My wife and I will be in Venice this July. Planning a trip to Verona for 1 night, Lake Como for 3 nights, Bologna for 2 nights, then back to Venice for flight home. Would you take the train or rent a car and drive?

I'd fly into venice and out of Milan since you are progressivly moving west...possible?

With two people, I would train. Incidentally my family's June/July trip is: Lake Como, Bologna, and Venice - so we are thinking pretty much alike here. If you have not booked airfare, then Dukey's suggestion will probably save time and money.

If possible, and I assume that Venice is your starting point, begin after Venice by going to Bologna, then Verona, Lake Como and as Dukey suggests, leave from Milan. Train would be best.You may or may not want to rent a car at Lake Como.

My recent trip report includes Verona, Venice and Bologna.

I booked a round trip ticket in and out of Venice. I'll be in Venice for the first 4 days staying with friends. Do I need to spend the night in Verona or should I move on to L Como in the same day?

Where on Lake Como? If Varenna, the train ride from Verona is about 3 hours (change at Milan). If other than Varenna, add ferry time.

Lake Como ferry timetables: http://www.navigazionelaghi.it/eng/com/nlc_ora.html

Not sure yet, would you recommend Varenna or Bellagio

I loved Verona -- thought it to be a very charming town so I would suggest that u spend the night there.

As yestravel says, Verona is a lovely place and worth more than the day trip run through that is so often gets. Having said that, know that July is Opera season in Verona and hotel rooms will be at a premium, both in availability and price. If you love opera and can get tickets however, it could be the highlight of your trip to see Aida, Turandot or one of the others in the ancient arena.

Jerry109, you don't have reservations at Lake Como yet???

Get what you can in either Bellagio or Varenna. Bellagio will be more crowded during the day (weekends even more so), but evenings are OK. Varenna has fewer dining options, but ferries from Bellagio to Varenna run late enough to get you back after dinner. Just re-check the timetables and watch the time.

Jerry,

Lake Como books up quickly. My personal recommendation is to make your decision(s) and then make reservations as soon as possible.

Between Varenna and Bellagio, it depends on what type of experience you want. Varenna feels like a small fishing village. Very quiet at night. Night-life consists of a few places with out-door tables around the center of town.

Bellagio has been called one of the prettiest villages in Italy. Lots of restaurant, hotel and shopping options. If you can't decide then Bellagio might be preferred.

Seriously, get to booking your reservations. Other mid-lake towns that work well are #1 Menaggio, #2 Tremezzo, #3 Lenno, #4 Bellano.

Tell us what you are hoping to pay and we might be able to make specific recommendations.

We changed our plans a little and will be going to Prague from Venice for 3 nights then to Milan (MXP) and a train to Varenna for 3 nights. Train back to Venice with a stopover in Verona for a night.
Thanks, everyone!

In Varenna, plan on a dinner at Il Cavatappi (http://www.ilcavatappiwine-food.it/). Incredible risotto, but everything is fresh and great. But, make a reservation (0341-815349). He only has 5 tables and likely only one seating per evening.