Hmmm, I got delayed in that last post so hadn't seen bob's comment. His suggestion is the way we returned to Como from Bellagio, and it was also a piece of cake. As to how that compares to the route up to Varenna, I can't say. But the "inner route" he says to avoid, is unfortunately the route we took.

Bob and Patrick, thank you both for the info. I feel better about driving now. Ireland was pretty scary driving IMO. I can not wait to go on this trip. This has always been in my top 5 places to go. I am so thrilled! Bob, I think we will drive over to Orta and Locarno...I will have to get a good map. Thanks again, Judy

NOt knowing any better, we took the road from Como to Bellagio. While it was narrow and curvy, we didn't feel it was nearly as bad as Patrick described it. And, we were able to stop almost at will to observe the wonderful scenery!

I vote for staying in Varenna. The train station is a few blocks from the lake, Varenna is charming, and much less crowded than Bellagio, and the ferry ride to Bellagio is only 10 minutes or so. The ferries are very frequent also.<BR><BR>We'd do it again in a minute!<BR><BR>Pam