get an early start, you can easily walk around both Varenna and Bellagio in one day. Just make sure you know when the last ferry back to Menaggio departs.

To get from Menaggio to Milano Centrale through Como involves the fast ferry and two trains. Menaggio to Milano Centrale through Varenna involves one short ferry and one train. I think through Varenna would take less time. The station at Varenna is un-manned, so you'll need to buy your tickets in town (perhaps on the day you walk around).

I understand your reasons for staying in Como, but I would pick another small town instead.

We loved Bellagio.

Reason: Como is bigger and rushed - don't get that 'relaxing vacation' experience. Too many people everywhere. The other towns are peaceful and serene (esp. when the day trippers leave!). Wonderful to wake up in the morning to the sounds of the boats....

Jean has good input but I would get off at Lugano coming south and bus to Menaggio to stay. Look at Hotel Bellavista or Du Lac in Menaggio. When you leave, ferry to Como for your train to Milan. Varenna means a :10 walk uphill with bags---too much for me.

Molly,

Lots of good advice here.

Is your budget 50 - 70 Euro per Person or 50 - 70 Euro Total?

Closer to the 50 - 70 Euro Total, The Beretta in Varenna might work. Again, we have not stayed there. It is a very short walk from the Varenna train station.

The Albergo Olivedo operates on a half pension arrangement, but all rooms have a lake view. You might be able to get 100 Euro, per night there (with dinner included). We have stayed there twice.

We will enjoy your trip. It is hard to describe how beautiful this area is.

You can see Varenna and Bellagio in one day. If you like to walk and have time, the walk from Bellagio to Pescallo would be a nice thing to add. Find the walking path, not the street approach.

http://www.hotelsmenaggiolagocomo.it...gio_hotels.htm

Maybe the Vecchia Menaggio, a small hotel above a restaurant.

Thanks for your imput! I think we will consider Mennagio. I never thought I'd say this about an LP guide, but on their section on the Lake District seems a bit lacking.
Especially for accomodation outside of Como itself.

We will definately check out all of the hotel recommendations. We really appreciate the time you took to share these!

Best Regards,

MollyBrown

Cadogan has a very good guide to the Italian Lakes. The scenery in the mid-lake area of Lake Como has more beautiful scenery than the southern end around Como.