Lake Como day trip

Lake Como is well known for being very picturesque. Small villages scattered along its calm coastline, rising high along the mountainous landscape, which is even further enhanced by having the snow capped swiss alps as it’s backdrop. It’s no wonder it’s been called home to many of the rich and famous. Current residents include George Clooney and Richard Branson. Sadly, I saw neither during my visit, but still enjoyed our day trip.

Good shot which shows the alps in the background. No snow as it was mid June, but still a nice view

Lake Como is very easily accessible and inexpensive by train from Milan. In about an hour you can arrive in one of it’s many quaint lakeside towns, which makes it ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a few days or just a day trip. In many ways I’d say Lake Como is to Northern Italy as what Sorrento is to the South.

From Milan you have two options by train. You can either go to the town of Como which is located toward the southern end of the lake or go to Varenna where is more in the middle. Once at either of this locations you can take the Lake Como Ferry service to any of the towns along the lake. To get the best of both we decided to take the train to Como and leave from Varenna, allowing us to spend time at each. To get from Como to Varenna we opted to take the ferry, which took a little under two hours, but we didn’t mind as the ferry is the best way to take in the views of lake.

...and me being lazy inside the cabin. Those couches were ideal for napping :) — …and me being lazy inside the cabin. Those couches were ideal for napping 🙂

One of the more interesting houses along the waterfront. Very well manicured!!

While taking the ferry to Varenna, we decided to make a detour and stop off in the town of Bellagio, which is a very popular destination. Reason for it’s popularity is Lake Como is shaped like an upside down “Y” and Bellagio is ideally located right at the tip of the “V” intersect giving it great views in pretty much any direction you look.

Fun Fact: The Bellagio Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas is named after this area.