Another paradise that makes my heart happy is the lakes North of Milan, Lake Como and Lake Lugano.  Less than an hour on the autostrada is Lake Lugano which is two-thirds Swiss, right on the border.  But, Lake Como is all Italian!  Lugano is a resort town, every view is of the beautiful lake and Alps.  You can indulge in plenty of water sports, and you must take a boat ride around the lake and see the romantic villas and gardens.  While still having much of the Italian flare, Lugano has a more modern and contemporary feel.  There are classical music concerts all year long.  And, the shopping and dining will keep you busy.  Be sure to have your passport handy, as you cross the border from Italy to Switzerland when driving through town, sometimes without realizing it!  Lake Como is about an hour and a half drive from Milan,  Lake Como is known for its majestic villas along the lake, very prestigious since the days of the Roman Empire.  A 2-hour boat ride will let you soak in the beauty and try to pick out which villa belongs to George Clooney!  One of my favorite places to stop along the way is the Villa d'Este.  A magnificent hotel on the lake with beautiful gardens, a great place to stop for lunch or cocktails, unless you plan to stay overnight.  Take the funiculare up to Brunate, you can have lunch with quite an impressive view from the top! You need to continue on to the picturesque Bellagio, paradise on the lakes. Again, seeing Bellagio from the lake is also a must, waterfalls await you including the beautiful villas that are now hotels hosted some of the most famous, including Byron and Shelley.

View from Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano

Wine-ing in Lugano

Lunch and a view high atop Lake Como

Bella Bellagio!

Hotels

Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano, the epitome of Italian luxury. The restaurant is 5 star and truly amazing.  Full service at the pool. The outdoor patio over looks the lake and the Alps, breathtaking! Perfect for an aperitivio or digestivo.

Palace Hotel  Como, the hotel is right on the lake, the former palace of the Archbishop, in the city center.  Great views, restaurant and bar.

Grand Hotel Serbelloni  Bellagio, Luxury, location, magnificence! Everything is outstanding here, you may never want to leave.

Restaurants & Cafes

Bottegone del Vino Lugano, fun wine bar for lunch or early dinner

Trani Lugano,  pretty ambiance, good food, wine and music.

Il Gatto Nero Como, Beautiful ristorante up in the hills, spectacular view of the lake.  The food does not disappoint.

Bellagio Point Bellagio, pretty wine bar with a huge complimentary antipasti with your tasting, it turned out to be our lunch!

Silvio Bellagio, is also a hotel with a beautiful scenic veranda for dining, homemade pasta and fresh fish caught by the family.  I think I cried here, one of those perfect days!

Travel Tips

I've had good experiences with Europcar rental, good deals with GPS, and easy online booking.  www.europcar.com