Cinque Terre + Lake Como?

[moreace01]

I am spending a week in Cinque Terre this summer and am considering tacking on a day or two in Lake Como. I have never been to either area, but have been to Italy before (Florence, Rome and Venice).

- I'm thinking only 1 day, but could do 2. Obviously, not enough time to get more than just a quick overview. I'm wondering if that is a dumb idea. 

- How difficult is it to get there from Milan airport? I will be taking the train. And then the train down to Cinque Terre (although, I could tack this on to the end of my trip). 

- Any hotel recs in Lake Como (probably no more than $250/night or so)?

Also - for my Cinque Terre trip - I won't be staying in the poshest hotels, but wouldn't mind spending a bit more in Lake Como. So that being said, I'm wondering if I should end my trip there on a more luxurious note. 

Anyway, any comments or suggestions would be most appreciated.  

[moreace01]

Thanks @sfgal530!

After I posted this last night, I decided 2 days would be good so I'm glad to hear that was the right decision. I booked a hotel near the train in town. It seems relatively nice - I don't know. Palace Hotel or something. A lot of hotels were already booked. I'm traveling by myself for this portion of the trip and want to keep it as easy as possible, so being by the train is fine. I think I'm also near the funicular?

I will definitely have enough time to make it up to Bellagio and will try and find Salice Blu.

Haven't booked my flights yet - omg are flights to Italy expensive in summer. Last trip I spent like $800. Now I'm looking at $1600. Yikes!!

[kreeper611]

Can you share your Cinque Terre itinerary and possible lodging? We're going in Oct and plan on spending 3 days there.

[moreace01]

I'm actually doing an organized kayaking trip - and not really sure where I'm staying and when. I think we start in Genoa and end in Portovenere, but I don't really know the particulars (I just know the hotels are like the $100/night variety).