Italy - Varenna

Our journey from Civitavecchia to Varenna was a challenge! First train to Pisa and second train to Milan were both on time. But, our final train to Varenna was cancelled as the track was damaged by recent landslides. We knew this in advance and had been told to take a train to another town and get a bus from there.

However we got differing guidance in Milan. Some officials said to take the bus; others said to go to yet another town and get a ferry. We ran (literally) to catch a train and decided to take our chances with the ferry option. Getting off the train, we ran once again through town (carrying our backpack luggage on our backs) to get to the ferry. We made it with time to spare - the last ferry of the day!

No matter how well one plans, stuff happens!



This is the scene we saw with much pleasure and relief as the ferry approached Varenna.

Varenna is a picturesque and traditional village, located on the eastern shore of Lake Como, Italy.

Varenna has a beautiful walkway along the water, with the foothills of the alps towering over the lake on one side. The other side boasts an impressive mix of shops and restaurants. Walking higher up the hill, one finds many hotels and villas.

During the day, the village is busy with visitors but becomes quieter in the evenings as the last ferries depart.

We had a late pasta dinner when we arrived on Sunday night. Monday morning, we explored Varenna.

In addition to the lakeside walk, the village is filled with steep cobblestoned lanes. We walked for miles during our stay.

Monday afternoon, we took a ferry to Bellagio on the other side of Lake Como. Bellagio has a beautiful waterfront and is a little busier than Varenna.

We did some shopping and had our first, of many, gelato.

Then back to Varenna for a light dinner and to enjoy the waterfront.

Tuesday we set off on the ferry once again, starting with Cadenabbia.

Cadenabbia was the quietest of the villages we visited. We popped in to a few shops and then sat along the beautiful waterfront for a while enjoying views of the lake.

After catching the ferry back from Cadenabbia, we ventured on to Mennagio.

There we found more cute shops and restaurants, more glorious views and another spectacular waterfront. We spent time exploring and then headed back to Varenna.

For the remainder of the week, we continued to explore Varenna enjoying great weather, delicious food, and stunning scenery. It was an idyllic spot to relax before the beginning of our tour on Friday.

This is the view near our favorite gelateria. The gelato cups are small, so that means one has to stop by at least a couple of times per day, no??

The next page shows some evening views of the lake and mountains.

And next … the tour of Italy ….