The closest major international airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) located in Milan, Italy. From there, you can either rent a car and drive to Varenna (1.5 hours), or you can take a train from MXP into Milan, then to Varenna. Varenna's train station is called Varenna Esino. Some smaller airports around Milan include LIN and BGY.

Helpful sites we've used in the past:

- If looking to rent a car: www.rentalcars.com to compare options, prices, and company ratings.

- If looking to take public transportation: www.rome2rio.com to compare options, itineraries, and fares.

- If wanting to book the fastest train from MXP into Milan: https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/. You can also buy tickets at the airport.

There are also several large cities with international airports within a few hours of Varenna if you and your family were looking to explore the region during your stay. A non-exhaustive list includes:

- Venice, Italy (VCE): 3.5 hour drive to Varenna

- Pisa, Italy (PSA): 4 hour drive to Varenna

- Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH): 4 hour drive to Varenna

- Rome, Italy (FCO, CIA): 4.5 hour train to Varenna

- Bern, Switzerland (BRN): 4.5 hour drive to Varenna

Of note, taxis around the area of Lake Como we are in are very limited. With that said, not renting a car is totally feasible and will involve an easy train ride from Milan to Varenna, then exploring on foot and using the public ferry system. If you are renting a car, driving in this area is fairly similar to doing so in the U.S. You might just encounter a few more roundabouts, some narrower streets, and may need to inquire into parking availability where you will be staying.

If you are planning on renting a car in Italy, you are technically required to have an international driving permit (we say technically because some rental car agencies haven't asked for them, but we wouldn't risk it!). You can get them at a AAA travel office. You just need a valid U.S. DL and two passport-sized photos. The cost is $20, and you can pay extra to have your photos taken at the center. I would call your local AAA office to confirm these details.

If you're planning on driving in Switzerland only, a valid US DL will do. However, your car may need a motorway vignette (a sticker) to drive on certain roads. Rental cars from Switzerland should already have them, but cars from Italy do not. You can buy them at most gas stations in Switzerland. You can visit https://via.admin.ch/shop/dashboard to purchase one online and look at which roads need them.

There is a parking garage across the street from Villa Cipressi/Villa Monastero. It is quite large, but we have been warned that it can still get full very easily in the summer! Please visit https://www.eccolecco.it/en/blog-en/car-parking-varenna/ for more information on parking options in Varenna.

Varenna is a small, quaint village on the eastern shore near the middle section of the lake. As previously mentioned, it is easily accessible by car or by a 1 hour 15 minute direct train from Milan. Due to its size, there are only a handful of hotels within the town, including Villa Cipressi, which is the site of our wedding, Hotel Royal Victoria, and Hotel du Lac. In addition, there are several small privately-owned bed & breakfasts and apartments in town.

There are also several nearby towns in the area that you may want to consider as well:

- Perledo is a town on the hills west of and overlooking Varenna.

- Bellano is a town less than 10 minutes drive north of Varenna. Our families will be staying here at a place called Villa Stupenda, which has a few additional rooms and apartments for rent as well.

In addition, if you're looking for a larger, slightly more bustling home base, you may want to consider staying in the towns of Bellagio or Menaggio. These two towns are a 15-minute ferry boat ride from Varenna. Ferries are frequent and about $10 round -trip. Timetables can be viewed here: https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/en. The one thing to consider in this case is possibly limited ferry availability after the wedding ends. You may have to arrange for private transport across the lake late at night.

Lierna is a more quiet commune south of Varenna. This is where our Welcome Dinner will be. The restaurant, Il Crotto di Lierna, can be reached via an 8-minute drive from the center of Varenna, or a 10-minute train ride from Varenna Esino with a 7-minute walk from Lierna's train station to the restaurant. You may want to consider coming down earlier in the afternoon to explore this small, peaceful area. More information about it can be found in "Things to Do".