Varenna and Bellagio by Train and Public Boat

The Central part of Lake Como is the most stunning, and few places are a better starting point than Varenna. Formerly a town of fishermen, Varenna clings to the rough mountains of the Eastern flank of Lake Como. We will walk along the lake to Villa Monastero, where things get gentler and more serene. The villa was once a monastery which was disbanded and the villa sold to a wealthy local family. I am truly a local. I was born in Lecco, a town we will pass by on our train ride. The two cities, Lecco and Como, are rivals and we from Lecco call the Eastern flank of the lake, up until Varenna, Lago di Lecco, or Lake Lecco.