Venice to Como
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:13 PM
#2
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We made this drive last year, though with several stops along the way, so it's hard to tell you the exact driving time. I would definitely say it was more than 3-4 hours. It's all pretty easy driving, unless you are going to Bellagio, in which case the last part, heading along the lake to Bellagio, is a killer - winding and narrow. I wouldn't attempt it at night; we almost had a head-on collision with a truck who liked our lane better than his.
Aug 1st, 2006, 05:56 PM
#3
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Train from Venice to Varenna with a change in Milan. In Varenna, you need to roll your luggage down the hill and take a boat across to Bellagio.
We drove to Bellagio one trip, mistakenly going up the center peninsula. There we left our car in a hotel garage for the ful time we were there. This last time we took the train and preferred it.
We drove to Bellagio one trip, mistakenly going up the center peninsula. There we left our car in a hotel garage for the ful time we were there. This last time we took the train and preferred it.
Aug 1st, 2006, 10:14 PM
#7
Maire, train from Venice to Como and then hydrofoil to Bellagio would take longer by probably an hour or more, depending on how long you'd have to wait for the next hydrofoil. Scenic, but longer.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 05:35 AM
#10
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We did this drive last August, but stopped for an overnight in Verona. Very easy, all autostrada.
We dropped the rental car (Hertz) at the rental office in Como and took the highspeed ferry up to Bellagio. All very easy to do.
We dropped the rental car (Hertz) at the rental office in Como and took the highspeed ferry up to Bellagio. All very easy to do.
Aug 2nd, 2006, 04:38 PM
#11
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We stayed in Bellagio last year, but after spending a day in Varenna, swore we would stay there if we came again. It depends on whether you like more action within walking distance (Bellagio), or more atmosphere and fewer tourists (Varenna).
Aug 3rd, 2006, 06:58 PM
#12
Ronjohn, as ellenem mentioned, the mid-lake area is probably best for a first visit to Lake Como. If you're returning your rental car before you reach your final destination, then I would definitely choose a hotel in Varenna, Bellagio or Menaggio because of the frequency of ferries serving these three towns and the rest of the lake and the ability to easily cross from one side of the lake to the other. Which town you choose, however, is really up to you and your preferences. Ferry rides between Varenna-Bellagio and Bellagio-Menaggio are only about 15-20 minutes.
Menaggio is the largest town (really a city by my definition) and less of a summer resort. Most hotels stay open all year, more people live there year-round, and the mix of businesses is less tourist-oriented.
Varenna is the least densely developed of the three. It is bound on the west by the lake shore and on the east by the north-south roadway and train line and the rapidly-rising mountains. There are beautiful views to the mountains and across the water to Bellagio and Menaggio. In some ways, I like the view from here better than from Bellagio. Varenna retains a few reminders (boats, nets) of its origins as a fishing village. Most, but not all, hotels and restaurants close for the winter, but there are year-round residents in the town and in the tiny neighborhoods (not really big enough to be called villages) in the mountains nearby. There are many hiking trails and, in the winter, ski lifts.
Bellagio is the main mid-lake tourist destination because of its shopping and dining and its beautiful setting on the lake. In high season (especially on weekends), the town is crowded with day trippers. By late afternoon, the crowds let up, and the town becomes more enjoyable. In season, there is a public pool alongside the lake, and there are many walking/hiking possibilities along the lake and south of the town. Most hotels, restaurants and shops close for winter.
Menaggio is the largest town (really a city by my definition) and less of a summer resort. Most hotels stay open all year, more people live there year-round, and the mix of businesses is less tourist-oriented.
Varenna is the least densely developed of the three. It is bound on the west by the lake shore and on the east by the north-south roadway and train line and the rapidly-rising mountains. There are beautiful views to the mountains and across the water to Bellagio and Menaggio. In some ways, I like the view from here better than from Bellagio. Varenna retains a few reminders (boats, nets) of its origins as a fishing village. Most, but not all, hotels and restaurants close for the winter, but there are year-round residents in the town and in the tiny neighborhoods (not really big enough to be called villages) in the mountains nearby. There are many hiking trails and, in the winter, ski lifts.
Bellagio is the main mid-lake tourist destination because of its shopping and dining and its beautiful setting on the lake. In high season (especially on weekends), the town is crowded with day trippers. By late afternoon, the crowds let up, and the town becomes more enjoyable. In season, there is a public pool alongside the lake, and there are many walking/hiking possibilities along the lake and south of the town. Most hotels, restaurants and shops close for winter.
