Daniel & Heather's
Wedding
Villa del Balbianello,
Lake Como, Italy
May 18th 2026
Ceremony at 5pm
Reception to follow
Black Tie
THINGS TO NOTE
How do I arrive to the Villa?
We are providing boat transportation for everyone, leaving from Menaggio. You can only arrive to the venue by boat so if you are considering another part of the Lake, please also secure boat transportation to and from the venue.
See our accommodation suggestions for Menaggio here.
What if we want to leave the venue early?
Boat transportation will leave the venue at 11:30pm and so if you need to leave earlier, please secure a private taxi boat in advance.
What kind of weather can we expect?
Temperatures in May range from 60-70°F with possibilities of light showers. Perfect weather for a black tie event with floor length gowns without being too hot.
Stay tuned for an attire guide later this year.
Welcome Dinner
Join us for a welcome cocktail and light dinner.
May 17, 2026
Details to follow
Farewell Boat Cruise
Join us for a farewell cruise across Lake Como
Departing from Menaggio
May 19, 2026
12:00 to 3:00 pm
Bring your sunnies.
TRAVEL
Passport & Visa Information
Starting in 2026, there will be another necessary requirement for American travelers—an approved visa waiver through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). ETIAS is an electronic visa waiver that will pre-screen non-EU citizens who do not need a visa for short trips to the Schengen Area.
We encourage guests to have 6 months validity on their passports when entering Europe.
Luxury Travel Planner
If you need assistance with travel planning beyond the wedding days, Brittany of Unfolded Travels is an American based in Italy and specializes in fully customized European travel planning.
GETTING TO LAKE COMO
We encourage everyone to stay within Menaggio as this will be the pick-up location for our wedding day and the welcome event location. Please note that parking is very limited and guests should consider travelling by taxi or public transport.
If you intend to book an airport transfer, we recommend doing this 2 months in advance.
Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP)
From Malpensa, your options for getting to Mennagio are:
• A: 20 min Malpensa Express train ride to Saronno and then take a 40-50 min train from Saronno to Como Nord Lago (in the town of Como); from here you’ll need to taxi or bus to Menaggio.
• B: 30 min Malpensa Express shuttle to Milano Centrale station, and then take a 50 min train ride from Milano Centrale station to Varenna station; from here you’ll need to walk to the Varenna Ferry (10 min) and ferry across to Menaggio (15 min).
• C: Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient), approx 1.5 hrs €200
Fly to Milan Linate (LIN)
From Linate, your options for getting to Mennagio are:
• A: Taxi or a ~25 min shuttle bus to the Milan Centrale Train Station and then take a 50 min train ride to Varenna Train station. From here you’ll need to walk to the Ferry and take a direct ferry to Menaggio.
• B: Taxi or a ~25 min shuttle bus to the Milan Centrale Train Station and then take a 45 min train ride to Como S. Giovanni Train station. From here you’ can take a bus to Menaggio or cheaper taxi.
• C: Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient), approx €200-250 and 1.5 hr driving time
Fly into Milan Bergamo (BGY)
From Bergamo Airport, public transport would take approx 3-4 hr to reach Menaggio and therefore we only recommend to drive or taxi.
• Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient), approx €300 and 2 hr journey.
Airport Taxi Services & Transport
Traveling by taxi can be the fastest but most expensive way to get around. Your hotel concierge can arrange taxi service, or sometimes a few may be queued outside of train stations.
We have a list of taxi companies for your airport transfer as well as companies based within popular villages around Lake Como. Please note taxis are very hard to come by and should be arranged in advance.
GETTING AROUND LAKE COMO
We invite you to stay in the charming town of Menaggio, the hub for our wedding day transportation and welcome events. Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Menaggio offers beautiful lake views, a lively piazza, and easy access to ferries, shops, and cafes—making it a wonderful place to enjoy the weekend. Be aware that staying within the mid-lake section (Bellagio, Tremezzina or Varenna) may present up to 1hr-1:30 travel time to the events and in some cases unexpected road closures.
Wedding day transportation will depart from a central meeting point in front of the Grand Hotel Victoria. If you're staying in a private accommodation, please ensure it's within walking distance of this pickup location or that you have access to private boat transportation to Villa del Balbianello, as the venue is only accessible by water.
Malpensa Express
If you choose to arrive to Milan Malpensa airport (T1 or T2), there is an express train service to the Milano Centrale train station, where you can reach Milano as your destination or take the train to Como. This journey is approx 1 hr and €15. You can also use this train for some other stops in Milano in case you have booked a hotel stay there.
Train Service
Como is the only town on the western branch of the lake with a train station, so train travel is most frequently used to travel on the eastern branch.
We recommend to download the Omio travel app as its a great tool for planning trips via train across Europe.
Public Ferries
Public boat ferries are the most popular and convenient way to get to most of the towns along the shores of Lake Como.
Use the Navigazione Laghi in English to search timetables online or download their app to find the best routes and timing.
HOTELS
MENAGGIO
We’re delighted to share that Menaggio has been chosen as the base for accommodations during Heather & Daniel’s wedding weekend!
Menaggio is a charming, centrally located town on the western shore of Lake Como, perfectly positioned with direct ferry access to Bellagio and Varenna. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant atmosphere, and wide range of accommodations and activities, it’s an ideal spot for guests to relax, explore, and enjoy the best of the lake.
Framed by the Alps and overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Como, Menaggio is known for its stunning panoramic views, peaceful lakeside promenade, and lively Piazza Garibaldi, where you'll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and gelaterias. It’s a welcoming place where you can slow down, soak up the local atmosphere, and feel at home.
HEATHER & DANIEL'S HOTEL: GRAND HOTEL VICTORIA
GRAND HOTEL VICTORIA
This is a luxury hotel with Spa facilities overlooking Lake Como and discounted access to the Beach Victoria Lido in Menaggio.
2026 Hotel Bookings
Please note that most hotels open their calendars for the next season at the end of the current season, usually from October, November.
Grand Hotel Menaggio
****
Known for its old world charm, an excellent location within 5 min walk to the departure dock for both event days.