Visiting Mandello del Lario from Como.

[AAAltered468]

I will be in Europe in early September 2024, including three days in Como.

I have one open day in Como and would love to go to Mandello del Lario and visit the museum.

I have a full service travel agent for this trip, but she is so far unsure how to accommodate me on this side trip.

I know there is public transportation but I would much rather spend the money for a car service to take me there and back. 

Does anyone have any experience with this day trip itinerary?

Thanks in advance
Ed

[T607]

Did you consider 'Uber'? Or, if you are adventurous, rent a bicycle/e-bicycle and go via Asso to Onno, then the short ferry to Mandello. This is about 20 mi one-way and a very scenic ride.

[Huzo]

Just rent a scooter and go.
Done…!
The view from Brunate is indescribable.

[twowheeladdict]

Rent a Moto Guzzi and ride there.  Get a photo in front of the gate to commemorate the occasion.

[pehayes]

Early September?  The usual annual world gathering at the factory is around the 13th.  You might stumble upon 10,000 people!
There should be ferry service from Como to Mandello with several stops.
For speed, take the Aliscaffo ferry (hydrofoil).  Probably one stop in Bellagio and then get off in Varenna.  Easy walk in Varenna from the ferry to the train and then a quick train down to Mandello.  The factory shares the parking lot with the train station.

https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/01P2024_Web_Como.pdf

Schedules are usually only a month or two in advance.  Looks like this month you could easily do Como at 08:40 to reach Varenna at 09:28.  Train or taxi back and forth to Mandello.  The fast ferry 16:45 to reach Como at 17:50.  Nice day.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Wayne Orwig]

Early September?  The usual annual world gathering at the factory is around the 13th.  You might stumble upon 10,000 people!
There should be ferry service from Como to Mandello with several stops.
For speed, take the Aliscaffo ferry (hydrofoil).  Probably one stop in Bellagio and then get off in Varenna.  Easy walk in Varenna from the ferry to the train and then a quick train down to Mandello.  The factory shares the parking lot with the train station.

https://www.navigazionelaghi.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/01P2024_Web_Como.pdf

Schedules are usually only a month or two in advance.  Looks like this month you could easily do Como at 08:40 to reach Varenna at 09:28.  Train or taxi back and forth to Mandello.  The fast ferry 16:45 to reach Como at 17:50.  Nice day.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

Where is that 'like' button?

I will be there next month and hope to ride the ferry across the lake, just to ride the ferry across the lake. I'll have a car (sadly no Guzzi) but sounds like a great way to see the mountains surrounding the lake.

[pehayes]

The old ferry is very nice.  Cheaper but slower.  The hydrofoil just lifts the hull out of the water and ignores any surface chop.  Much faster, but more expensive.  I think only the slow ferry stops at Mandello and then only at normal commute hours to bring workers in and out.  I think 8:25 then noon then 5:10p.  Certainly an easy walk from the Mandello ferry terminal up to the factory.  Regardless, when coming to or from Como you would have to change ferries at Bellagio.  You could then opt for the hydrofoil between Bellagio and Como for speed.  Use the Rome2Rio.com website and search it as two distinct trips to find schedules and fares.  Enjoy!

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Bulldog9]

We are going this summer (late July) We are either staying at Garda or Milan (or wherever SWMBO decides) I have a day pass to head over to Mandello. Looks like I will take a train & then walk it. Will also rent a bike for a couple hours.

[pehayes]

Just so you are aware.  The Factory and the Train Station share some parking.  Not much of a walk.
My RED line is the crow fly distance from the Train Station Office to the Factory front door.
But you can't walk across the elevated railroad tracks, so you have to walk slightly north or south to use one of the two nearest pedestrian underpasses that I show in YELLOW.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA