Day 1: Still Waters - Dipping My Toes into Lake Como
- wanderingazuki
- May 25
- 9 min read
Updated: May 28
Table of Content
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." – Saint Augustine
I had never even heard of Lake Como before this trip. It wasn’t on my radar at all—it was on my friend’s bucket list. But after saying no the year before (it felt too rushed), I found myself saying yes this time without overthinking it. I think it was because 2024 was shaping up to be my year of travel desires. After finally going on my first big trip to Asia earlier in the year, something in me shifted. I didn’t just want to exist in survival mode anymore—I wanted to live. So when my friend asked again, I thought, why not? I was craving spontaneity, and this felt like a good place to start.
Still, no matter how excited I am, the night before a trip always fills me with nerves. Packing, planning, waking up at strange hours—there’s always that low-level anxiety buzzing under the surface. The first day never feels like a holiday; it feels like a test of patience, coordination, and whether or not I remembered my passport.
🌞 Sunrise and Suitcases: A London to Milan Tale 🇬🇧🛫🇮🇹
Finally, flight day.
How do you feel when you wake up on the day of a trip? For me, it’s mostly anxiety. I could barely sleep the night before—kept waking up, convinced I wouldn’t hear my alarm and miss everything. Even though I know I’ve planned things out, my brain won’t stop spiralling. What if the bus is late? What if the coach gets cancelled? Should I eat now or wait until the airport? And then there’s the bigger question I always ask myself in the middle of the nerves: Why am I so nervous about a holiday? Shouldn’t this be exciting?
In the end, I set my alarm for 3:30 AM. I figured I needed at least an hour and a half to get ready—mentally and physically. I’m not a morning person, but I know once I’m up, I’ll make it work.
I don’t really have a go-to airport outfit, just something comfortable: ¾-length trousers, a t-shirt, and a thin jacket. I remember how cold it was stepping outside into the early morning. Just ten minutes to the bus stop, but with a big suitcase in tow and everything still dark, it felt eerie. Funny how familiar streets look completely different at dawn. I kept checking the live bus arrivals, trying to calm my nerves with each passing minute. When I finally saw it coming, I breathed a little easier. Just one leg of the journey down.
The bus ride itself was quiet, smooth—one of those moments where I felt grateful for everything working out so far. At Stratford, the 6:00 AM coach to Stansted was a godsend. I did get a bit confused about where exactly to stand (always double-check that signage), but the staff were kind and helpful. I got a good seat, tucked my suitcase away, and finally let myself sit back.
By 7:30 AM, I was at Standard airport. I sat and waited for my friend, people-watching while the terminal slowly came to life. Next to me was a family going away together—grandparents, kids, parents. It made me smile. It reminded me of family holidays I used to go on. There’s something soft and nostalgic about those kinds of mornings, isn’t there?
Luckily, everything at Stansted was quick and smooth—bag drop, security, immigration. No issues. Just the usual chaos of people dashing through terminals with coffee cups and passports in hand. Our boarding was slightly delayed (as expected with a budget airline), but we made it through.
When we got to our seats, we played our usual check-in game: window for my friend, aisle for me, and hope the middle stays empty. And it did! Honestly, that might have been the biggest win of the morning. A whole row to ourselves. Luxury, Ryanair style.
As the plane finally lifted off, I stared out the window watching London fade into a sea of clouds. That’s when the nerves melted into excitement. I finally let myself feel it—the joy, the anticipation. We were off. A new chapter was starting. And as strange as it sounds, it almost made sense that I'd started the day with spirals and disaster documentaries. It’s just my weird way of preparing: imagining the worst before letting myself believe in the best.
✈️ Navigating Milan: A Day of Discovery 🗺️
We landed at Milan Malpensa at 12:50 PM. Our first mission: get to Milano Centrale. Because we weren’t sure about delays, we didn’t book train tickets in advance. At the airport, the kiosk situation was confusing, queues were long, and frustration was rising—but eventually, staff helped, and we got our tickets.
The 50-minute train ride gave us our first taste of Italy’s landscape. At Milano Centrale, I was blown away by the station’s grand architecture—those arches and marble details!
We bought our tickets to Varenna, where we’d catch a ferry to Bellagio. At one point, we looked up how much it would’ve cost to take a taxi straight from Milano Centrale to our hotel in Bellagio—€200. That was an easy no. Instead, we opted for the longer, more scenic route, even if it meant trekking for about three hours. At least it would be more interesting (and a lot kinder on our wallets).
We bought our tickets to Varenna, where we’d catch a ferry to Bellagio. At one point, we looked up how much it would’ve cost to take a taxi straight from Milano Centrale to our hotel in Bellagio—€200. That was an easy no. Instead, we opted for the longer, more scenic route, even if it meant trekking for about three hours. At least it would be more interesting (and a lot kinder on our wallets).
Since we had time to spare, we grabbed food at Spontini, known for its pizza. My friend loved her slice. I went for lasagna—taken from the display and reheated. Maybe it had been freshly made earlier, but after sitting out and then going through a microwave or oven blast, it didn’t taste its best.
Tip💫: Head past the station barriers for better food options. Even a McDonald’s would’ve been more satisfying.
🎟️ On Track for Lake Como: A Scenic Ride 🚂
We’d been eating near the platforms, so thankfully we didn’t have far to go once the platform for Varenna was announced. But the moment it appeared on the board, the atmosphere shifted—everyone started moving at once. It got lively quickly, and we had to join the wave of passengers heading toward the train.
Before boarding, we remembered just in time that we needed to validate our tickets using the small green machines on the platform. It’s easy to forget in the rush, but absolutely essential.
Very Important Note📝:
🚨 You must validate your train ticket before boarding. If not, you risk a fine of up to €1,000—yes, seriously. Don’t skip it!
And then came the part I always dread: unallocated seating. I really don’t like it. It adds unnecessary pressure, especially when you're carrying a suitcase and trying to find two empty seats together. It always feels like a scramble, weaving through packed carriages, hoping someone hasn’t spread out over a row.
Tip💫:
🌄 Sit on the left side of the train (facing forward) for the best lakeside views as you approach Varenna. Totally worth it.
Once we finally settled in, I let out a breath. The train ride to Varenna was just over an hour and offered glimpses of the Italian countryside slowly transitioning into lakeside charm. A little chaotic at the start, but we were finally on our way.
Cost Summary💰:
Train tickets from Airport to Milan Central for 2 - £22.32
⛴️ Welcome to Bellagio: the Pearl of Lake Como 🌊
Stepping off the train at Varenna-Esino station, I felt a mix of excitement and determination. The ferry terminal was only a 15-minute walk downhill, but it quickly became a mini obstacle course with luggage in tow. Stairs, narrow paths, and cobblestones turned this into an unexpected workout. Finally reaching the ferry terminal was a relief, and the view of the lake made the trek worthwhile.
You can buy tickets online on the Navigazione Lago di Como website but we were never successful - tickets online were consistently marked as sold out - luckily there are tickets readily available at the terminal. Be prepared for disorganised queues—patience is key.
Despite the logistical challenges, the ferry ride to Bellagio was well worth it. The journey took about 15 minutes, and the views of the lake, framed by charming towns and towering mountains, were breath-taking. It felt like the perfect introduction to the magic of Lake Como.
Tip💫: Always factor in the time spent queuing for ferry tickets when planning your travel. Ferries don’t run very frequently, so if you miss one, you could end up waiting up to an hour for the next one. We visited during the off-peak season, which might explain the less frequent ferry departures, but it's always a good idea to plan ahead just in case.
Tip💫: Check the signs carefully at the terminal to ensure you board the correct ferry. Passenger-only ferries are faster, while car ferries take both vehicles and passengers. Choose based on your schedule, and don’t hesitate to ask staff or fellow passengers if you're unsure.
Cost Summary💰:
Train tickets from Milan to Varenna for 2 - £12.70
Ferry tickets Varenna to Bellagio for 2 - €9.20
🏨 Bellagio Bed and Breakfast: : A Hidden Haven 🛏️
After a scenic ferry ride, we finally reached Bellagio. Our home for the next four nights was Bellagio Bed and Breakfast, perched uphill from the town centre. The journey to get there involved a short taxi ride (€20), and our host greeted us with warmth and a helping hand for our luggage (thank goodness, because there’s no lift!).
Our room was spacious, with a comfortable King-sized bed and a small terrace offering a lovely view of the lake. After settling in, we took a moment to appreciate the peaceful surroundings before heading back to the town centre for dinner. Our thoughtful host even offered us a lift to the centre, making the evening start on an easy note.
While I enjoyed the hotel’s quiet ambiance and cosy atmosphere, its uphill location was a challenge. The long, winding walk to the town can be daunting, and buses, though available, are infrequent and often crowded.
Tip💫: If you're staying in Bellagio and plan to use ferries often, choose accommodation near the main ferry port for convenience—but expect higher prices. Alternatively, the quieter San Giovanni port offers limited services but may suit a slower pace.
Cost Summary💰:
4 nights stay with breakfast included - €540
Taxi ride to hotel - €20
🍽️ Dinner by the Lake 🍕
For our first evening in Bellagio, we dined at Bar Splendide, which is part of the Hotel Excelsior Splendide. Most restaurants had already closed for the evening, leaving us with limited options. The menu was pared down, as the kitchen had already shut, and we found ourselves with only a handful of choices. I opted for a focaccia panini, which, while decent, was a bit on the dry side. The bread could have been fresher, and overall, the meal didn’t live up to our expectations for our first dinner by the lake.
My vegetarian friend didn’t have much to choose from either—she ended up having cheese in bread, which wasn’t particularly exciting. The service was also underwhelming. The staff, while friendly, weren’t very attentive, and we found ourselves waiting quite a while for everything—from ordering to getting the bill. It wasn’t the warm, welcoming first meal we had hoped for, especially after such a long day of travel. The saving grace was the view—Lake Como at night, with its sparkling waters and the soft glow of lights from nearby towns, felt magical.
Cost Summary💰:
Dinner for two £13.73
🚕 A Taxi Tale: The Price of Comfort by the Lake 💶
After dinner, getting back to the hotel turned out to be more challenging than we had anticipated. We missed the last bus and couldn’t reach our host for a ride, leaving us with no choice but to head to the taxi rank. The queue was a bit chaotic, with no clear organisation, but eventually, we managed to catch a cab. The ride from the ferry terminal to our accommodation, though less than 10 minutes, cost €20. It stung a little—€20 for a journey so short felt steep. Still, it beat the alternative of trekking uphill in the dark.
To our surprise, the driver offered a €10 discount in exchange for a positive review on TripAdvisor. We appreciated the gesture and were relieved to have made it back safely to our cosy new home.
Cost Summary💰:
(Discounted) Taxi ride: €10
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
As I lay in bed that night, the sound of gentle lake waves lulled me into a peaceful sleep. The journey had been long and imperfect—early starts, chaotic train stations, and a few missteps along the way—but with each challenge, I could feel the anticipation building. Lake Como had already proven to be a place of contrasts: effort meeting reward at every turn. The frantic rush to catch trains gave way to moments of awe when the landscape unfolded before me, and the disarray of crowded stations seemed to pale in comparison to the serenity of the lake. The day's unpredictability had somehow enhanced its magic, making each step feel like part of a bigger adventure.
🧳 Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
What’s the best (or worst!) airport experience you’ve ever had?
Do you prefer early or late flights? What’s your reasoning behind your choice?
How do you keep yourself entertained during long waits at airports?
Do you dress comfy or stylish when flying?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
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