This was a super fun way to start our tour of Italy. It was fun to feel like we were part of the area, could interact with the people. Our hosts were so gracious and hospitable. We loved the area, being a little off the beaten path worked out great. There were still a few great restaurants and the best gelato we had in Italy was in Lierna! Since we had a car it was a quick drive to Verena where we could park in the parking structure across from Villa Monastero. From there we walked into town, caught the ferries to the other cities. There is a ferry stop in town, it doesn't leave super early and come back late so we went to Varenna. It was great!