Travel Details
Travel Logistics
We’re so excited to welcome you to beautiful Lake Como. Below are the key details to help you plan your trip with ease. We’ll continue updating this section as more information becomes available, so check back as we get closer to the big weekend.
Getting to Italy
We recommend flying into Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), the closest major international airport to Lake Como. Other nearby options include Milan Linate (LIN) and Bergamo (BGY).
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Direct Flights to Milan
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Several U.S. cities offer direct flights to Milan, including:
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New York (JFK and Newark)
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Philadelphia
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Atlanta
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Miami
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Los Angeles
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Chicago
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Boston
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Popular airlines that fly to Milan include Delta, United, American Airlines, ITA Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, and more.
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To arrive in time for the weekend festivities, we recommend flying out on or before Thursday, May 21, especially for international flights that land the following day.
Getting to Bellagio
Once you arrive in Milan, there are a few different ways to reach Bellagio, where the majority of our events will take place.
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By Train
This is a scenic and affordable option, though it involves a few steps.
Take a train from Milano Centrale to Varenna-Esino (approximately 1 hour).
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From Varenna, you can:
• Take a short ferry ride across the lake to Bellagio (highly recommended)
• Take a local bus (less frequent but available)
• Arrange a taxi, though taxis are very limited and should be booked in advance
We recommend downloading the Trainline app to check schedules and purchase tickets. It is very user-friendly for U.S. travelers. For ferry times and tickets, you can visit Navigazione Laghi.
Ferry Option
​The ticket offices are located near the docks in each town. At Varenna-Esino, once you exit the train station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk downhill to the ferry terminal and ticket office. The walk is paved and fairly easy, but keep in mind that you will be carrying your luggage.
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You can purchase tickets online in advance through Navigazione Laghi, which we highly recommend to secure your preferred departure time. If you choose to purchase tickets in person at the dock, availability is not guaranteed, especially during midday and late afternoon departures in peak season.
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Local Taxi Option
If you prefer not to take the ferry, you can arrange a taxi from Varenna to Bellagio. Taxis in Varenna are very limited, so we strongly recommend booking in advance. Local providers include:
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Taxi Boat Varenna (also offers water taxi services)
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Bellagio Taxi Service (offers local service and airport transfers)
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Public Bus Option
There is also a public bus that connects Varenna and Bellagio via a scenic lakeside route. While less frequent than the ferry, this may be helpful depending on your arrival time.
You can find current bus schedules for the Lake Como region by visiting LakeComoTravel or checking with local transportation services. We recommend reviewing timetables in advance and planning accordingly.
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By Private Driver
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​A private car is a stress-free option for those traveling in groups or with extra luggage. We recommend services such as MilanobyCar, Transfeero, or Lake Como Transfers, which offer door-to-door service directly from Milan airports to Bellagio. We will also be sharing preferred local drivers closer to the wedding date.
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By Rental Car
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Ideal if you plan to explore more of the region. Several major rental companies operate at Milan Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo airports, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Alamo, and Thrifty. Roads around Lake Como can be narrow and winding, and parking in Bellagio is limited, so a smaller vehicle is usually the best option.
Where to Stay
We encourage guests to stay in Bellagio, where the Welcome Party and Farewell Brunch will be held, and where boat transportation to the wedding will depart.
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We’ve reserved all rooms at Hotel Silvio in Bellagio for our group from May 20–24, 2026. Perched just above the lake with sweeping water views, Hotel Silvio offers a charming, family-run atmosphere and an authentic Italian experience. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the town centre, perfect for guests who don’t mind a scenic uphill stroll. With moderate nightly rates and a mix of classic and lake-view rooms, it’s a wonderful option for guests seeking comfort, convenience, and local charm.
The hotel is now accepting direct bookings for our wedding group.
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How to Book
Email info@donferrantebellagio.com and include the booking reference “Lydia & Patrick.”
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Update as of 1/31:
Hotel Silvio recently experienced a staffing transition, which caused some booking emails to be temporarily missed. If you contacted the hotel previously and did not receive a response, please resend your original email to info@donferrantebellagio.com
so it reaches the top of their inbox.
If you still do not receive a reply after re-emailing, you may forward your message to lydiattheo@gmail.com and I’m happy to assist. The hotel is aware of this issue and is responding as quickly as updated messages come through. Thank you for your understanding.
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Booking Details
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Minimum stay: 2 nights
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Contact the hotel by: January 15, 2026 to select your room and confirm your stay
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Rooms held until: January 30, 2026 (any unbooked rooms may be released after this date)
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Payment schedule:
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30% deposit due at the time of booking (to confirm your room)
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Second payment due February 15, 2026
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Final balance due one month before arrival (April 2026)
All payments will be made through the hotel’s secure NEXI link.
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Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 180 days before arrival; after that, a 100% cancellation fee applies.
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Room Options & Rates (per night, breakfast included)
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Classic Double Room – €180
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Classic Triple Room – €180 (double occupancy) | €230 (triple occupancy)
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Double Room with Side Lake View – €190
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Double Room with Balcony & Side Lake View – €200
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Superior Double Room with Balcony & Front Lake View – €240
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Double Suite with Bathtub Facing the Bed – €230
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Double Suite with Balcony & Front Lake View – €280
Hotel Silvio can accommodate approximately 40 guests total, so rooms will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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Located right along the waterfront, Hotel Du Lac is an excellent choice for guests who prefer to stay in the center of town. We stayed here during a previous visit and loved the experience, it features warm hospitality, a relaxing spa, and a casual restaurant with lake views. Rooms are comfortable and mid-range in price, and the location offers effortless access to shops, cafés, and ferries.
Parking: A guest garage is available about 300 metres from the hotel (fee applies, roughly ~€25/day) – advance reservation recommended.
Note: Hotel Du Lac is currently fully booked for our wedding weekend. We recommend checking back periodically, as availability may reopen if guests cancel.
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The chic sister property to Hotel Du Lac, Hotel Bellagio combines modern style with charming lake views from its spot just above the waterfront. With mid-range pricing and a light, contemporary design, it’s perfect for guests seeking a stylish, central stay in the heart of town. Note: Access requires climbing approximately 38 stairs, so it’s best for guests comfortable with stairs.
Parking: Guests should check directly for parking options, as the hotel is up above the town and parking is limited in that area.
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Located right along the lakefront in the center of Bellagio, Hotel Excelsior Splendide (often simply called Hotel Splendide) offers comfortable rooms in a classic Art Nouveau building. With its inviting lakeside terrace, a small outdoor pool, and excellent value, it’s a great choice for guests looking for a more traditional hotel experience at a moderate price point, steps from cafés, shops, and the ferry terminal.
Parking: There is no private on-site parking, so guests driving will need to rely on public parking spaces nearby (which fill up quickly).
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A Bellagio landmark, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is the town’s only 5-star property, offering an elegant, resort-style experience at a higher price point. Overlooking the lake at the tip of the peninsula, it features lush gardens, a lakeside pool, spa, and several restaurants including the Michelin-starred Mistral. Ideal for guests seeking luxury and historic charm just a short walk from the town center.
Parking: Free self and valet parking are available on-site.
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Bellagio also has a range of charming boutique hotels, vacation rentals, VRBOs, and Airbnbs. Feel free to book whatever works best for your travel style.
Getting around Lake Como
Bellagio is a walkable village, but the hills and cobblestone streets make comfortable shoes a must. While taxis are limited, ferries and private water taxis make getting around Lake Como easy and scenic.
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Exploring the lake by ferry is part of what makes visiting Lake Como so special, and we highly recommend taking time to hop between nearby towns like Varenna, Menaggio, and Tremezzo.
The ticket offices are located near the docks. If you’re buying in person, it is best to arrive early, ideally first thing in the morning, since lines can grow quickly. Alternatively, you can purchase regular ferry tickets online (including one-way and day-pass options) through Navigazione Laghi, which will help secure your spot in advance. Fast hydrofoil service tickets can only be bought at the ticket office, so plan accordingly.
Wedding Day Transportation
On Saturday, May 23, guests will travel by private boat to Villa Aura del Lago for the wedding ceremony and celebration.
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Please arrive at the Galli Dock in Bellagio (Imbarcadero Galli) by 2:45 PM to allow plenty of time to find the dock and board comfortably.
The dock is located just past Hotel Excelsior Splendide and Hotel Florence along the waterfront.
Look for the small wooden pier marked “Galli Bellagio” — our transportation team will be there to greet and assist guests. -
The private boat will depart promptly at 3:10 PM to bring guests to the villa
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After the reception, return transportation will be provided by private bus back to Bellagio.
Travel Tips
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Weather: Expect mild, sunny days with highs in the 70s °F (low 20s °C). A light jacket or wrap is a good idea for evenings
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Currency: Italy uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is helpful for ferries and smaller vendors
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Plugs: Italy uses Type C and Type F outlets (European two-prong). U.S. and UK travelers will need a power adapter
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Luggage: Many accommodations have stairs and no elevator. We suggest packing light and bringing rolling luggage if possible